Finding the right materials for kitchen countertops can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be with the number of materials available in the marketplace. It’s difficult for a homeowner to know what product will work for their particular situation but with a listing of top materials, it should be easier to determine what countertops materials are the best for their situation. Here is a current listing of 10 materials that should help in your search for a compatible countertop product for your kitchen.
1. Granite
Granite remains the top choice for kitchen countertops. It hasn’t lost its popularity through the years and its elegance and choice of different pattern surfaces and distinctive colors make it an option that continues to dominate the kitchen countertop industry. Granite can add an instant touch of luxury to any kitchen area, small or large. So, why do homeowners love granite, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of it?
Advantages
- Strong
- Durable
- Heat Resistant
- Home value increase
- Many different colors and types
- Nearly Maintenance-free
Disadvantages
- Not for do-it-yourself installation
- Can be expensive
- Imperfections can be present in stone
- Can crack with poor installation
- Can crack if overtaxed or improperly installed
- Porous and requires sealing at intervals
- Sealing is necessary to avoid stains
- Sharp utensil use can result in dullness to stone
2. Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural stone that is dark gray in color and has a smooth and sleek surface to it, though the stone is actually quite hard and resists stains. Soapstone appears to be emerging as a viable substitute for granite as homeowners see its value for use in older homes. You often see it used in historic homes, but it also enhances modern home countertops and sinks. Soapstone ages well and can exhibit an antique look and sheen over time. Homeowners of older homes and newer ones find the look attractive. Over time, the aging process with soapstone may show scratches, but even this brings out the sheen of this natural stone. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this natural stone?
Advantages
- Unbelievably rich in color
- Some stain resistance
- Fairly resistant to heat
- Any scratches or damage can be smoothed out
- Brings an old-fashioned appearance
- Offers an antique or historic look to a kitchen
Disadvantages
- Darkening of the stone may happen over time
- Not for do-it-yourself installation
- Requires treatment with mineral oil
- Scratches and dents can occur
3. Marble
Marble is another natural stone that’s unique because any sheet or slab won’t be identical. Any countertop slab you choose will be original in its color and pattern. It’s a luxurious stone characterized by veining, and you often see it used in smaller areas like an island or baking area of a home. Marble can be costly, but marble can also grace entire kitchen countertops for a full look of luxury, though full countertop looks usually aren’t recommended. Marble can be a touchy material because of its tendency to stain and scratch. Some sealers can help with reducing marble upkeep, but it’s still a stone that requires care. There are advantages and disadvantages with marble, but it’s definitely a luxurious material.
Advantages
- Resistant to water and heat
- Increases home value
- Unique and luxurious stone
Disadvantages
- Costly
- Not for do-it-yourself installation
- Scratches can occur
- Repairing can be difficult
- Porous and stains easily without sealing
4. Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone that consists of a percentage of quartz particles and other minerals. The materials are fabricated into slabs held together by resins. Engineered quartz is heavy yet is not like a quartz slab that comes out of a quarry, but it’s able to perform just as well as granite and marble. Big companies like Dupont, Cambria, and Silestone produce engineered quartz in many styles and colors so there is much to choose from in kitchen countertop designs. This type of quartz can even be made to resemble other natural stones like marble, and it doesn’t require a yearly sealing like other natural stone materials. There are advantages to quartz countertops and a few disadvantages.
Advantages
- Fabrication in any shape or size
- Slabs are free of flaws and uniform throughout
- Lots of color and style choices
- Maintenance-free
- Sealing is not necessary
- Stain-resistant
- Unaffected by heat and food acids
- Natural in appearance
Disadvantages
- Costly
- Heavy countertops
5. Solid-surface
Solid surface materials are man-made and consist of a blend of particles made from acrylics and resins that are pressed and fabricated into sheets for countertop use. Solid-surface material has been around for decades and has served as an alternative to natural stone. Today solid surface materials are not as popular as they once were, but they remain in use in kitchens at the mid-level range in design, plus solid surface materials are often seen in more luxurious and larger kitchens where an additional amount of countertop material is required. Solid-state surface materials have advantages and disadvantages, but the material has evolved over the years.
Advantages
- Stain-resistant
- Invisible seaming
- Sanding for damage and imperfections
- Numerous colors and patterns
- Combined sink and countertop unit availability
Disadvantages
- Not for do-it-yourself installation
- Damage can occur from hot pans
- Somewhat expensive
6. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile has been in use for ages and it only gets better over time with hundreds of offerings in designs, colors and lookalike tiles that mimic marble, leather, wood, and even cork. Ceramic is both durable and easy to maintain, and it’s less expensive than most any other countertop material out there. It’s also a countertop material that most homeowners could install without a lot of difficulties. There are many advantages with ceramic tile and few disadvantages.
Advantages
- Easily maintained
- Affordable
- Resistant to heat
- Huge range of colors and styles
- Do-it-yourself installation capability
Disadvantages
- Custom tile choices can be costly
- Ceramic can crack under pressure
- Grout work stains can be difficult to remove
- Not as prestigious as higher-end choices
7. Laminates
The fabrication of laminates involves the use of synthetic plastic coated materials that are bonded to particleboard, or an MDF base. Once thought to be a lower level choice, laminates have more recently found their way into mid and upper-level kitchens. Familiar brand names associated with laminate materials are Formica and Wilsonart. Homeowners find laminate countertops adaptable to most any kitchen environment whether in traditional, retro, or modern looks as they are available in literally thousands of styles, patterns, and colors. Laminate selections are available in custom fabrications to suit most any countertop area and can be easily installed by do-it-yourselfers. There are both advantages and disadvantages with laminates.
Advantages
- Easily maintained
- Enumerable options
- Do-it-yourself installation capability
- Budget-friendly
Disadvantages
- Visible seaming
- Scratching, chipping, and difficulty with repairs
- Not as prestigious as higher-end choices
- Added expenses with edging and backsplashes
8. Wood
Wood countertops add warmth to almost all kitchen settings and are available not only in natural wood tones but in various other colors and finishes. Maple and oak hardwoods are most often used for countertops, but there are other choices. Most any kitchen design and style can benefit from wood countertops, but a country or farm style look with wood seems to be a more popular choice. The advantages of wood are many, yet the disadvantages are present as genuine wood requires care.
Advantages
- Long-lasting with proper care
- Resealing and sanding can be done when needed
- Adds a country or even industrial look to a kitchen
Disadvantages
- Costly
- Scratching and cuts can occur from knife use
- Water and other liquids can stain over time
- Bacteria can develop without proper maintenance
- Cracking can occur when sealing and oil are neglected
9. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a wonderful countertop choice, particularly with a kitchen that has a contemporary, ultramodern or industrial look to it. Durability and resistance to heat make stainless steel an even better choice for any homeowner who does a lot of cooking and baking. Countertops are seamless and finished looking and made to exact specifications. The advantages of stainless steel are many and you can live with the disadvantages if you want an easy care and modern look to your kitchen countertops.
Advantages
- Totally resistant to heat damage
- Easily cleaned and maintained
- Good choice for chef style and modern kitchens
- Considered a premium material that adds to home value
Disadvantages
- Can be noisy
- Costly to fabricate
- Easily scratched
- Not for cutting use
10. Concrete
Concrete has become an interesting material for countertops and aligns with industrial and modern designs, though it can fit cabin or country settings as well. Concrete countertops will be porous and heavy. Their composition is not comparable to a patio or sidewalk as the concrete used goes into forms and produces slabs that have polished and textured finishes. Colors for concrete happen through acid staining which can produce a variety of rich colors. It’s subject to cracking, but there are special treatments and additives to reduce that and porosity. Though gaining in popularity, concrete use for countertops is debatable as there can be issues with custom installations.
Advantages
- Color tinting is possible
- Resistant to heat and scratches
- Unique and unusual choice
- Textures and colors are possible
Disadvantages
- Not for do-it-yourself installation
- High installation costs for custom work
- Cracking may happen over time
- Surface requires sealing to improve porosity
- Industrial appearance that may not be appreciated by future homeowners
The top materials for kitchen countertops are many and varied and homeowners have enough choices available to them to choose what works best for them and their current kitchen set up. There can be confusion as to what is the most adaptable and desirable material for certain types of kitchens and if that’s the case, complete the online contact form and an expert will get back to you to help you sort out your ideas or answer questions you may have.
