Next to cabinets, kitchen countertops are one of the most important items you’ll admire as well as utilize in your home. And like kitchen cabinets, there are many, many different types to choose from. From, quartz to granite and butcher block to laminate, you have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing the right kitchen countertop for you. But, don’t worry; we can walk you through this process, so you’ll end up with kitchen countertops you’ll not only love, but will last for years.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a non-porous material, making it a great option for any type of surface that might come in contact with staining liquids such as wine, coffee or juice. Because it is non-porous, quartz does not harbor bacteria or viruses. This makes it a great option for your kitchen or bathroom.
Quartz countertops have the same durability as granite. If you love a natural look, but also crave a low-maintenance countertop, then you should consider quartz. Quartz countertops can be strikingly beautiful, and they’re much lower maintenance than natural stone products. They also tend to be stain and scratch resistant. The manufacturing process with quartz countertops allows a much wider range of colors than you’ll find in natural stones such as marble or granite
Granite Countertops
Granite is an igneous rock, characterized by a hard coarse grained surface. It contains several minerals, most prominent ones being quartz and feldspars, all of which are locked into each other, making granite immensely strong as well as durable.
Granite is the most popular style of natural stone countertop material. It can’t be scratched by knives and is resistant to high-heated objects. Also, granite countertops are available in 100s of colors and a variety of patterns. Each piece of granite countertop has its own mineral makeup, meaning each in one-of-a-kind.
Marble Countertops
Marble is a natural stone, which means the marble slabs you choose will be one-of-a-kind. Marble instantly adds to the worth of your home due to its elegance. This long-lasting stone will look as striking as the day you installed it for many years to come. Marble countertops have a multifaceted ability to work with so many different kitchen design styles. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, marble is highly heat resistant.
Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops are made from straight cuts of wood glued together into thick slabs that provide a particularly sturdy and stable work surface in a kitchen – whether as a cutting board, tabletop or counter. Warm and accommodating, butcher block is an affordable countertop material with a lot going for it. Maintain them regularly and a butcher block countertop will reward you by aging gracefully.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid Surface is a man-made material usually composed of a combination of marble dust, bauxite, acrylic, epoxy or polyester resins and pigments. It is most frequently used for seamless countertop installations.
Laminate Countertops
A combination of plastic and paper, these materials are formed into a thin layer and colored or manufactured with naturalistic or textured designs. This layer is then laminated to particleboard or chip board. It’s quite durable. To clean the surface, use a damp cloth or sponge and a mild soap or detergent.
STILL CAN’T DECIDE?
Compare features of the countertop surfaces available in today’s market with our Countertop Comparison Chart below. With so many possibilities to choose from, it’s hard to know which options you should consider. Think about your budget, your design taste and how your family will use your kitchen before making your decision.