The countertops are the flat and horizontal bench tops that are present in the kitchens and bathrooms of your home. People add these to increase the storage area for the placement of accessories.
What is the Lightest Countertop Material? The lightest countertop materials include bamboo, plywood, plastic, and stainless steel. In addition, many people use a combination of quartz and granite, formica and laminate because of the less weight than marble. These are beneficial because they are less costly, easy to maintain, take less space, and are suitable for multi-floor buildings.
The selection of material for countertops matters a lot because it can change the look of your kitchen and bathroom. In addition, you can match the color of their material with the paint of the interior walls.
What type of materials are lighter in weight for countertops?
People use different materials for countertops construction depending on their budgets and needs.
Plywood and bamboo
Bamboo wood and plywood countertops are suitable options for lighter-weight kitchen shelves. These are available in different designs and colors, and you can match them with interior paints.
Plywood and bamboo sheets are available in different thicknesses, and you can select them according to your desire.
It is a cheaper material and is more durable than other types. In addition, bamboo wood gives a unique style to your interior because it has a stack-like appearance.
The warm colors of these wooden materials are better in winter because it gives a cozy and warm feeling.
Plastic
Plastic sheets have less weight than plywood and bamboo materials. In addition, the installation of plastic material is easy because you can attach them with nuts or glue.
The plastic countertops do not need much cleanliness, and you can easily remove water from them. The water cannot damage their structure and internal layers.
Moreover, the stains are also removable because of their slippery texture. Spillage on the shelves is common during the cooking and storage of foodstuffs.
The non-porous surface of plastic laminates is highly resistant to bacteria. As a result, it comes in the market with various color and design options.
It is better to match them with the interior paint of your kitchen.
Stainless steel sheets
Most people in America prefer to use stainless steel countertops in their kitchens because of their lighter materials.
The molds cannot grow on this material because of its non-porous texture. As a result, water cannot enter their interior side and resist the growth of bacterial or fungal species.
It is highly durable and less vulnerable to scratches and cracks. Heat exposure cannot produce cracks and scraping of its layer.
Stainless steel material is also rust-resistant because it contains chromium and nickel. In addition, oil-based stains are easier to remove from their surface than wood.
The lightest material of steel shelves is also better for lower cabinets because it can decrease the risk of their damage.
It puts less weight on these wooden structures, which last longer.
Combination of quartz and granite
Quartz is a natural stone material that is lighter in weight and gives a sleek appearance to your kitchen.
These are smooth and shiny and provide a luxurious look when you install them. The countertops with a combination of quartz and granite material are most suitable.
The combination increases this material’s durability and demand in the market. It is stone-like but lesser in weight than marble and granite alone.
You can use them for years without facing any chipping or scraping issues. In addition, it is a stain-resistant material that is available in unique colors.
These are easy to clean and need less maintenance because you do not need to wax their surface for shining purposes.
Formica
Formica countertops are highly affordable, and people like to purchase them because of their durability. These are the phenolic resins imprinted on the brown sheets’ layer.
The sheet is again coated with a melamine resin layer to provide a smooth appearance and protection.
It saves your maintenance and purchasing costs, and you do not need to replace them frequently.
It is a lighter material and easily withstands the heavy weight of kitchen appliances.
You should avoid putting hot utensils like a pan on them because they can produce stains on their surface.
The stains come on its layer because of the melting of phenolic resins.
Laminate countertops
This material is shiny and gives a luxurious appearance to your kitchen. It is fused plastic material embedded in a practical board.
These are cheaper and lighter, but people avoid purchasing them because of their less longevity. These are not durable and resistant to heat because of their plastic material.
It is environment friendly because dirt, debris, and moisture cannot penetrate their internal side because of the non-porous surface.
It is necessary to use them carefully because heavy materials can damage them, and these are non-repairable.
The burn marks on its surface when you place hot utensils lead to chipping issues.
Things to consider when selecting a countertop material
The location for their installation matters a lot because of their weight and different materials.
Many people prefer to use lighter ones for their RVs to reduce the overall load and increase fuel efficiency.
These are also preferred for multiple-floor buildings to reduce the pressure on roofs of the ground floor. It is also necessary to check your budget before purchasing them.
The marble is costly because of its finishing and natural stone rather than plywood and stainless steel.
In addition, the durability and maintenance costs are also essential factors that need to be considered.
People also check the overall appearance of different materials before their installation in their kitchens. The stainless steel, laminate, and marble make your interior luxurious and sleek.
What are the benefits of using lighter countertop materials?
Many people prefer to use the lightest countertop materials in their kitchens and bathrooms for several benefits.
Beneficial for double-story homes
There are double or triple-story homes in America to increase the accommodation of people. It is necessary to construct them wisely so these can last for a longer time.
The roofs and walls are interconnected with joists and nuts. Add the lighter weight accessories on the 2nd and 3rd floor so it cannot put stress on these joists.
You do not need to decrease the number of accessories to decrease pressure on joists and the 1st floor.
Instead, select lighter materials for shelves of kitchens and bathrooms to reduce the overall load on the buildings.
Less costly
People always check the cost of different construction materials before purchasing them from the market.
The affordability of home accessories matters a lot because you have to purchase the one that is suitable for your budget.
The lighter-weight countertops are less costly as compared to marble and granite materials. However, these are original stones, heavier, and need more maintenance.
Stainless steel, plywood, bamboo, and laminates are suitable for these stones because they reduce the overall cost.
Easy to maintain
The maintenance of Formica, stainless steel, and plywood is easy.
The marble and granite stones need more care because their original shine becomes dull. So you have to use different materials to restore their original look.
Moreover, these are also susceptible to cracking and need frequent replacement.
The water cannot damage the countertops like stainless steel and laminate because of their non-porous surface.
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