When it comes to designing kitchens, many clients have an idea of the type of look and feel they want their kitchen to have. And a huge part of your new kitchen look is the kitchen countertop. Choosing the best material for your kitchen countertops can be a daunting task. Kitchen countertops are an investment, and they are also not something you can necessarily replace on a whim. That’s why it’s important to know what you want in a countertop while considering all the different options out there. And trust us – there are quite a few options out there!
Top Kitchen Countertop Materials
Granite
Granite has long been the standard for kitchen countertops. It is beautiful, elegant, and it’s the strongest and most durable natural stone for countertops. Granite comes in a variety of colors and types so you can match it to your home’s style without any problems. You’ll need to make sure to seal it to avoid stains, as granite is quite porous. Nowadays, there are many new types of sealers that
Marble
Marble is another luxurious choice that looks clean, bright, and expensive. But it’s not necessarily the best material for kitchen countertops overall. It’s a soft material, which is why we usually recommend it for bathroom countertops, instead. However, clients love the unique look of marble as no two slabs are alike. Because of its cost and the fact that it’s prone to getting scratched (and difficult to repair when damaged), marble is usually reserved for only partial countertop spaces in the kitchen, such as the kitchen island.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are a man-made option that has been rapidly growing in popularity, second to granite. You’ll be able to find better pattern and color selections with quartz, meaning you can even get a quartz countertop that mimics your favorite natural stone. Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz countertops require no sealing and do not need to be maintained over time, making it a long-term investment worth making.
Quartzite
If you like the aesthetics of marble but want something that is a little more durable, quartzite is a good option. It’s in the marble family but requires less maintenance than actual marble.
Soapstone
Soapstone often matches well with the styles of historical homes and it antiques well when it gets scratched. However, it does tend to get scratched easily because it’s a very soft natural stone. It also requires regular treatment of mineral oil for upkeep.
Concrete
Concrete offers a unique look to your kitchen that isn’t quite as industrial as all metal countertops. However, concrete is quite an expensive option for countertops because it is often custom cast right in your kitchen. Concrete is also a porous material that needs to be sealed regularly.
Wood
Butcher block countertops have been making their own comeback in kitchens, but many homeowners don’t feel that they are as sanitary as other countertop materials because they can’t be cleaned the same way. While wood offers a nice warm look to the kitchen, it’s neither heat or scratch resistant. On top of proper maintenance, you’ll have to handle your wood countertops with care to ensure they don’t warp or crack.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is not a choice clients often think about when it comes to kitchen countertops. It doesn’t quite have the same luxurious reputation as marble or granite, but modern tile innovations may help tile become more prominent in kitchens in years to come. In fact, custom-made tiles can be just as expensive as other natural stone countertops, and make just as much of a statement. Tile can also be made to look like anything while being very easy to clean and is very durable. Grout lines between smaller tiles may be a hassle to clean, but larger tile slabs without any grout lines are becoming more popular when it comes to kitchen countertops.
What’s the Best Countertop Choice for You?
Finding the best material for your kitchen countertops will depend on how you use your kitchen and the style you want to achieve. Granite and quartz continue to be the leading choices for kitchen countertops; there are many options out there, though, and not all of them limited to our list above. Kitchen countertops are only one of the many decisions you’ll have to make when designing your kitchen. That’s why WPL Interior Design is here to help – we consider all the choices and options for your kitchen project to make your dream kitchen into a reality.
Starting your kitchen project by gathering images of what you want your kitchen to look like. After doing that, fill out our design inquiry form. We will help lead you in the right direction and make your kitchen the best it can be.
