We chop our vegetables on it, put the hot cooking pot down there and get it dirty every day. Countertops in the kitchen have to be able to withstand a lot. They have to be water-resistant, robust and heat-resistant; they have to be practical, but also beautiful - because they play a major role in determining the aesthetic look of the kitchen. We present a brief portrait of marble, quartz and granite countertops.

Granite countertop

You have three options when it comes to natural stone countertops: Slate, marble or granite countertop. The most common is to go for the robust granite countertop. Like the other two natural stones, granite countertop looks classy and classic, but also cool. The stone with its individual structuring is available in lighter or darker versions.

Nevertheless, the stone is particularly popular due to its insensitivity to stains and scratches. Hot pots, water and sharp knives can usually not harm granite - a big plus therefore also in terms of hygiene.

• Care: Untreated granite countertop is more sensitive than it appears. Refrain from using chemical, acetic or acidic care products, as they can attack the stone. It is better to use special stone oils for granite care. Regularly polish the stone in circular motions to avoid streaks on it. Sponge and water are enough for daily cleaning.

Marble countertop

A classic beauty is also a marble countertop. However, marble is slightly softer than granite countertop and therefore more susceptible to scratches. High temperatures, such as a hot pot bottom, on the other hand, the dense stone withstands optimally. Water also has only a slight chance of penetrating the material - nevertheless, as with all surfaces, water stains should be wiped off quickly to avoid unsightly edges. Marble is quite sensitive to acidic foods. Marble is available in many colors - depending on the country of origin and degree of rarity, however, the price is correspondingly high.

• Care: If persistent water stains have appeared on the marble, you can remove them with a soft woolen cloth and some olive oil. Grease stains can be removed with a lime powder mixture. To permanently seal the pores of the marble so that such stains do not occur in the first place, you should regularly impregnate the stone with special oils.

Engineered stone countertop - Quartz Countertop

If you don't want to give up the look of natural stone, but want a countertop that is even more resistant, then you should turn to engineered stone such as quartz. Here, no wishes remain unfulfilled in terms of hygiene, robustness, hardness and ease of care. You can even cut on the surface on particularly hard mineral materials; however, quartz, for example, should be protected from heat. Kitchen countertops made of engineered stone also impress with their external values. They are noble, seamless - and on top of that can be mixed according to your ideas. From a seamless white look to a colored design, everything is possible.

• Care: Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. Here, it is perfectly sufficient to remove stains with water and conventional household cleaners.