Choosing from countertop materials is a huge decision - both cost and impact on your kitchen's aesthetics and practical function.
Choosing a countertop surface material that fits your lifestyle is the first step to a functional kitchen. After all, countertops are where cooking takes place. You could also argue that countertops are the backdrop and main event in any kitchen: They take up a lot of visual space.
The kitchen is the central gathering place for friends and family. If you're looking for ideas for remodeling your kitchen, we recommend reading our article.
High-end materials for kitchen countertops are a big part of the kitchen remodeling budget. A well-chosen countertop makes your kitchen more useful and easier to clean and serves as an essential design element in your kitchen.
To help you sort through the many options, pros, and cons associated with them, KS Renovation - a highly experienced contractor, wants to share our preferences for choosing countertops and has included a few options.
After that, you are welcome to discuss your questions and ideas by scheduling a free consultation.
What Is The Best Countertop Material?
Option 1: Ceramic Tiles
While tiles are most commonly used for backsplashes, they can also be used as countertops.
PROS:
- Tile is the second most affordable countertop material after laminate.
- Ceramic tile is a reasonably simple material to install & maintain.
- Porcelain tiles can seem like genuine wood, actual stone, or other materials in modern porcelain variants.
CONS:
- Grout seams are prone to staining and are challenging to clean.
- Ceramic tile is brittle and easily breaks. Repair is tough since damaged tiles must be replaced entirely.
Option 2: Laminate
A laminate countertop is made from a thin layer of plastic laminate material bonded to a particleboard core or MDF (medium-density fiberboard).
PROS:
- Laminate countertops are one of the most affordable options.
- Great variety is possible if you build a countertop from scratch using designer laminates. Thousands of colors and patterns are available.
CONS:
- Some house buyers believe laminates to be substandard, which could be a disadvantage when selling your home.
- Laminates are readily peeled, chipped, and scorched.
- In comparison to other materials, laminate countertops can feel empty and light.
Book a free NYC High-End kitchen renovation consultation with one of our all-in-house licensed professionals to get a free estimate.
Option 3: Granite Slab
Many forms of natural stone are popular choices for kitchen countertops, with granite slabs being the most popular. Granite countertops begin as a quarried block of solid natural stone made to order and installed by expert crews.
PROS:
- Solid granite slabs are incredibly hefty and long-lasting.
- Each granite countertop is unique since no two pieces are alike.
- Granite countertops are a high-end building material that increases the value of a home.
- Countertops with no seams are generally achievable.
CONS:
- Granite is a somewhat costly material.
- Like many other forms of natural stone, Granite needs to be sealed regularly to keep it stain-free.
Option 4: Modular Granite
Modular granite is a less expensive choice for homeowners who want granite or who want to save money by installing granite themselves.
PROS:
- Solid granite slabs are incredibly hefty and long-lasting.
- Each granite countertop is unique since no two pieces are alike.
- Granite countertops are a high-end building material that increases the value of a home.
- Countertops with no seams are generally achievable.
CONS:
- Granite is a costly material.
- Like many other forms of natural stone, Granite needs to be sealed regularly to keep it stain-free.
- Granite is not a do-it-yourself material; it requires professional installation.
Book a free NYC High-End kitchen renovation consultation with one of our all-in-house licensed professionals to get a free estimate.
Option 5: Marble
Marble is a more expensive natural stone with fewer color patterns than granite. Marble is also porous and soft, making it less stain-resistant than granite.
Like granite, marble is available in three forms—solid slabs, modular marble, and marble tiles. As with granite, solid slabs are the best choice for countertops.
PROS:
- Marble is the most attractive natural stone because of its inherent veining.
- Each marble countertop will be unique due to the slightly varying veining in each slab.
CONS:
- Marble is porous and quickly discolored unless sealed regularly with a high-quality sealant.
- Marble is a soft stone that can be scratched easily by knives and other culinary implements.
- Like most real stones, Marble is an expensive material for extensive areas.
Option 6: Soapstone
Soapstone has been used for countertops for many years, despite not being as well-known as granite or marble. Soapstone, another quarried stone, has a warm, milky aspect that complements other design elements without overpowering them.
PROS:
- Because of the large amount of talc in soapstone has a warm feeling and a milky appearance.
- Kitchens with these surfaces have an ancient appearance.
- Because soapstone is no longer often used for kitchen surfaces, it serves as a conversation starter.
- Soapstone is less porous than other stones and, therefore, relatively easy to clean.
CONS:
- Soapstone, while harder than it appears, can be gouged and damaged.
- Soapstone can be pretty costly, sometimes even more so than granite.
- Counters should be oiled regularly to keep their patina.
- White and gray tones dominate the palette.
Book a free NYC High-End kitchen renovation consultation with one of our all-in-house licensed professionals to get a free estimate.
Option 7: Slate
The final natural stone commonly found in countertops is slate, which is quarried straight from the earth, cut into slabs, and surface-grinded to a matte finish. It is a surprisingly good material for countertops since it is relatively non-porous and resists stains well.
PROS:
- Slate is non-porous and stain-resistant.
- Slate has a high resistance against germs.
- Slate countertops are solid and long-lasting stones.
- Granite, marble, and soapstone are all more expensive than slate.
CONS:
- Slate has a rough, matte texture that may not suit many kitchen preparation tasks.
- Color possibilities are limited compared to other materials.
Option 8: Quarts
Quartz is one of the newest and most advanced synthetic countertop materials. Pulverized waste rock and resins for hardness and binding make up this substance.
Quartz quickly displaces solid-surface materials as a viable countertop alternative to genuine stone.
PROS:
- Due to the inclusion of quartz crystals and other natural minerals, these countertops are pretty attractive.
- Quartz countertops are in high demand and add resale value to a home.
- There are many different colors and styles.
- These countertops are more scratch resistant and durable than solid surface counters.
CONS:
- The weight of quartz countertops is enormous.
- Quartz countertops are comparable to genuine granite in price.
- Only expert installers should install it.
- There isn't a do-it-yourself option.
Book a free NYC High-End kitchen renovation consultation with one of our all-in-house licensed professionals to get a free estimate.
Option 9: Recycled Glass Tile
A countertop created from individual glass tiles put atop a cement-board core, similar to ceramic tile, is another technique to use recycled glass. Although not uncommon, glass tiles are better suited for backsplashes than countertops.
PROS:
- It is a low-cost method of installing recycled glass on your kitchen counters.
- Laying tile, unlike recovered glass slabs, is an excellent DIY project.
- Materials are easy to come by.
CONS:
- Staining occurs at the seams between tiles.
- Glass is a brittle material that can easily be broken, chipped, or cracked.
Option 10: New or Reclaimed Wood
Installing recycled wood counters takes green remodeling to the next level. For an ancient and distinctive look, barns, flooring, siding, and even old wood counters are reused and turned into wood counters. Look for raw materials in architectural salvage yards.
PROS:
- Wood countertops are the epitome of sustainability.
- These are genuinely unique kitchen countertops—a conversation starter.
- Reclaimed wood gives your kitchen a traditional look.
CONS:
- It’s hard to find suitable materials.
- Tung oil is necessary for extensive sealing of wood. Craft Art recommends a qualified service provider.
- Wood countertops can store germs if not properly maintained and sealed.
Make a better choice.
While we tried to highlight the most popular possibilities, several less common and emerging countertop materials could work well in your kitchen. If you're thinking about using copper, stainless steel, tile, or another material, consult a contractor to be sure you understand the maintenance requirements.
The good news is that you can sign up for a free consultation to choose the best countertop design for your kitchen.
Book a free NYC High-End kitchen renovation consultation with one of our all-in-house licensed professionals to get a free estimate.
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