If you’ve been planning your dream kitchen, you’ve probably heard the term “non-porous” countertops being thrown around. But you may be wondering, what does this term actually mean and why is it important in the kitchen? Here we review the differences between porous and non-porous materials in the kitchen so you can make the smartest decision for your kitchen.
Terms Defined Simply put, a porous surface is one that has pores. These pores are tiny, microscopic holes or crevices that allow liquids and air to penetrate it. If a countertop is considered porous, it means that air, water, or other fluids are able to flow to and for. Therefore, the term “non-porous” means the exact opposite. Instead of having pores, non-porous surfaces are smooth and sealed so liquid and air cannot move through it. On a countertop that is porous and not sealed, water will lay flat. However, on a non-porous or sealed surface, water will bead up.
Countertop Surfaces Natural stones, such as granite and marble, have pores and are considered porous surfaces. This means water, other liquids, and even bacteria can enter the countertops’ surface, even causing granite to darken or marble to stain. Just like a concrete sidewalk gets darker after the rain, these surfaces will get darker as they absorb water. For these reasons, these types of stone countertops require sealing - a process that uses a sealant to blocks liquids from seeping into the stone - immediately after installation and once a year thereafter. Solid surfaces, like DuPont’s Corian, and engineered quartz, such as Cambria and DuPont'sZodiaq, are naturally non-porous so they are able to block liquids and air without ever requiring a sealant.
Why It Matters Inevitably, your countertops will see the most action in your kitchen. From chopping up steaks to dicing veggies, they are the platform for all your culinary achievements. Non-porous countertops give you the assurance that when the surface is wipe down with a dry cloth, the surface is actually clean and dry all the way through. It gives you confidence that there isn’t mold or bacteria secretly lurking underneath your non-porous countertops. While most porous countertops that are sealed properly can also be good at blocking liquids, non-porous countertops are able to block all contaminates whether sealed or not.
Stop by your closest Bray & Scarff to check out our selection of beautiful countertops and enhance your kitchen’s style today!
Terms Defined Simply put, a porous surface is one that has pores. These pores are tiny, microscopic holes or crevices that allow liquids and air to penetrate it. If a countertop is considered porous, it means that air, water, or other fluids are able to flow to and for. Therefore, the term “non-porous” means the exact opposite. Instead of having pores, non-porous surfaces are smooth and sealed so liquid and air cannot move through it. On a countertop that is porous and not sealed, water will lay flat. However, on a non-porous or sealed surface, water will bead up. Countertop Surfaces Natural stones, such as granite and marble, have pores and are considered porous surfaces. This means water, other liquids, and even bacteria can enter the countertops’ surface, even causing granite to darken or marble to stain. Just like a concrete sidewalk gets darker after the rain, these surfaces will get darker as they absorb water. For these reasons, these types of stone countertops require sealing - a process that uses a sealant to blocks liquids from seeping into the stone - immediately after installation and once a year thereafter. Solid surfaces, like DuPont’s Corian, and engineered quartz, such as Cambria and DuPont'sZodiaq, are naturally non-porous so they are able to block liquids and air without ever requiring a sealant. Why It Matters Inevitably, your countertops will see the most action in your kitchen. From chopping up steaks to dicing veggies, they are the platform for all your culinary achievements. Non-porous countertops give you the assurance that when the surface is wipe down with a dry cloth, the surface is actually clean and dry all the way through. It gives you confidence that there isn’t mold or bacteria secretly lurking underneath your non-porous countertops. While most porous countertops that are sealed properly can also be good at blocking liquids, non-porous countertops are able to block all contaminates whether sealed or not. Stop by your closest Bray & Scarff to check out our selection of beautiful countertops and enhance your kitchen’s style today!
