Nowadays, there are a lot of countertop options to choose from when you renovate your kitchen. However, because of the wide range of options, it can be hard to choose the best one for your needs. Countertops are made from different types of materials such as granite, marble, quartz, stainless steel, ceramic tiles, or laminate.
Keep in mind each material comes with pros and cons, which is why this is not a decision to be made lightly. For example, granite is durable while laminate is prone to scratches. Some materials are more expensive while others are cheap. If you need help picking out a countertop, here are some things to keep in mind.
What Are the Different Countertop Materials?
Quartz
It is an engineered stone product consisting of at least 93% quartz particles combined with other minerals shaped into a slab and bound together using resins. These are different from the solid quartz slabs found in the quarry. Quartz countertops are designed to have better performance and as an adaptable replacement for granite and marble countertops.
It comes in different colors compared to granite. It has a nonporous exterior that prevents staining and scratching. Some variations look like natural marble and contain similar veining properties. Unlike other natural stone countertops, the engineered quartz does not need annual sealing.
Granite
Granite has been one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials used by homeowners who do not have issues with its price tag. This material adds elegance and sophistication to your kitchen. It will make your modern kitchen look luxurious and beautiful.
Previously, granite countertop was considered an expensive material. Nowadays, since more supply is now available in the market and engineered stone is available, its price has come down, making it less expensive than before and easier on the wallet.
Marble
Marble is a natural stone popularly used in kitchen countertops. Each sheet of marble is unique and does not share the same distinction, so you can have a one-of-a-kind marble kitchen countertop that does not look like anything in the world.
If you are eyeing marble countertops for your kitchen, you must prepare a huge amount of money. It is commonly used in kitchen islands and certain sections of the kitchen used for baking. Most experts do not recommend marble for kitchen use because it is prone to staining and scratching. Newer sealers are available to reduce the maintenance needed for marble countertops.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural stone with a dark gray color and a silky smooth surface. It has become a popular choice for a replacement countertop material for granite. It has been used in older homes and even modern ones as a sink and countertop material. It has an antique-like finish that can be catchy in certain kitchen designs. Soapstone is hard and resistant to staining however; it will scratch gradually which can add to its antique-like finish.
Ceramic tile
This material is durable and easy to maintain. It is less expensive than quartz, granite, or solid-surface material countertops. Porcelain tiles come in different sizes and designs, providing you with plenty of options to choose from. You can choose tiles that look like wood, marble, granite, leather, or cork.
Solid-surface material
Unlike the other countertop materials mentioned above, solid-surface material is a man-made material created from acrylic particles combined with resins by pressing them into sheets. Solid-surface materials have been used in homes as kitchen countertops and sink for almost 50 years. They are considered excellent replacements for natural stones.
Previously it has been regarded as a premium quality countertop but now it is only considered as mid-tier quality. If you have a mid-range kitchen, it is a good material because it is not as expensive compared with natural stone materials like granite or quartz countertops.
Laminate
Laminate countertops are made from plastic-coated materials. It has a smooth surface which makes it easy to clean. This type of countertop material is created by bonding laminate sheets to a particleboard core. You can purchase them as pre-formed sections or you can go for customized designs on-site or in a shop.
Laminate countertop has been considered an ordinary replacement for natural stone countertops but lately, it has risen in popularity because it is now available in different colors, patterns, and styles. It is commonly used for retro kitchen designs such as midcentury kitchens.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel countertop is made from stainless steel. It is commonly used for modern kitchens or if you want an industrial look for your kitchen. It is heat-resistant and durable. Since they are designed according to your specifications, you can request a seamless countertop personalized for your very-own kitchen.
Butcher block or wood
Butcher block or wood countertops come in different colors and finishes. You can choose from maple and oak because they are the most popular type of wood used for Butcher block countertops.
Make sure to clean them immediately after using them because they are prone to staining. Some homeowners may use them as a cutting board however this makes them prone to germs, molds, and even deforming when constantly exposed to moisture.
Concrete
Concrete countertop is usually considered for homes for a kitchen with a unique look. It is heavy and it is different than the concrete materials used in sidewalks. Highly polished concrete slabs can be designed with different textures and can be acid-stained to produce different colors. Keep in mind it is prone to cracking but treatments are available to keep this from happening. It is also porous but it can be treated with additives.
Check out Casci DesignWorks for your countertop needs. Please click this link if you want to check out the available products in our inventory. We offer different products such as countertops, cabinetry, and appliances. Steve Frkovich, the owner and designer of the company has more than 40 years of experience in the home design industry.
If you are searching for a specific product please let us know. We will try our best to help you out. You can contact us by calling us at 916-216-2786 or sending an email to sfcasci@gmail.com. We are offering free consultation, so contact us today!