Romancing the stone countertop

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Published Date 7/16/2024

If there were a house in America whose formica Countertops have not been replaced by stone or a stone-like product by now, it would be an exception to the rule.

Realtor’s Cambria Bold says whether you’re about to undergo a full-scale kitchen renovation or planning a more modest makeover, choices for countertops run the gamut from natural stone to wood to tile and now, “antimicrobial” countertops have made kitchen surface top billing too. After all, less bacteria in any space that involves food certainly seems like a good idea, right?

Bold looks at antimicrobial countertops to determine whether they are right for your home and singles out what to consider before signing off on your choice.

Antimicrobial countertops are simply countertops made from non-porous materials. They are not soaked in a bacteria-killing solution or manufactured with antimicrobial chemicals embedded within the material. They are antimicrobial by virtue of the fact that there is nowhere for bacteria to hide.

The most popular non-porous countertop is, of course, quartz — an incredibly hard composite material made from a compound of 90% natural stone and 10% resin. Other non-porous, antimicrobial countertop materials include porcelain, quartzite, stainless steel, recycled glass, glazed lava stone, and solid surfaces like laminate.

“Natural stone and wood countertops are considered porous because they have tiny holes on the surface that make the material susceptible to liquids, staining, and bacterial growth,” says Bold. “But with proper sealing (and periodic resealing), these materials can develop a less permeable surface and become, as a result, more antimicrobial. The same goes for wood countertops that are treated with certain products that effectively kill surface bacteria. The key to keeping any non-porous countertop from making a deal with the bacteria devil is discipline.

But don’t lull yourself into the idea that while non-porous and properly-sealed porous countertops may be far less likely to harbor bacteria, their nature is completely antimicrobial. Proper cleaning is a must. “Always clean food and liquid spills right away, and wipe down countertops frequently with a clean wash cloth and soapy water,” says Bold. “Keep wood countertops oiled, and stay on top of sealing needs for marble, granite, and other natural stone.”

When to do it? Bold says you’ll know it’s time to reseal your countertop if you notice more pronounced staining or scratching. If you simply can’t remember the last time you sealed it? That’s your first clue.

Realtor, TBWS

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