One of the things you have to decide for your kitchen countertops is the finish. This will depend on many factors, including the material you choose. The top choices include granite, quartz, and marble, all of which look great in mate and glossy finishes. However, choosing one over the other can be challenging, especially if you want it to stand out.
In many cases, you can settle this issue by consulting with an expert in stone countertops. He or she will point out the features and circumstances that make these types of finishes desirable, and discuss your own preferences before making a decision. It does help to know a little bit about each finish before your consult, so here are the facts for choosing between matte and glossy finishes for kitchen countertops.
Glossy
We will start with the glossy finish because it is the default for stone countertops. It is the most popular finish for homeowners because a polished surface is always attractive. For this reason, quartz manufacturers and granite suppliers offer this finish for many of their products at no extra cost. This makes it the easier option, but that should not be the only consideration.
The main thing with a glossy finish is reflectivity. The high polish mirrors any light source in the room, making it seem brighter and lighter. This is a good thing for kitchens with very little natural light, small kitchens, and kitchens with dark countertops and cabinets. However, a high polish can also produce glare in kitchens that have a white or light color palette, making it difficult on the eyes.
The smoothness of the finish also makes it easier to clean. Dirt and grime will have a hard time getting a foothold on the surface, so they wipe off quite easily in most cases. A glossy finish also disguises grease and fingerprints, so that is good news for busy homeowners.
Matte
Most suppliers of stone countertops might also offer a matte finish for some of their products, but not all. This is particularly true for quartz countertops, which has the finish built into it. You can request your contractor to put a matte finish to your granite or marble countertops, but you will probably have to pay a small fee.
The attraction of a matte finish is its subtlety. It is less flashy than a glossy finish is, so it appeals to some people that want a more subdued look to their kitchen. A matte finish also has a depth and texture not present in a glossy finish, so that is a plus.
A matte finish is flat with little or no shine, so it tends to absorb light rather than reflect it. Some people find it elegant, while others consider it dull. Fabricators use sandblasting to create the finish n natural stone, so it only works well with durable stone such as granite or marble. Furthermore, a matte finish will not always look good in all types of stone. Some granite colors, for example, might look dirty or muddy with a matte finish.
The great thing about a matte finish is it does not produce glare. It is ideal for kitchens with lots of natural light or those in a white or light color palette. It is a good choice for white countertops, as it will not take on the colors of other elements of the kitchen, such as red cabinets or appliances. However, a matte finish is a bit harder to keep clean because dirt cling to it a bit more than with a glossy finish, and it shows up fingerprints more easily. You have to wipe it down regularly to maintain a spotless appearance.
You might also have a problem finding countertops in this finish, mostly because it is not widely available as much as those with glossy finishes are. This is particularly true for quartz countertops. Manufacturers will offer select models in matte and other special finishes, so you will have to choose from them. Otherwise, you will have to go for a glossy finish.
Conclusion
Both glossy and matte finishes for kitchen countertops are appealing, albeit in different ways. It will really depend on your personal preference. However, a glossy finish is usually the practical choice for many homeowners. You should consult with a reliable contractor to determine which one is right for you. Fairfax Kitchen Bath can help you with that. We guarantee you will love it for life!
We are a Class A, licensed and insured contractor, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We service the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We sell only top quality products for all your bathroom renovation needs manufactured by leading brands in the industry.
When you contract with us, you can be sure you will get a quick turnaround on your products, and receive it much faster than ordering what you need from big box stores. We specialize in kitchen remodeling and carry the products you need, including sinks, faucets, natural and engineered stone slabs, shelves, tiles, backsplashes, knobs and pulls, hardwood flooring, and cabinets,. We carry only the top brands for these products, such as Schrock Cabinetry, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor.
You can see the products before you buy so you can decide for yourself if the quality is what you expect. We have a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia, which houses all our products, including actual granite, marble and engineered stone slabs from which you can choose.
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