It’s hard to argue the impact that a top-quality and stylish countertop makes on your overall kitchen design.
Kitchen countertops are front and center. They draw the eyes towards them when you walk into a kitchen. They’re a central focal point that dictates the rest of your kitchen design elements.
That’s why selecting the right kitchen countertops is so important. Start by choosing the material and then consider the design, dimensions, color and finish, and edge treatment for the perfect finished product. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right countertops for your kitchen remodel.
Countertop Materials
By far the most important countertop-related decision you must make for your kitchen is what material of countertops you want.
The material you choose not only changes how your kitchen will look, but it also affects functionality, performance, and durability as well. Simply put, some materials stand up to the wear and tear of kitchen abuse better than others.
Here are 15 of the most popular materials used for kitchen countertops.
Laminate
Your most affordable option, laminate countertops are created with an attractive piece of sheeting glued to a piece of plywood.
Laminate countertops are known for their good looks, easiness to clean, and, most importantly, their low price.
The downsides to this material are visible seams, low heat resistance, and less durability than other options.
Solid-Surface
Created from non-porous acrylic material, solid-surface countertops are a beautiful option with an air of sleek elegance.
The benefits of the solid-surface material for your kitchen include its eco-friendliness, wide range of colors and patterns, and bacteria/stain resistance.
Negatives to look out for in this option are the material’s susceptibility to scratching.
Granite
One of the most beautiful options available, granite countertops are created from a natural stone.
People love granite kitchen countertops because of the stone’s durability, natural appearance, and high-heat resistance. Seal granite properly and it stands up to stains and bacteria with ease.
You must seal your granite countertops on an annual basis to prevent damage such as stress splitting.
Quartz
Another natural stone option for your kitchen countertops is quartz.Quartz countertops are noteworthy for their durability and beautiful appearance. They’re available in a variety of colors and patterns. Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t need to be sealed to demonstrate its heat, stain, and bacteria resistant properties.
Like granite, quartz is a fairly expensive material to use for your kitchen countertops.
Recycled Glass
Those that want a kitchen with a splash of color and style should strongly consider recycled glass countertops.
These countertops are made from shards of recycled glass pressed together. The result is very eye-catching with good resistance to heat, scratches, and stains.The downside to recycled glass countertops is their susceptibility to chipping during heavy use.
Butcher Block
An increasingly popular option for kitchen countertops, butcher block is created from a variety of solid woods glued together into a solid piece.
Butcher block countertops are extremely beautiful, and can be finished with a number of different stains, but also have many cons. Chief among these are the porous nature of wood. You must treat the butcher block properly before use to prevent bacteria, stains, scratches, and other damages from occurring.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone countertops are created with 93% quartz. This material is excellent in the kitchen because it’s strong, durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to heat, scratches, and stains.
The downside to engineered stone is that it’s expensive.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile countertops are made from clay tiles that are fired at a very high temperature and then glazed.
You can find these in just about any color and pattern you desire. Ceramic tile countertops are also easy to customize with your own patterns and designs. The material is inexpensive and easy to clean. Ceramic tile countertops are even a doable DIY project.
The big negative to ceramic tile for kitchen countertops is that they are prone to damage. They are easily chipped or cracked. Fortunately, individual tiles can be replaced as needed without replacing the entire countertop.
Stainless Steel
Those that love contemporary style will love stainless steel kitchen countertops.In addition to their looks, homeowners love them for their heat resistance, durability, and customization options.
Downsides to look out for are their high price and the fact you can’t cut directly on them.
Soapstone
A very smooth material, soapstone is yet another popular option for kitchen countertops.Benefits of soapstone countertops are their very rich color, smooth texture, and resistance to heat.
Negatives of the material include the fact that they require regular maintenance to maintain their aesthetic qualities.
Marble
A luxury kitchen countertop material if there is one, marble is sure to set your kitchen apart from the pack.
The material is notable for its elegance and beautiful good looks. Downsides include its extremely high price tag and the fact that it can stain easily.
Concrete
Once an unpopular material option, concrete is seen in more and more kitchen countertops.
It’s a great choice because it can be customized to your specifications. The material can be poured individually to fit unusual countertop shapes and configurations.
The downside to concrete countertops is the high cost. Some people don’t like the industrial look either.
Ultracompact
A combination of quartz, porcelain, and glass, Ultracompact countertops are quickly becoming a popular option.Pros of this material include its heat, stain, and scratch resistance. Cons include the fact that it’s prone to chipping and cracking.
Bamboo
Bamboo countertops are undoubtedly beautiful and are used in a surprising number of kitchens.
What’s surprising is the fact that despite bamboo’s beauty, it really isn’t a very good option for most kitchen countertops. It stains, scorches, and scratches easily. It also becomes warped with moisture.
Select bamboo kitchen countertops only in an area of your kitchen that is more for show than for actual functionality.
Combination of Materials
Don’t settle on just one material for your kitchen countertops.
Why not select a combination of materials? The option of combining several materials in a single kitchen is a hot trend in kitchen remodels.
You can create a customized kitchen style by mixing and matching countertop materials. For example, use stone for areas where hot pans go use solid surfaces around sinks and use wood materials for showy areas.
Final Thoughts
It’s best to talk to a professional kitchen remodeler when thinking about replacing your kitchen countertops with a new version.
Call Honey-Doers at (952) 985-5383 or use our online contact form for more information.
