When you’re faced with a multitude of different countertop choices, it’s difficult to figure out which one will be best for your kitchen.
Pros and cons such as the kitchen design and layout, its functionality, and your own personal preferences come into play; That’s why we’ve included a helpful mini-guide to choosing the best material based on these popular choices!
Granite
Granite countertops are the traditional and most mainstream option that’s used in kitchens; They come in a wide range of unique colors and patterns, and have been proved to be durable and have long-lasting value.
Because it’s a natural stone, it’s automatically resistant against direct heat from pans and is also scratch-proof. Granite countertops are also stain-resistant, but some will require sealing in order to avoid stains so it’s best to look into your options when considering these types.
Quartz
Quartz countertop surfaces are also considered engineered stone, as these are 93% quartz and a binding resin. This countertop option has the same functionality as the granite one, though it is not stained resistant and will eventually show wear and tear.
Quartzite
Not to be confused with quartz, this type of countertop has quickly become one of the top choices due to the rise of white and gray kitchen designs.
Quartzite also has the same functionality as granite and has become a number one choice for homeowners that prefer a marble look without the maintenance that comes with marble counters.
Marble
For homeowners, marble is the epitome of all things luxurious. White marble such as Calacatta and Carrara are the popular choices among homeowners.
While it’s still very resistant to most things such as dents and heat, marble can be easily etched and therefore comes with a lot of maintenance and care to avoid staining.
Butcher Block
If you prefer wood countertops over granite and marble, butcher block countertops have been known to stand the test of time (and with good reason).
These types of countertops work well in most, if not all, kitchen settings which also compliments other materials and styles beautifully. Wood is durable, but unlike its stone counterparts, can be easily susceptible to cuts, stains, and other damage.
Luckily, they’re also easily refinished and provide a very low cost of maintenance and care.
Laminate
Laminate countertops are making a comeback as of late with a plethora of color options and edge treatments.
Though these are durable through normal day-to-day activities, it doesn’t handle heat or scratching too well. Because of its durability, however, laminate has become a cost-effective option for those that prefer something close to natural stone finishings.
Take into consideration your daily kitchen activities in order to find the best kitchen countertops for you. A lot of these different styles can be considered an investment, but will also raise the home value of your property.