Actual Factual // Today's topic, Countertops- just scratching the surface.

I read an article this morning regarding countertops. Often , this topic is a source of stress for my clients. The decision involves budget, aesthetics, hardness, resistance to bacteria, heat resistance, coldness to touch & 'clean-ability' & installation methods.  ProTip: Make things easier for yourself by ranking these above characteristics in order of importance to your family and your specific needs. This should help you narrow things down. You can't have all-the-things, though. (insert sad face)Also, one last little tidbit: When I begin design for my clients,  I use these questions in this order to weed out obvious things.1, Safety, does it hit all the requirements for  being safe in the space it will be used?2. Function, does it do it's job well? Is it going to hold up?3. Beauty, which is the most lovely (trend-proof) selection that everyone can agree on?Bonus: Here is a helpful list according to a hardness rating by Moh's scale of mineral hardness:Laminate: 1.0 on the Mohs ScaleSoapstone: 1.0 on the Mohs ScaleSolid Surface: 3.5 on the Mohs ScaleButcher Block: 3 to 4 on the Mohs ScaleMarble: 2 to 5 on the Mohs ScaleGlass: 5.0 on the Mohs ScaleSlate: 6.0 on the Mohs ScaleStainless Steel: 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs ScaleGranite: 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs ScaleEngineered Stone (composite quartz): 6.5 on the Mohs ScaleQuartzite: 7 on the Mohs ScaleCeramic or Porcelain Tile: 7 on the Mohs ScaleConcrete: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs Scale