The inclusion of products and materials that create an environment hostile to bacteria, fungus and mold is not an idea that should be the exclusive province of hospitals, nursing homes and the hospitality industry. It makes excellent sense for domestic kitchens too.
The key is in the selection of non-porous surfaces, especially for countertops.
This means avoiding wood, such as butcher block, and avoiding natural stone, such as granite. Both of these materials are full of pores and fissures, making them an ideal environment for bacteria looking for a place to live with food, moisture and a welcoming temperature.
So instead of wood and natural stone consider quartz, Corian, stainless steel, glass, or high definition laminate.
Of these our favorite is quartz. Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is a manufactured product. The manufacturing process combines approximately 90% ground quartz with 8 – 10% resins. This allows for a wider range of color and design than is found in natural stone. Quartz is extremely hard and durable. It has a glossy sheen and is easily cleaned with mild soap, water and a soft cloth. Its only drawback is not being as heat tolerant as natural stone.
Our showroom at Cabinets of the Desert displays a selection of quartz available from our local business partners Arizona Tile and Formation. Arizona Tile carries Della Terra Quartz . Formation carries CaeserStone. We have included illustrations of just a few of some of the striking quartz designs available from these fine providers.
Please visit these websites: https://www.arizonatile.com/en/products/quartz; http://www.formationstone.com/products.