Top Kitchen Countertop Materials
Choosing the right countertop can be tricky. They’re often the backdrop and the main event in the kitchen occupying prime visual real estate, but they also need to be practical for your lifestyle. After all, counters are where the cooking actually happens. And let’s not forget about budget.. Piece of cake, right? 😳
So how do you decide on the right countertop for your kitchen? I’ve made a list of pros and cons to help simplify the decision-making process. Before reading on and falling in love with something, keep the following things in mind:
◆ Color & design - What style do you like?
◆ Size and shape of material (thickness, length, edge style)
◆ Integration with backsplash - Will the materials match or not?
◆ Kitchen island - Do you want one and will they match other counters?
◆ Durability & maintenance levels - Think about how you'll use the space.
◆ Cost of ownership (not only initially, but future maintenance as well
Ready? Let’s go!
Marble
Price: $$$$$
Maintenance Costs: High
Although costly, marble is a luxurious, classic style of natural stone. Tip: Give your budget a breather and reserve a slab of marble only for the baking center of your kitchen.
PROS:
◆ Beautiful, high-end look with unique veining
◆ Waterproof and heatproof
◆ Great work surface for bakers
◆ Variety of texture and color
◆ Can increase property value
CONS:
◆ Expensive
◆ High-maintenance
◆ Must be sealed regularly
◆ Stains and scratches easily
◆ Very heavy
Granite
Price: $$$$
Maintenance Costs: Moderate
As one of the hardest natural stones, granite offers a timeless appeal that is not only elegant but durable.
PROS:
◆ Wide variety of colors, patterns and thicknesses
◆ Heat and scratch resistant
◆ Low maintenance
◆ Tends to improve resale value of the home
CONS:
◆ It’s a porous material, so needs to be sealed occasionally
◆ If not sealed properly, it can stain
◆ Slabs may have imperfections
◆ Cheaper than marble but still on the pricier side
Quartz
Price: $$$
Maintenance Costs: Low
Best for the low-fuss cook, quartz is an engineered alternative to granite and marble with high longevity, durability and strength.
PROS:
◆ No sealing needed
◆ Resistant to stains and scratches
◆ Slabs are uniform with no imperfections
◆ Usually less expensive than Granite
CONS:
◆ Not heat resistant
◆ Seams can be visible
◆ Colors and patterns can look artificial
◆ Difficult to install
Concrete:
Price: $$$
Maintenance Costs: Moderate to High
With an industrial appearance, concrete countertops are handmade and fairly eco-friendly.
PROS:
◆ Can be stained or tinted with color
◆ Extremely durable
◆ Heat and scratch resistant
◆ Can easily be done in unusual shapes
CONS:
◆ Require waxing every six months and sealed annually.
◆ Can stain easily especially if not waxed/ sealed regularly.
◆ Costs are higher due to custom work and installation
Solid Surface
Price: $$
Maintenance Costs: Low
Solid surface counters are another engineered stone that are functional and attractive but slightly softer than Quartz.
PROS:
◆ Plenty of color and pattern options
◆ No sealing needed
◆ Seams are virtually invisible
◆ Damage can be easily sanded out
◆ Low to mid-range cost
CONS:
◆ Not heat resistant
◆ Susceptible to stains
◆ If used roughly, prone to chipping and scratches
◆ Can lose its shine over time
Soapstone:
Price: $$
Maintenance Costs: Low
Soapstone is a natural material usually dark gray in color with a smooth, silky feel that can patina over time if you’d like it to do so.
PROS:
◆ Low-maintenance and durable
◆ Stain, heat and bacteria resistant
◆ Will not show fingerprints
◆ Damage can be sanded out
◆ Eco-friendly
CONS:
◆ May darken over time
◆ Best to treat with oil if you want uniform wear (about 6-8 times)
◆ Because it is relatively soft, surface can scratch and dent
◆ Rarely comes in slabs longer than 7 feet
Butcher Block
Price: $ (if I could add a half dollar sign here, I would 😉)
Maintenance Costs: Moderate to High
Wood countertops can be both attractive and functional for food preparation.
PROS:
◆ Warm and inviting look
◆ Come in a variety of thicknesses
◆ Food can be prepped directly on the surface
◆ Can be sanded and resealed
◆ Recyclable
CONS:
◆ Must be regularly sealed to prevent staining
◆ May need refinishing to combat wear and tear over time
◆ More easily damaged than stone
Laminate
Cost: $
Maintenance Costs: Moderate to High
Laminate countertops are plastic coated, come in endless styles that can even resemble granite, and best of all, they’re budget friendly.
PROS:
◆ Easy to maintain
◆ Wide variety of styles available
◆ Inexpensive
◆ Easy to install
CONS:
◆ Not long-lasting
◆ Can chip and peel over time
◆ Seams are visible
◆ Hard to repair
◆ Susceptible to burns and water damage
That’s a wrap!
You’re one step closer in planning your kitchen remodel. 😅 Unfortunately, there are many other details, but I’ve got your back! Check out my free Kitchen Design Checklist - the tool I use with clients when we begin a new kitchen renovation project together.
