Bacteria are some of the earliest organisms to have originated on Earth. There are countless numbers of bacteria. Some are good for humans, and others cause disease. Some common bacteria lurking around the kitchen are escherichia coli, shigella, salmonella, campylobacter and listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria is often in the pores, fissures and nicks that populate countertop surfaces. The best way to minimize the presence of these bacteria is to choose a countertop that is non-porous, does not have cracks, and isn’t prone to etching, staining or divots. The Following are good choices to keep your countertops as germ free as possible…
Quartz / Siltstone Countertops
Quartz is made from natural minerals that are all held together using polymers and resin. Therefore you benefit from a non-porous surface. The next level is Siltstone. Siltstone is a combination of natural quartz and other raw materials that are extraordinarily hard and resilient. These characteristics combine to create an ideal surface for kitchen countertops, Siltstone is the only countertop with built in Microban an antimicrobial product protection to safely fight the growth of odor, mold and mildew causing bacteria for the life of the product.
Corian Countertops
In addition to the price advantage of Corian, there’s the hygiene aspect and the fact that your Corian countertop and sink can be provided as one seamless unit with no possibility of water leaks through joints or accumulations of bacteria between the counter and the sink. It is true that no manufactured material will look as brilliant as real polished stone, but they do have their benefits. One piece construction avoids dirt traps. Also any scratches that do show up can be easily removed with fine sandpaper and a little buffing, all of which you can do on your own.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Not only are steel counters aesthetically pleasing but they’re resistant to water, heat, stains and just about anything else! Stainless steel has a non-porous surface, which means that no type of liquid or substances can penetrate into the material at all. Bacteria, mold and other common household germs don’t stand a chance with stainless. You are being given the opportunity to enjoy a completely hygienic surface for preparing meals as long as you practice regular cleaning habits.
High Definition Laminate Countertops
Some home buyers turn up their noses at laminate kitchen counters but laminate has its advantages. For starters, the counters are easy to maintain and in Consumer Reports’ tests of 14 materials, laminate resisted stains, heat, and impact almost as well as materials that cost much more. And they come in a wide variety of colors and designs.
W. Stephens Cabinetry and Design can create custom designs for your home to fit your tastes and preferences!
Contact us (859-331-8100) today to make an appointment!
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About W.Stephens Cabinetry & Design
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Our Process
- Initial Client consultation – The design process beings with a consultation at our show room or in your home to obtain the necessary information needed to design your dream kitchen, bath, or space.
- Design – We carefully design the space, keeping your desires as the foundation of our creativity.
- Feedback / Design Approval – Working with you, using your feedback to get final Design approval.
- Installation Meeting – We meet with the installers, prior to installation to go over ALL the details.
- Post Installation Follow-up – We follow-up with you to make sure everything went well during installation.
Our Designers
Our award winning designs collaboratively work together to create the perfect space for you.
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