9 Best Options for Your Kitchen Countertops
Countertops are one of the most heavily used areas in your kitchen, and it’s no wonder why choosing a material for your kitchen countertop is a huge decision. The best countertop can make a kitchen more functional – plus, they significantly influence your kitchen’s feel and look.
There’s an extensive range of materials available in the market today — with each material having its pros and cons, all of which will determine the best one that will suit your needs.
Here are the objective areas you should look at when evaluating your countertop materials:
Appearance: Do the aesthetic qualities of the countertop match the style of your kitchen?Cost: How much does the countertop cost, factoring in the materials, installation, and maintenance? Is it within your budget?Functionality: How rigid is the countertop material when put to the test? Is it stain- or heat-resistant? Is it easy to clean and maintain?Value: Will the countertop add real estate value to your home? Are you getting the best value for your money?There are still many things to consider for the kitchen of your dreams, but choosing a countertop that you will love in the years to come is the most important thing. After all, it’s your kitchen!Read more below and find out which countertop material will best suit your needs!
Granite
Natural stones are one of the most popular choices for a kitchen countertop, with granite countertops being the leading option. They have recently become the material of choice for many homeowners remodeling their kitchens, mainly because granite is a very durable natural material and can be customized to your specifications. Granite slabs are also very heavy and durable, which makes it somewhat an investment as it can affect the real estate value of your home.
PROS: Granite is heat- and stain-resistant, making it an excellent material for durable countertops. Aside from this, no two pieces of granite are alike, making every countertop entirely unique!
CONS: Granite is an expensive material. Since it is a natural stone, it will require periodic sealing to protect it from stains.
Quartz
Quartz is a relative newcomer to the countertop material industry, but it’s one of the latest and most sought-after synthetic countertop materials. Quartz countertops are not solid mineral slabs — these are engineered stone products using pulverized waste natural stones, glass, mirrors, and more, plus resins for hardness and binding. Quartz is an excellent option as it harnesses the beauty of natural stone and the durability of solid-surface materials.
PROS: Quartz countertops are exquisite and aesthetically pleasing because of the quartz crystals and other natural minerals. They are also very durable, easy-to-maintain, and can withstand scratching, compared to other engineered-stone materials. In addition, unlike natural stone slabs, quartz will not require annual sealing.
CONS: Quartz countertops are very heavy and are pretty expensive, with the price being on a par with granite.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock with unique and veined patterns, making it one of the most beautiful all-natural stones. However, marble is soft and more porous than other natural stone materials.
PROS: Marble has been known for its unique and natural veining, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing materials for any kitchen countertop. It is also waterproof and heatproof and can add to the real estate value of a home.
CONS: Marble is expensive. It is soft and porous and may not be the best choice for heavy kitchen users as it can be easily stained and scratched. It will require periodic sealing to maintain its functionality.
Soapstone
Another natural stone option like granite, soapstone is composed mainly of the mineral talc, which makes it quite soft. However, the soapstone material used for countertops typically has higher percentages of quartz in it. As a rule of thumb, soapstone lies in between granite and marble. Therefore, it’s not as hard as granite, but it is less porous than marble, making it more durable and stain-resistant.
PROS: 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. Plus, 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.
CONS: Quartz countertops are very heavy and are pretty expensive, with the price being on a par with granite.
Solid Surface
Solid surface is a man-made material composed of acrylic particles and resins. Commonly called homogeneous, the surface you see on top is the same surface all the way through. Solid-surface have been around for nearly 50 years and have been regarded as premium, luxury countertops 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.
PROS: Solid surface materials are cost-effective, stain-resistant, and are available in a wide range of colors and designs. Another advantage is that they can be easily repaired. You can buff it out with very fine sandpaper if you scratch or dent your solid surface.
CONS: Solid surface materials are not as tough as natural stones like granite and quartz. If subjected to high heat, it can crack and scorch.
Laminate
One of the most affordable kitchen countertop options, laminate countertops are made from a thin layer of plastic, usually bonded to particleboard. It also offers every homeowner the rare advantage (cost-efficient option) of installing it by themselves.
PROS: One of the most budget-friendly options, laminates also come in thousands of colors, patterns, and styles. DIY installation is also relatively easy and cheap.
CONS: Laminate countertops can easily be scratched, peeled, and chipped. Aside from this, since the base is made out of particleboard, it may swell upon contact with water, and the damage can be impossible to repair.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a highly unique choice for a contemporary and industrial look. Stainless steel countertops are also heat-resistant and durable. However, they will stain and corrode (though not rust) over time without significant care and maintenance. Though erring a bit on the expensive side, stainless steel is highly customizable and can be made to any specifications.
PROS: Stainless steel is impervious to heat damage and is the easiest of all countertop materials to clean. It’s also regarded as a “premium” countertop material and can add to the real estate value of your home.
CONS: Stainless steel is quite expensive. It can also be easily scratched and can produce loud/noisy sounds upon sudden contact.
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. Concrete countertops might seem to be very affordable (given the humble nature of this material), but it’s more expensive than you might expect. Maintenance is also a factor here. Because of its porosity, it should also be sealed regularly.
PROS: Concrete is highly customizable, and in most cases, it almost weighs as heavy as natural stones like granite. It is also heat- and scratch-resistant.
CONS: Concrete is relatively expensive as it will require custom installation and upkeep. Aside from this, cracking 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 the best option for you. 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 easy to clean and can be buffed and resealed as often as needed.
PROS: Wood is relatively easy to clean and can last for a long-time when maintained regularly. It can also be sanded and resealed as often as you need.
CONS: Wood slabs are quite expensive, and they can be scratched and cut by sharp kitchen equipment. If not maintained and cared for, it can also crack and harbor bacteria as it is compostable material.
Planning to refresh and upgrade your home this 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 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.
Happy Remodeling!
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As a realtor, I have had the pleasure in the past of working with the folks at E&D Granite City and now, most recently, on renovations at my personal home. In all cases, communication with Denis and his team (especially Lili) was highly professional and achieved the perfect results. Their blend of courtesy and professional knowledge makes every transaction a pleasure! I think it is a privilege to be able to recommend them.
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