According to Freedonia, countertop installations are expected to increase by 4.4% annually through 2026. Those looking to install a new worktop can select from various popular materials such as quartz, concrete, granite, marble, and more. However, there are only two primary options as far as finishes go. Should you choose matte or gloss for your new counter? The following information will help you make the right decision.
What are Gloss Countertops?
As their name suggests, gloss countertops appear to have a glossy sheen to them. Polished finishes are created by sanding and buffing counter materials to bring out their natural shine. This creates a less porous surface for germs and other bacteria to hide in.
When paired with granite, marble, or natural stone materials, glossy finishes give your space a more glamorous, upscale appearance. They also help reflect veins or flecks of color in certain countertop materials as well.
What are Matte Countertops?
When preparing matte countertops, fabricators sand and polish materials much in the same way as they do gloss ones. However, they stop buffing before the surface begins to take on a shine. The result is a very smooth, polished worktop rather than a glossy one.
Since they are not shiny, matte countertops present themselves as being softer and more natural. Even so, that doesn’t mean they are visibly dull. Matte finishes are often referred to as “honed” because they have a very polished appearance. Accordingly, they are often found on Formica®, fiberglass, and engineered stone surfaces.
Matte and Gloss Finish Differences
A glossy finish captures more light than a honed one. As such, it can make a smaller area appear larger and more open. However, stains, scratches, and other imperfections will be more visibly apparent, as well. The exception is fingerprints, which already have a glossy sheen and may therefore be more noticeable on matte counters.
Glossy countertops reflect more light than matte ones. Consequently, they can make a smaller space visually appear larger. However, light reflecting off of a countertop can take the eye away from your kitchen’s focal point. So if you have architectural features you would like to highlight, a matte finish might be better instead.
Similarities Between Matte and Gloss Worktops
A counter’s finish largely depends on how it is sanded and polished by the manufacturer. This means it has very little bearing on the final cost. So whether you go with a matte or gloss worktop is largely a matter of personal preference. The exception is with quartz, which comes almost exclusively with a glossy finish.
There’s also little difference as far as cleaning, maintenance, or heat-resistance. Instead, these things are determined by the material your countertop is made from, not its finish.
Questions to Ask
When deciding between a gloss or matte finish, ask yourself the following questions:
- How much light do I want my countertops to reflect?
- Am I more worried about stains or fingerprints?
- Which one seems to match the design of my kitchen best?
- What’s my overall color scheme? If your kitchen is primarily darker colors, you may want to have more light reflected on your countertops
- How likely am I to scratch or damage the surface?
High-Quality Kitchen Countertops in Forked River, NJ
At Aphrodite Marble and Granite, we’re committed to helping you choose the right finish, material, and design for your countertops. Visit our Forked River showroom to see samples and get a better idea as to which one is best for you. Once you’ve made a decision, allow us to assist you with high-quality installation as well. Contact us today to set up your consultation.
