Ease of Maintenance will often have a significant roll in the selection process. Material that is installed with grout joints will require periodic grout cleaning. Shiny darker materials may show water spots or soap residue. Natural materials may need yearly sealing. Monochromatic materials show everyday soil particles. Some surfaces like granite will resist heat. Other surfaces such as ceramic and porcelain tiles have a very hard and non-porous surface. Your designer will go over all the maintenance considerations, while no material is perfect many materials perform very well with little maintenance.

Room Usage is a critical element in the selection of materials. Kitchen and bath counters and showers routinely are subject to spills and moisture. Kitchens are subject to acids found in citrus, wines other food products that can damage marbles and stain grout. Travertine and other softer materials are not good selections for kitchen counters due to their softness and porosity. Softer materials can be used for kitchen splashes, as they are vertical surfaces and take much less traffic. Relevant use considerations range from grip on shower flooring to a materials ability to resist scratching in kitchens.

Cost is often a consideration in the selection process. Spending a little more on counters and shower surrounds to achieve an aesthetic design objective, improve the usefulness of the space or extend the time between replacement are a few of the justifications for the added investment. Most material categories have a range of pricing that will allow any budget to be achieved while still satisfying the look that only a specific material can deliver. Counters and surrounds are at eye level and have a large impact on the visual beauty of your home, generally the added cost to purchase a richer material will prove to be a wise investment over time. Many people consider granite kitchen counters the best resale upgrade in option selection.

Design is perhaps most influenced by material selection. The color, texture, pattern, size and placement of counter materials significantly enhance a rooms feel. Countertops can evoke feelings of drama, whimsy, formality or comfort to name a few. Counters like flooring can define spaces, accentuate architectural detail or even become the focal point of the design. Many cultural and aesthetic alternatives can be achieved due to the variety and versatility of the myriad of products utilized in today’s counter top design.

In kitchens always use a cutting board when preparing food. The cutting board will protect your counters from stains, knife scratches and bacterial contamination. Always use trivets to keep pans and others hard dishes from making contact with your tile stone or slab.

Protect your counter at the cook top by covering the frying pan with a screen or lid. Always clean oily stains immediately before they have a chance to set.

Never sit or stand on counters or islands as the materials are generally not strong enough (particularly at edges) for this kind of use.

Always wipe down counters after use to keep them dry and clean. In shower areas keep drains clear to facilitate rapid removal of water. Be sure that water runs freely into your shower drain and does not puddle. Attend to leaky faucets quickly. Reduce moisture and humidity in showers and baths by maintaining and using exhaust fans and opening windows when weather permits.

Use soaps and other cleansing products that easily dissolve and will reduce soapy build up.

Sealing and cleaning grout on a yearly basis is highly recommended.

Always use neutral PH cleaning products that do not contain abrasive compounds.

Never set cleanser cans or other caustic containers on counters as they generally have residue that may leave a ring on some counter top materials.