Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen with a new countertop? Choosing the right material is important, as they all have different pros and cons. Keep reading to learn more so that you can choose the best countertop material for your kitchen!
Which Countertop Materials Are Most Popular?
There are a lot of countertop material options on the market. Some countertops, such as granite, quartz, quartzite, and laminate have an incredible variety of colors, styles, and appearances. Other countertops, such as stainless steel, are more limited in their appearance.
The countertop materials we’ll be reviewing include:
- Granite
- Quartz
- Quartzite
- Marble
- Laminate
- Butcher block
- Stainless steel
Pros and Cons of Countertop Materials
Price
Deciding on your budget before looking at materials is important. Pricing will vary depending on design, especially when it comes to materials such as quartz, granite and quartzite. But in general your scale will go from laminate, granite, quartz, quartzite, butcher block, marble, stainless steel.
Durability
Durability is an important factor in choosing a countertop. You’ll want to choose one that is right for your needs.
- Granite countertops: resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and most chemicals. Some stains or damages can occur under harsher conditions. And as with all natural stone on this list, it is recommended that you seal them from time to time to make sure they don’t absorb and stain.
- Quartz: this is a man made material and, although you can’t put something right off of the oven on it, it does have a high durability. Easy to maintain as well, a bit of rubbing alcohol and you will be able to keep it stain free. Does not absorb so it’s also super hygenic.
- Quartzite: an impressively durable material. Resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and harsh chemicals. This is much stronger material than granite.
- Marble: resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and harsh chemicals. Some scratches or stains may occur. It is a more delicate material than granite and usually recommended more for bathrooms than a kitchen setting.
- Stainless steel: one of the most durable materials. Resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and harsh chemicals.
- Butcher block: resistant to some heat and chemicals, but can be burned, stained, and scratched. However, it can be sanded and refinished. Also, while it is stained with a waterproof coating, that is also a consideration depending the area is being used in and how much water will be on the surface over time.
- Laminate: resistant to most stains, but can easily be scratched or burned.
Maintenance
Some countertops need more upkeep and care than others. Here’s what you need to know about each:
- Marble: requires the most maintenance–regular cleaning with marble-safe solutions and resealing every six months
- Granite: some maintenance required–regular cleaning and resealing
- Butcher block: some maintenance required– staining, resealing, sanding, and cleaning
- Quartz: little maintenance. Cleaning with light products, spot treat with alcohol and no need for resealing
- Quartzite: little maintenance outside of surface cleaning
- Laminate: very little maintenance
- Stainless steel: very little maintenance
Choose the Best Countertop Material for You
There are pros and cons to each countertop material. Ultimately, it’s up to you! Where you want to use it and what look you’re going for. For design consultations and kitchen remodeling, contact us today.
