Designing a kitchen from scratch can be complicated, especially when you will need to balance your aesthetic taste with the practicalities of what your kitchen needs to be able to do for you and your family. Want to know how to choose the right countertop for your kitchen island? Then keep on reading!
What Are My Options For Kitchen Countertops?
Here is a list of what we believe to be the top choices of countertops for your kitchen based on aesthetics, quality, and durability:
1. Soapstone Countertops
If you haven’t heard of soapstone, you most likely have seen it in various kitchens as it is one of the most popular choices of stone to have on your kitchen countertop. Soapstone is dark in color and can be made in blue, green, or gray making it an ideal choice if you are going for a dramatic or masculine kitchen aesthetic. Soapstone is similar to marble in appearance as it has veins of lighter shades running throughout the stone which adds texture and color to the appearance. Soapstone is a very practical stone to choose as a kitchen countertop as it is stain and heat-resistant, perfect for those who will regularly prepare and cook food in their kitchens. If you are interested in protecting the environment, soapstone is a fantastic option to choose as the stone is made from recycled materials.
Here is a short list of the pros and cons of soapstone:
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Heat and stain resistant
Cons
- Only available in darker shades
2. Marble Countertops
If you are looking for a brighter and lighter shade for your kitchen countertops, marble is a perfect choice. Marble is commonly available in white and cream shades but can also be available in pinks and greens. The patterns of the marble are made as the limestone layers alter causing patterns in the marble to mold. Marble will give a traditional and classic appearance to your kitchen that is very durable and perfect for those who do not mind caring for their kitchen to keep it looking flawless.
Here is a short list of the pros and cons of marble:
Pros
- Can add value to your kitchen
- Creates a classic look to your kitchen
- Wide variety of colors
Cons
- Will need regular cleaning care
- Less friendly on your budget
- Can stain as the stone is softer than other materials like granite
3. Quartz Countertops
If you are looking for a natural look for your kitchen countertop, quartz will be the best kind of material to choose from. Quartz is a material that is made up of natural stone and resins making it a very durable material to use in your kitchen. Quartz is a dynamic material that is available in a mixture of shades. Quartz is a common choice for kitchen worktops as it is easy to care for and is often more budget-friendly than other stones.
Here is a short list of the pros and cons of quartz:
Pros
- Durable
- Available in various shades
- Easy to care for
- Scratch and heat resistant
Cons
- Stains and chips will need professional repair
- Not heatproof
4. Granite Countertop
Granite is a material used on kitchen worktops that is completely natural and made from different minerals, meaning that granite is unique in appearance. Granite is available in both dark and light shades but seeing as the stone is unique it is difficult to match slabs. If granite is used within a kitchen, as it is a durable and sought-after stone a home’s value may increase.
Here is a short list of the pros and cons of granite:
Pros
- Natural unique appearance
- Resistant to heat and scratching
Cons
- Will need to be routinely resealed and maintained
- More expensive than other countertop options
Consider What Size Countertop You Want For Your Kitchen Island
Knowing what size you would like your kitchen island to be may help you choose which solid stone will be the best choice for your kitchen countertops. If your kitchen island will be smaller in size, choosing a high-quality stone like granite may be more expensive but more affordable if you only require a small section of stone. If you are needing a large cut of stone if you want to save on budget choosing a cheaper stone like quartz could be a better option.
Many professional companies like Marble Concepts will have offcuts of the stone that are remaining from previous jobs that can be offered to you at a slightly cheaper rate. It is always worth discussing your plans with a professional and talking through your options before ordering your kitchen worktop.
Consider How You Will Use Your Kitchen
The next consideration you will want to keep in mind when choosing which stone is right for your kitchen countertop is how much you will be using your kitchen and what for. If you have a passion for cooking, you may want to choose a stone that is heatproof and will not be stained easily such as granite. If you are more interested in interior design and would love your kitchen to stun on appearances you may be happy with quartz as your stone of choice for your kitchen countertops.
The other aspects that may affect which stone you choose for your kitchen countertop are how busy your lifestyle is and how willing you are to care for the stone. Some stones require cleaning and maintenance in order to fix stains and allow the stone to be more long-lasting while others simply do not need this attention and will be stronger and more durable.
Talk To A Professional at Marble Concepts Today
Before deciding what stone you would like for your kitchen, consider sitting down and browsing as to what stone you aesthetically like and what your needs are for a kitchen. A professional will help guide you to what may work with your design and your budget. Call Marble Concepts to cut and install your stunning quartz, marble, or granite countertops today. Give us a call at 215-396-7393 today to learn more.
