My Top 10 Countertop Picks And What To Consider When Choosing Them
The kitchen renovation is scheduled and now you have to get down to deciding on your countertop and everything else. The choices for kitchen countertops is intimidating to say the least, right? How do you know what the best materials are? How can you make sure you’re up to speed on the best choices? Which ones are heat resistant? Which ones are the most durable? There’s a lot to consider when renovating a kitchen. Let me help you make this choice a bit easier. Today I’m going to answer the question: What is the best material for kitchen countertops?
This isn’t the easiest of questions tackle. Just like anything else, what’s right for one homeowner may not be right for all the rest. That is why I always advise my clients to consider how they live and how they use their kitchens. For instance, if you bake a lot and enjoy preparing elaborate meals often , you would need heat resilient, durable surfaces that can be effectively cleaned. I would not advise this person invest their money in laminate surfaces that would not respond well to those activities. On the other hand, if your kitchen is more of a showcase and your idea of a home cooked meal is the Chinese restaurant you have on speed dial, then you probably could get by with a high end laminate or a solid surface that is more for looks than super durable. Either way, It’s a good idea to check with a local expert just to make sure your individual needs are in line with the product you choose.
Without further adieu, here are my top 10 best materials for kitchen countertops.
Granite:
Pros:
Heat resilient and almost as hard as diamonds. Comes in nearly 3000 different colors. Will last forever. Granite counter tops help resale values on most homes.
Cons:
They can be expensive, not maintenance free. Needs to be sealed and they could stain if not sealed properly. They may crack or break if not installed properly.
Quartz:
Pros:
It comes in many colors and is non-porous and very durable. Does not require sealing and easy to care for.
Cons:
There are not many drawbacks to quartz, however it is a very expensive
material.
Corian:
Pros:
It is the same solid density all the way through and is available in many colors and patterns. Scratches can be sanded out and it is seamlessly constructed.
Cons:
It is not heat resistant and can stain easily and can also be expensive.
Tile:
Pros:
Relatively heat resistant. Ranges in price from inexpensive to expensive. Comes in many colors, textures and patterns.
Cons:
Must be installed on even surfaces and can crack or chip is uneven. Must grout the seams and some grout can promote bacteria growth.
Laminate:
Pros:
Comes in many colors, textures and patterns. They can be made to cover any size, shape or surface. Easy to install and inexpensive.
Cons:
It is not heat resistant and it can scratch easily and it will show seams.
Wood:
Pros:
It is beautiful and natural, and comes in many colors. Oak and Maple are the most widely used species for countertops. They are smooth, easy to clean and can be sanded and resealed.
Cons:
Not impervious to water and must be sanded to remove imperfections.
Steel:
Pros:
A great contemporary look. Durable an heat resistant. Can be seamless.
Cons:
Can be very expensive, you cannot cut on it and it can dent if something heavy falls on it.
Soapstone:
Pros:
Beautiful color and somewhat stain resistant.
Cons:
Mostly available in shades of gray. Must be sealed with mineral oil and can darken over time.
Marble:
Pros:
It is water and heat resistant
Cons:
The most expensive countertop option. It
needs to be sealed often.
Concrete:
Pros:
Heat resistant and scratch resistant. It can come in many colors and can be treated to prevent cracking.
Cons:
Middle to high cost and can crack.
There you have it! My top 10 picks for the best materials for kitchen countertops. I’d love to hear what you think about my list. Leave me a comment below and if you liked this top 10 list, give it a thumbs up! Know someone who may be in need of this advice? Pass it along! Share it out on the socials!
Thank you so much for reading this week and until next time, stay fabulous!
Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.
