This is why we can’t have nice things!!
Did you ever hear that as a kid? Have you found yourself saying that to your own children? As wonderful as they are, there’s something about children that seems to make things fall to pieces. It’s truly astonishing what a mess a single toddler can make if left alone for 45 seconds, and when you add multiple children into the mix, the destructive possibilities can be mind-blowing.
Your Denver countertops can be particularly susceptible to kid-related messes because they get so much airtime. Between cooking dinner, last-minute science fair projects, “helpers” doing their best to clean using the wrong chemicals, and afternoon artistic endeavors, your countertops can sure take a beating.
Luckily, unlike the popular thought that you have to wait until your kids are grown and out of the house to have a nice kitchen, several natural stone countertop options are available that hold their own against kids. Of course, there will be a degree of mindfulness and maintenance with any natural stone, but that doesn’t mean you have to endure chipped, stained laminate until the kids move out. Just check out these kid-friendly natural stone slabs.
Soapstone
Soapstone countertops can be a great option for your Denver kitchen. Soapstone is flame and heat-resistant (it is the preferred material for high school chemistry labs, after all), and it is non-porous. Those three qualities make it the perfect countertop material for people with kids. It is also very easy to maintain because it doesn’t etch or require sealing. Soapstone will develop a patina over time, but you can change its appearance by rubbing it down with mineral oil or soapstone wax occasionally.
One thing to note about soapstone is that the chemical composition is mainly talc, which is a very soft material. That makes it perfect for carving things like integrated soap holders and dish drainers, but it also makes it so that your kids can scratch it unintentionally. The good side of this is that those scratches are easy to get rid of, compared to some other countertop options. A little bit of oil for light scratches or some fine-grit sandpaper can get rid of most scrapes and scratches.
Granite
Granite is one of the best materials out there, and with the right maintenance, it will hold its own through your kids’ growing up years and beyond. It is heat-resistant, making it ideal for the budding chef who might not remember to put a trivet down every time. It’s also chip and scratch-resistant, which is a huge plus where kids are concerned.
Most granite requires annual or semi-annual sealing, but it’s easy enough to do yourself. Sealing your granite well and consistently makes the otherwise semi-porous material resistant to stains. That means messy art projects and spilled juice won’t permanently damage your granite as long as you clean up quickly. Granite also doesn’t require harsh chemicals during cleaning – warm, soapy water and a clean washcloth are generally enough to get the job done. Of course, you can use commercial grade cleaners once the kids have gone to bed, but most of the time, soap and water is enough to do the trick.
There are also so many different colors and patterns of granite, you are sure to find something that fits your aesthetic and lifestyle. Black granite slabs are even more resistant to staining because they are denser than lighter-colored granite, which is a major plus if you know you can’t always clean up right away. Even if you opt for light-colored granite, the many variations and striations available make it so stains or scratches are almost invisible amidst the swirling colors.
Quartzite
Quartzite is another natural stone option that pairs well with kids. It has many of the same qualities as granite – durability, heat-resistant, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant – and it is very easy to maintain. Quartzite can hold its own against a lot of abuse, and its natural color variations make any scratches or staining difficult to see (if they occur at all).
Quartzite only needs warm, soapy water to get clean, though it does need to be sealed a little more often than granite. Another important note is that if you’re thinking of moving in the next few years, quartzite can give a slight advantage over other stones because it’s rarer and more sought-after in the housing market.
Having kids might mean holding off on buying some nice things until they’re older, but it doesn’t mean that you need to postpone your dream kitchen until they’re out of the house. Soapstone, granite, and quartzite are three natural stone countertop options that can hold their own against the inevitable abuse that kids bring around. Durable, heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and always beautiful, these countertops are sure to last from toddlerhood through the teenage years and beyond!