Kitchen countertops in homes with young children can often experience premature wear and tear. That's because little ones might play with toys on the surfaces or leave food crumbs and spills behind after snacktime. Keep this in mind when choosing new countertops for your upcoming kitchen remodeling project. The following guide will help you find the right material for your family.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Kid-Friendly Kitchen Countertops

Keeping your children safe in the kitchen should be your main priority. For this reason, it's best to avoid wooden and glass countertops, as it's possible for rambunctious youngsters to get injured on the sharp corners of these materials. Meanwhile, stone countertops can be rounded off at the edges to reduce the risk of accidents. 

When choosing stone, consider the hardness of the material. Harder options are less likely to get scratched, scuffed, or cracked. For example, granite countertops are naturally resistant to chipping and scratching when kids play with toys. Granite in darker colors or with significant veining can hide spots and other minor damage, too.  

How easy it is to keep the material clean should also guide your purchasing decisions. Quartz countertops are made from nonporous, engineered stone, making them a good choice for homes with kids. Spills won't soak into the surface and cause unsightly stains. Also, food crumbs won't become embedded in the material and contribute to bacterial growth.

How to Maintain Stone Countertops 

If you choose granite or another natural stone, remember to have the countertops routinely sealed. This could be once a year, depending on how often the counters are used. The sealant serves as a protective membrane to stop liquids from seeping in and staining the porous stone.

You shouldn't use bleach, ammonia, vinegar, citrus liquids, and abrasive products for cleaning. The harshness of these substances could corrode the sealant and damage the stone underneath. To keep your kitchen countertops intact, wash them with mild dishwashing soap using a microfiber cloth.

It's also a good idea to purchase corner guards. You can find versions made of soft, transparent plastic that won't distract from the kitchen's overall design. They'll prevent your child from getting hurt on countertop edges as they run around the kitchen.

The licensed, insured professionals at Preferred Surfaces LLC will help you select kid-friendly kitchen countertops. Since 1984, this company has fabricated and installed granite, marble, and quartz surfaces for kitchens throughout Morgantown, Fairmont,  Bridgeport, and Clarksburg, WV. They also serve Uniontown and Washington, PA. Learn more about their products online. Call (304) 983-7730 to discuss your needs with a friendly team member. Find design inspiration for your remodeling project on Facebook.