Your kitchen needs a convenient and durable countertop. It should also look great and fit the overall interior design. That is why it is essential to pick out the best material for kitchen countertops according to your needs and budget.
I’d like to highlight the most functional and beautiful of them here.
Marble
It is a natural stone used in countertops quite often. Every part of it looks different from others. So the surface will be unique anyway.
The material seems luxurious enough and costs a lot. It is believed that marble can be easily scratched or stained. However, modern sealers work wonders and the possibility of damage is completely reduced.
Marble has some other pros – for example, it is heat-proof and waterproof, looks beautiful, and adds value to the house.
Ceramic Tile
In contrast, this material is quite durable, easy to install, clean, and maintain. And it is much cheaper.
Porcelain tiles have been continuously renovated so they offer more different options for designs. A countertop can look like marble, wood, cork or even leather depending on your choice.
Such a surface can be installed on your own, and it is heat-resistant and diverse in use. However, if you order custom tiles, they can be rather expensive though they may crack under heavy loads.
Wooden Surfaces
This material for kitchen countertops has one big advantage – it looks natural and warm. It is quite popular among homeowners because wood is easy to clean and maintain, durable enough, and can be sanded and renewed. The most widely used types of timber here are oak and maple.
Nevertheless, some users do not believe in such surfaces’ durability because this material can be easily cut with knives or scratched.
Moreover, bacteria can live in these scratches and may become a problem. The surface should be maintained regularly because it may crack if not oiled and sealed properly.
Concrete
This is a good choice for modern kitchens where countertops should look unique and be functional. The material weighs a lot so the countertop is installed from scratch immediately in the kitchen. The porousness of concrete is well-known but this characteristic is diminished by some additives as well as its cracking challenges are reduced by them.
You can obtain any colour of a countertop due to the changes of texture and acid-staining.
The surface is scratch-resistant, durable, and can withstand high temperatures. However, such countertops cannot be a DIY project because they need additional efforts and tools.
Granite
This material provides elegance. It may seem rather expensive but its cost has recently gone down a little. The most important features of granite are its durability, immense heat resistance, strength, and eco-friendliness.
It is very diverse – you can choose among about three thousand different hues, colours, and types. New sealers are used these days so such countertops do not require any further maintenance.
You cannot set this surface on your own because, if installed improperly, it can produce some bad cracks. Remember not to cut products on the countertop too often because your knives will get dulled very quickly.
Quartz
This convenient material for kitchen countertops is actually a manufactured and engineered stone which contains only 92% of quartz and the rest are other kinds of minerals.
While manufactured, it is divided into slabs and hardened with resins. You can pick out any colour. Its surface is nonporous and it does not produce scratches or stains. It does not need a lot of sealing and maintenance.
You can install this surface on your own and it is very convenient. However, such countertops are very heavy and rather expensive.
Laminates
This material is synthetic, with a plastic coating and gliding surface. The installation and maintenance are very easy. You can opt for different variations according to your kitchen design. These surfaces are premade in sheets or segments. Or you can order them custom-fabricated by providing your specifications.
The variety of shapes, patterns, styles, and colours is immense so it is easy to choose the most appropriate one. They are mostly inexpensive and available for DIY projects.
Such countertops, however, have some disadvantages, for example, they feature visible eams and surfaces can be easily cut or scratched.
Stainless Steel
The material provides a hi-tech or industrial look. It is very durable and heat-resistant. The countertops are seamless and easy to clean.
They add value to a house because they may be quite costly if manufactured in accordance with custom specifications. Such surfaces may be rather noisy when in use and scratched easily.
Soapstone
The material is natural, featuring a dark grey colour and smooth feel. It is common for older houses and it forms a patina when used for a long time. It can add some antique feel so it is valued in new projects.
Soapstone is durable and stain-resistant. Any damage can be eliminated by sanding.
You cannot install this countertop on your own. Maintenance is important because the surface needs regular oil treatment.
Solid Surfaces
These are manufactured as solid blocks made of resins and acrylic particles. You can also acquire them in sheets. The material is not too expensive and it belongs to a mid-tier. It is suitable for large kitchens with many usable countertops.
They do not stain, and are available in various colours and patterns. However, the material can be damaged by heat and is not suitable for DIY projects.
Here are the most popular contemporary materials for kitchen countertops. You can choose any of them due to the interior design, preferences, and budget.
