Kitchen Countertops

When designing a new kitchen, the variety of available cabinets, countertops, and appliances can be overwhelming. Choosing a countertop can be particularly intimidating because it needs to balance beauty, cost, and durability. The following covers some things to consider and explains your countertop options.

What's your budget?

Prices of countertop materials vary widely. If you have limited funds, be honest with yourself about what you can afford. Knowing your budget will bring better choices.

If your budget is tight, but you love a high-end look, consider combining materials. You can use a luxury material on your center island while installing a less expensive one all around the perimeter of the kitchen.

How will you use your countertop?

Even with a generous budget, the function of your countertop should be a top consideration. Do you cook often, have children, or use your countertop as a workspace? Some materials are more heat-, stain-, and scratch-resistant than others.

How much maintenance are you willing to perform?

Some countertops require little maintenance. Others need to be resealed annually along with careful daily cleaning to avoid stains.

Natural countertop options

Marble, granite, and soapstone get quarried from all over the world. These natural stones have inherent veining and patterns that make each slab unique. Natural wood is also a sustainable option. Here are some pros and cons of each.

• Marble
  Pros: Luxury look; heat resistant; suitable for various design aesthetics
  Cons: Expensive; not stain-resistant; scratches easily; needs professional sealing

• Granite
  Pros: Extremely durable; heat-, chemical-, and scratch-resistant; has a high degree of natural pattern variation that helps hide seams
  Cons: Needs to be sealed and maintained with over-the-counter sealant

• Soapstone
  Pros: No sealing or maintenance required; doesn't stain; very durable; resists heat and acidic liquid; can be installed in any shape or form
  Cons: Less durable than marble or granite; has limited colors available

• Butcher block
  Pros: Durable and long-lasting if well maintained
  Cons: Does not resist direct heat or excessive moisture

Man-made countertop options

In addition to natural countertops, there are also various options for countertops made of man-made materials. These options include engineered quartz, concrete, and solid-surface composite materials.

• Engineered quartz
  Pros: Highly durable and maintenance-free; never requires sealing; stain- and scratch-resistant
  Cons: Not heat resistant; resin can discolor from direct sunlight over time

• Concrete
  Pros: Can mold into any shape; has many color options; is long-lasting and durable; is heat-, stain-, and scratch-resistant
  Cons: Expensive; heavy and requires quality base cabinets; costly to repair

• Solid surface
  Pros: Less expensive; has a consistent surface appearance throughout; moldable for vertical applications
  Cons: Not heat resistant; scratches easily

For assistance in making your selection, professionals like Consumers Kitchen and Bath Specialists can break down the square footage you need and show you options to keep you on budget. For more tips to improve your home, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.