Choosing your countertop for a kitchen remodel is one of the most important aspects of the remodeling process. It influences everything, from how much you enjoy preparing and cooking to just spending time in your kitchen and around it. From how beautiful you imagine your countertop to look, to how smooth you want it to look and feel beneath your hands when rolling your dough and slicing your vegetables, the importance of getting a countertop that satisfies all your needs cannot be overemphasized. You want something that looks beautiful and will last for years. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
There are countless varieties of countertops to choose from, each with its own unique features. Granite, for example, is always a popular choice for its durability and elegant appearance. However, it is a high-end option and requires regular maintenance. Conversely, another option is laminate, which is less expensive and easier to care for, but is not as durable as granite. Ultimately, the best countertop for your kitchen will depend on your needs and personal preference. In this blog post, we will guide you through nine types of countertops on the market. Take some time to consider your options as you search for the combination of look and performance you desire from your new countertop.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone, quarried from the earth and cut into slabs or tiles for kitchen countertops. It is one of the most popular choices on the market, and it is easy to see why. Granite countertops are extremely durable, heat-resistant, and can withstand a lot of daily wear and tear, making them ideal for a busy kitchen. They are also easy to clean. Simply wipe down with regular soap and water on a daily basis. They come in varieties of colors ranging from browns, greens, classic whites, and beiges, to variations of grays and blacks. It has beautiful natural patterning that adds visual interest to any kitchen space. Granite offers you various finishes to choose from as well — polished, honed, or brushed - to give it an even more personalized touch. However, granite requires specific maintenance. Due to its porous nature, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining. Even though granite can withstand a lot of wear and tear, it can also be susceptible to chips and scratches if not used with care. However, with proper care and maintenance granite will last for many years.
In terms of cost, granite is among the more expensive options. But with the tested and true durability it offers, it is worth the investment. It will add value to your home and make your kitchen more beautiful.
Marble
Marble is formed when limestone is subjected to high temperatures and pressure. The raw marble is then processed into a smooth, soft appearance with scattered veining patterns. These veining patterns range from subtle and delicate to bold and dramatic. Because of its striking appearance, it is generally seen as the classic choice among kitchen countertops. It does not only score high in looks, but it is also heat-resistant and can stand all the heat from your cooking pans. Marble comes in a wide range of colors, from classic white to sand brown and deep black.
In considering marble for your kitchen remodel, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most important is to know that marble is a porous material and can be susceptible to damage from acid-based cleaners and spills. Clean with gentle water and regular soap only. Furthermore, avoid cutting directly on a marble surface as knives can scratch it.
When it comes to finishes, marble countertops can come in attractive options. For example, polished marble has a high shine and luxurious look, while honed marble has a softer matte finish. Because of its' high price tag, it is very often seen as a smaller, complimentary top to the main kitchen countertop. It is the ideal base for doughs and cookie batters. With regular sealing, your marble countertop will maintain its beautiful appearance.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are made from natural stone combined with resin binders and pigments. The popularity (and cost) rivals granite, but it is worth your investment. In addition to the consistent patterns, quartz offers more color options than granite and marble since it is produced with pigments added to the quartz. It is durable, resistant to heat, chips, and staining and also offers a high level of scratch and impact resistance. Its non-porous nature makes it a low-maintenance option, meaning it does not require periodic sealing like granite or marble. Quartz is an excellent choice for many kitchen remodeling projects because of its options in colors and performance features.
Laminate
Laminate is composed of multiple layers of paper that are bonded together. Laminate countertops can be relatively cheap, offering a wide variety of colors and patterns, so of which mimic the look of more expensive materials like granite or concrete. They are easy to keep clean — simply wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove spills or stubborn stains. However, laminate countertops can be particularly susceptible to chipping and scratching. They are difficult to repair and may not have quite the same high-end look as the more expensive material you want them to mimic.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural stone composed mainly of talc, chlorite, and dolomite. Its soft, soapy feel with white swirls and dramatic veinlike patterns offers a distinct and unique look. While soapstone does offer some stain and heat resistance, it is a porous natural stone like granite and marble, and can be impacted by moisture or spills left unattended. Thankfully, it is easy to clean with mild soap and a soft sponge. Being porous though does require maintenance in the form of regular oiling to maintain its natural look.
Soapstone is a high-end option and its unique look makes it easy to see why. If you are going for rustic, soapstone can add such ambiance to your kitchen space with its predominantly dark green and deep charcoal tones. For finishes, honed soapstone creates a matte finish that mutes veining, while polished soapstone has a glossy finish and accentuates veining.
Butcher Block
Butcher block is made of strips of wood glued together and sanded down to create a smooth surface. It is available in multiple wood types, from maple, oak, and cherry to more exotic woods like walnut and lyptus. Butcher block countertops have a warm and inviting look that can add personality to any kitchen. When considering countertops that will give a kitchen a rustic look, butcher block makes the list. They are available in various shapes and finishes to fit different kitchen styles.
Butcher block countertops will vary in cost depending on the type of wood and/or finish you select. They are easy to clean, but require regular oiling and sealing for optimal durability and appearance. This is particularly important if you plan to use part or all of your wood countertop food preparation.
Concrete
A concrete countertop is a suitable option when looking for a truly unique type of countertop. Concrete is highly customizable, allowing choices in the color and finish you want. It can be stained, painted, or left natural. A porous material, concrete needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining. It is also susceptible to chipping and cracking but will last when properly maintained. Concrete is a heavy material, so you will need to be able to evaluate the structural support in your flooring and cabinets to confirm and support the weight. It is important that you work with professionals to design it, install it and get it right.
Stainless Steel
For a durable, low-maintenance option, stainless steel may be the right choice for you. As the name ‘stainless’ implies, it is stain-resistant. It is also durable and can resist the heat from your pots and baking pans, making it ideal for anyone who simply loves to explore cooking and baking recipes. Stainless steel countertops have a sleek, modern look that can complement any kitchen style. However, keep in mind that stainless steel can show fingerprints and smudges more easily than other options. In addition, it is not a surface you should cut on without your chopping boards. It can be noisy and will blunt your knife.
Recycled/Eco-friendly
Recycled and eco-friendly countertops are a great way to reduce environmental impact while getting a durable countertop at the same time. These are countertops made from sustainable or recycled materials that range from bamboo to used glass.
Bamboo is a renewable natural resource that is incredibly strong. Countertops are manufactured by pressing bamboos together and adding non-toxic chemical adhesives to form slabs. It is durable and easy to clean. Bamboo countertops are not resistant to scratches, so it is important to seal them regularly like the butcher block countertop.
Recycled glass countertops are both beautiful and unique. Made from recycled bottles and other glass products, they offer durability, cleaning ease, and resistance to heat, cuts, and scratches. They may chip over time but will last many years.
The Bottom Line
For whatever you are hoping to achieve in your kitchen remodel, there will be a countertop that will suit your needs. The kitchen countertop plays a big role in the overall look and feel of your kitchen, so it is important to get it right. With so many materials, colors, and finishes to choose from, the possibilities are nearly endless. You may even decide on a combination of two! With the help of a kitchen design expert, you can be sure to find the perfect countertop for your space.
Here at Reico Kitchen & Bath, we offer a beautiful collection of countertops to choose from. Our kitchen design experts will help you assess your options and find the perfect countertop(s) for your kitchen. From materials and finishes to construction and final installation, we will assist you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your consultation and get started with your kitchen remodel!
