Like owning a house, boat ownership allows for many fantastic design options. Of these options, one of the most vital is the composition of your countertops. There are so many decisions to make when looking for the best boat countertop designs. A majority of them are based on personal preference, style choices, and the logistics of daily activities.
Of course, you also have to take into account the potential exposure to the elements that exists as part of being on a boat. If you plan to take your vessel out to sea, you need to be prepared to deal with the effect that the salty air may have on any material on your boat, especially your countertops.
With some help, you can find a style that suits you perfectly. So, whether you’ve just purchased a new boat or you are looking to remodel, here are the best options for boat countertops.
Granite
Granite countertops are a prevalent option for several good reasons. They are durable enough to resist chips and scratches even under repeated and daily use, though you should still take care to avoid using any knives or cutting tools directly on them without protection. Granite is naturally formed by pressure and heat, meaning that it is a highly heat-resistant material. You could set a hot pot or pan directly on a granite countertop without scorching it, though we’d recommend not doing so for long periods.
But, what sets granite apart from many other materials is its affordability. The price of granite countertops for your boat highly depends on the thickness of the granite slab. The thicker the slab, the more expensive its installation will be. However, a granite countertop will last about thirty years with proper care, making it a solid investment.
One option for adding a touch of granite to your boat without necessarily going with an entire slab is to install granite tiles on your countertop. By doing so, you can potentially reduce the overall price of your countertops.
Marble
Marble and granite often go hand in hand in terms of countertop materials. Both are made from natural stone and can add a taste of elegance to your surroundings. They are also among the more affordable materials to use for boat countertops.
The most significant difference between marble and granite is that marble, while highly durable, is softer than granite. This softness makes marble less scratch-resistant than granite. While this may seem like a drawback, it does mean that you can incorporate extra design elements like etching and decorative edges into your marble countertops, enhancing their appearance.
Marble is also one of the most distinctive natural stones you could use to fabricate a countertop due to its luminance and wide range of hues. Many synthetic materials are constructed to imitate the appearance of marble, but they meet with limited success. Marble is formed when sedentary limestone or dolomite is subjected to intense heat and pressure. Impurities can become trapped in the limestone, resulting in a veining pattern that is unique for each slab of marble and difficult to recreate with man-made materials.
Soapstone
Soapstone is another naturally-formed stone that makes for distinctive and eye-catching countertops. Unlike marble and granite, however, soapstone is non-porous. This means that you don’t have to worry about having it sealed to avoid stains or acid damage, nor do you need to be more conscious of the cleaners you use on it. It also makes soapstone water-resistant, a significant benefit for boat countertops.
Because it doesn’t come in long slabs like other materials, soapstone is easier to cut and shape to specifics. The only drawback is that larger countertops will end up with a greater amount of grouting or seam lines. So be sure to take that design element into account when deciding whether or not to use soapstone for your countertop material.
Resin
If you want synthetic materials for your decor, resin countertops make an excellent choice for your countertops. The resin is an epoxy made from acrylic or polyester, though you should note that acrylic resin is much higher quality than polyester. Because they are synthetic, resin countertops can be fabricated with whatever appearance you desire, including colors, translucent effects, shimmers, and even glittering throughout. And, you can easily and seamlessly combine it with any other material for a unique design element. In addition, the resin can add a glossy twist to countertops constructed of wood, marble, metal, and even concrete.
Once the epoxy hardens after fabrication, resin is among the most durable synthetic materials you can use for your countertops. It is highly resistant to scratches, cracks, impacts, heat, acid, and chemicals. In addition, because it’s non-porous, resin countertops are resistant to bacteria and mold, making them easy to clean and maintain.
In addition, most brands of countertop epoxy are non-toxic. This means that their formulas don’t contain any harmful materials. So, you can add an acrylic or polyester resin to your countertops without concerns about food safety or toxins.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops are a timeless addition to your boat. They fit in well with most appliances and decor, and they can give your surroundings a modern look while still providing you with a highly durable material that will last for years. In addition, you can add stainless steel countertops to your galley with no concern about damaging them with spills or high heat.
One of the most significant advantages of stainless steel countertops is spelled out in their name: stainless. They are non-porous, which makes cleaning them extremely easy. They remain the choice of professional kitchens for a good reason, so a stainless steel countertop can withstand any test your galley could produce.
Choosing the right countertop for your boat is just as important as choosing the right countertop for your home. Be sure to do thorough research on materials, figure out how you want your boat’s interior to look, and select a material that matches the decor you would consider perfect for you. If you have any questions about countertops for your boat, including materials, cost, or installation, please don’t hesitate to contact us.