The Kitchen Store

A traditional home calls for a traditional kitchen design. This means choosing elements that embody a classic “old house” feeling in a modern setting. One aspect of kitchen remodeling that can really underline a traditional style is the countertop.

Strictly speaking, the wood, stone, or even metal counters you know today are a product of modern design. 19th century homes relegated these materials to pantry shelves only. Work surfaces in the kitchen were traditionally kept on large tables, and it is this history that inspired modern countertop designs. Here are a few recommendations from our experts at The Kitchen Store on choosing a countertop material for your traditional kitchen.

Soapstone

Many kitchen remodeling designers prefer to use stone such as slate and soapstone as a countertop material. Soapstone in particular is durable, non-porous, heat-resistant, and non-reactive to common acids like vinegar and citric juices. These traits, combined with its tendency to oxidize into a darker shade over time, make it a staple of traditional kitchen styles.

Slate

Slate, on the other hand, has been quarried in North America for the last 150 years. While most varieties of slate are too soft for use as a kitchen countertop, the fine-grained schist from Vermont, New York, and Maine, all possess qualities comparable to soapstone.

Marble

Marble offers great aesthetic appeal in traditional kitchens, but this material etches and stains easily over time. Marble is more commonly used as an inset for rolling dough or as a backsplash instead of as a countertop material.

Granite

Still, if you prefer the look of marble but none of its known limitations, you can always use granite or other man-made quartz material. The natural streaks present in these stone countertops can match traditional cabinet designs and kitchen styles perfectly.

Explore more traditional countertop materials with the help of our professionals at The Kitchen Store. Give us a call at (310) 572-7515 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate on kitchen remodeling projects today. We serve homeowners in Culver City and other nearby areas in CA.