Your countertops are one of your kitchen’s most heavily used areas. It’s no wonder choosing the best countertop is such a hard decision — it can make a kitchen more functional. Plus, they significantly influence your kitchen’s feel and look.
If you’re looking to spruce up or create your dream kitchen this year, we got you covered! Today, we’re sharing eight options you can consider for your countertops. Read more below and find out which countertop material best suits your preference and needs!
Granite
Granite is the leading option when looking at natural stones for your countertop. Granite is very durable and can be customized to your specifications. Granite is also heat- and stain-resistant, making it an excellent material for countertops.
Quartz countertops are exquisite and aesthetically pleasing because of the quartz crystals and other natural minerals. They are also durable (comparable to granite), easy to maintain, and can withstand scratching and heat. In addition, unlike natural stone slabs, quartz will not require annual sealing. However, quartz comes with a price. The cost is on par with granite because they are very durable countertops and features all the superiority you can get from natural stones.
| Check out some of the granite countertops we offer here: https://www.edgranitecity.com/countertops/granite/ |
Quartz
Quartz is engineered stone products using pulverized waste natural stones, glass, mirrors, and more, plus resins for hardness and binding. Even though quartz is relatively new in the countertop industry, it’s one of the most sought-after countertop materials in today’s market.
Quartz countertops are exquisite and aesthetically pleasing because of the quartz crystals and other natural minerals. They are also durable (comparable to granite), easy to maintain, and can withstand scratching and heat. In addition, unlike natural stone slabs, quartz will not require annual sealing. However, quartz comes with a price. The cost is on par with granite because they are very durable countertops and features all the superiority you can get from natural stones.
| Check out some of the granite countertops we offer here: https://www.edgranitecity.com/countertops/quartz/ |
Marble
Marble has been known for its unique and natural veining, making it one of the most beautiful all-natural stones. It is also waterproof and heatproof and can add to the real estate value of a home.
However, marble is pretty expensive. It is also soft and more porous than other natural stone materials, which may not be the best choice for heavy kitchen users as it can easily be stained and scratched. It will require periodic sealing to maintain its functionality.
| Check out some of the granite countertops we offer here: https://www.edgranitecity.com/countertops/marble/ |
Soapstone
Soapstone has a deep, rich color, varying in tones of white and gray, which can complement any kitchen. It is relatively stain- and heat-resistant, and any damage can be sanded out to retain the countertop’s appearance. Over time, soapstone will take on an antique-like look, which can be very attractive in certain homes.
However, soapstone is not impervious to scratches and dents, and in most cases, it’s more expensive than granite. It is composed mainly of the mineral talc, making it quite soft — but for the most part, the soapstone material used for countertops typically has higher percentages of quartz.
As a rule of thumb, soapstone lies between granite and marble — it’s not as hard as granite, but it is less porous than marble, making it more durable and stain-resistant, especially with periodic sealing.
| Check out some of the granite countertops we offer here: https://www.edgranitecity.com/countertops/soapstone/ |
Solid Surface
Solid surface is a manufactured material composed of acrylic particles, epoxy, polyester, and resins bonded together. It has been around for nearly 50 years and has been regarded as a premium luxury countertop during its peak. It’s currently considered mid-tier and is an excellent and cost-effective solution for kitchens with a lot of countertop space.
Commonly called homogeneous, the surface you see on top is the same throughout. Stain-resistant and available in a wide range of colors and designs. Another advantage is that they can be easily repaired.
The disadvantage is that solid surface materials are not as tough as natural stones like granite and quartz. They easily stain and, if subjected to high heat, can crack and scorch.
| Need help with your home renovation? Check out some of our services here: https://www.edgranitecity.com/services/ |
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a highly unique choice for a contemporary and industrial look. It’s impervious to heat damage and is the easiest of all countertop materials to clean — making it very appealing to chefs and homeowners who want to duplicate restaurant-quality kitchens at home. It’s also regarded as a “premium” countertop material and can add to the real estate value of your home since it’s highly customizable and can be made to any specifications.
However, stainless steel is quite expensive. It can also be easily scratched and can produce loud and noisy sounds upon sudden contact. Stainless steel can also stain and corrode (though not rust) over time without significant care and maintenance.
Concrete
Concrete is as custom as it gets. It can be made to virtually any shape and dimension and can be tinted to any color of your choice, including a wide array of texture options. This monolithic beauty also adapts well to contemporary kitchens and is heat- and scratch-resistant.
Concrete countertops might seem very affordable (given the humble nature of this material), but it’s more expensive than you might expect since it requires custom installation and upkeep. In most cases, it almost weighs as heavy as natural stones like granite.
Maintenance is also a factor here. Because of its porosity, cracking and scorching may occur over time if it is not maintained and sealed regularly.
Wood
If you’re looking for a rustic and homely aesthetic, then wood countertops might be your best option. Hardwoods like maple and oak are the most often used wood for countertops, and these are available in a wide range of colors and styles. Wood is also relatively easy to clean and can last long when maintained regularly. It can also be sanded and resealed as often as you need.
On the other hand, wood slabs are pretty expensive. It can be scratched and cut by sharp kitchen equipment. And if not maintained and cared for, it can crack and harbor bacteria since it’s compostable.
If you’re erring on the affordable alternative, you can opt for reclaimed wood. Using recycled or repurposed wood is fairly inexpensive (compared to fabricated wood slabs) and a very eco-friendly choice. It will also make your kitchen unique since no reclaimed wood will look alike.
However, it will need periodic maintenance since it’s still a compostable material. But if you ask us, it can be worth your while.
Happy New Year!
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Planning to refresh and upgrade your home this new year? We are ready to help you choose the perfect set of counters, cabinets, and fixtures to complement your home. From the design process to installation, we’re by your side. Count on us for all of your custom kitchen and bathroom renovation needs!
P.S. Let’s talk about your home renovation project, and we’ll provide you with the resources you need to ensure your experience is simple and pleasant every step of the way.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Their workmanship and attention to detail are great. We couldn’t be happier! We just completed remodeling our kitchen and bathrooms with E&D Granite City. They were fantastic. They had a detailed schedule and cleaning with each contractor. They had several slabs of quartz to choose from, and after we selected ours, they did the computerized layout so we could see the finished look. We added the same quartz to our baths because we liked it so much! ~ Don W. |
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