Tips on choosing a countertop to match your vintage faucets

In some ways a countertop is the backdrop of your kitchen. If you’re fortunate enough to have a lot of surface space, you’ll want to put plenty of thought into revamping it when the time comes. During your next vintage remodeling project, learn about the various counters on the market. It’s important to consider color and pattern as well as the quality and durability of each style.

Stone
Many homeowners turn to stone as their first option for a countertop. Marble and granite are often used in big budget projects for their quality and coveted appearance. These slabs are heavy pieces of stone installed in one section. However, thrifty homeowners can buy remnants of these rocks to use in their kitchen. Contractors can then use their expertise to try and create as seamless a result as possible.

Whichever stone you choose, from soapstone to slate, it is usually available in a range of colors. A gray stone provides a monochromatic look when paired with a brushed or polished chrome kitchen faucet. The styles with earthy tones can pair well with oil rubbed bronze and antique brass finishes.

Stainless steel
Metal countertops are often used in restaurants for their durability. Manufacturers provide a variety of textures to make a multidimensional product. Brushed is one popular style, yet you can choose from pebbled copper and swirl patterns as well.

Concrete
Today’s concrete options are vast. Manufacturers can tint the material to match your vintage faucets and stamp on designs to texture the surface. Installers pour the mix into a template and it firms without seams. When dry, the counter should be sealed to avoid spills from becoming permanent. Some counters are consider eco-friendly. Here are a few choices:

Quartz
In recent years, quartz has been an alternative for those who can’t afford a natural stone countertop. It’s an engineered product made with 90 percent ground quartz and 8-10 percent of other materials such as pigments, polymers and resins. The result is a durable surface that is considered to be eco-friendly because of its low carbon footprint. Additionally, the mineral used is highly abundant. Some brands have taken extra steps to have a GreenGuard certification, which means they have low emissions of volatile organic compounds.

Cork
To create a cork countertop, the material is compressed into a composite. The result is a lightweight yet sturdy surface. It’s sustainably sourced and has antibacterial properties. Cork also absorbs sound, which cuts down on the noise in the kitchen.

Coconut palm
Old coconut palm trees that no longer bear fruit are used to make these countertops. It is stronger than oak and is also used in flooring and paneling.

There are a variety of manufacturers of recycled products that source material from reclaimed lumber, paper and more. Old wine barrels are also turned into eco-friendly surfaces. Consider these tips and options when planning your next vintage kitchen design.