Family-friendly and trendy don’t always go together, but with countertops, we think they can. From edge treatments to different countertop colors, there are plenty of ways to make your trendy stone countertops kid-friendly. Let’s take a look at a few right now!
Family-friendly = kid-friendly
For most people, family-friendly means kid-friendly. If that’s the case in your home, there are a few things to know right off the bat.
- Kids make messes. It’s just a fact of life. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for this in advance. Sometimes, your task is as simple as choosing a countertop color that’s less likely to show little everyday messes.
- The same goes for countertop materials. Some countertops are easier to damage, and kids can easily leave behind scratches and other wear and tear.
- Keeping your countertops clean and properly sealed is a good way to prevent bacteria-related illnesses in your children.
- Especially if you have young children, considering certain edge treatments over others is a good idea.
- Using guards on the edges of your countertops is another way to keep your kids from hurting themselves.
- Finally, make sure you’re using kid-friendly cleaners for your countertops!
Countertop color
It’s a well-known fact that certain countertop colors stain more easily than others. For example, you should probably avoid choosing these countertop colors for a home with kids:
- Black
- White
- Other very dark color tones (dark gray, dark brown, etc.)
- Other very light color tones (off-white, cream, etc.)
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to this problem – choose colors or patterns that fall in between the dark and light ends of the spectrum. A medium gray marble slab or a brown-and-white granite countertop are both good ways to accomplish this. Nobody has time to clean up a small stain every five minutes – a countertop with a more in-between color will help hide the mess until you can get to it.
More durable countertop materials
Most kids like to draw and color pictures, and every parent knows the feeling of seeing scratches appear on a table or countertop after coloring time. Unfortunately, the possibility of scratches does limit your countertop choices a little bit. “Softer” countertop stones, like marble, soapstone, and limestone, are easier to scratch. So, what types of stone should you use? These stones are more durable and don’t scratch easily with regular care:
- Granite
- Quartzite
- Lava
- Engineered quartz
With that said, if you want to use a softer stone, you definitely can – just keep in mind that you’ll need to vigilantly protect it from scratches.
Take care of your countertops
To help ensure that your kids aren’t exposed to a bacteria-related illness, it’s important to clean your countertops well before cooking on them. Soap and water, DIY cleaners, and store-bought cleaners will work to keep your countertops clean, though a little more research into each option is a good idea.
In addition, some countertops require regular sealing. This preserves their beauty and functionality as well as their cleanliness. So, make sure you’re following a proper routine in caring for your countertop.
Edge treatments
Certain edge treatments are definitely safer for kids, especially younger children. For example, bullnose edge is probably the safest option. It’s a completely rounded countertop edge that doesn’t leave any sharp corners. Half bullnose and demi bullnose edges are a little less child-proof, but they’re still a fairly decent option. On the other hand, square countertop edges are definitely a bad idea – avoid them at all costs! In addition, beveled and mitered edges (or any other edge that isn’t rounded) have sharp edges and sharp corners that are a nasty bump on the head for kids.
What if you can’t avoid sharp edges?
What if you can’t avoid sharp edges on your countertops? Fortunately, there’s a way to fix this problem. Purchasing some edge protectors made from plastic or foam is an easy way to protect your kids from sharper countertop edges.
Make sure your countertop cleaners are family-friendly
Finally, making sure your countertop cleaners are non-toxic and kid-friendly is always wise. If you’re worried about trusting a store-bought cleaner, you can always make your own countertop cleaner that’s completely kid-friendly. All it takes is a little rubbing alcohol, water, and dish soap, with essential oils to add a nice scent. (Just make sure you’re using kid-friendly essential oils.) Use a microfiber cloth to get the best results.
Making your home family-friendly isn’t hard
As you can see, making your home family-friendly isn’t too hard! Even if you already have some things in your home that aren’t kid-friendly (like square countertop edges) you can still make them much more kid-proof. That means your home isn’t a lost cause by any means!
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