When choosing kitchen countertops, carefully consider what you need and what you can afford. It is a good idea to choose the most functional material possible for your countertop.
It needs to be…
- durable.
- easy to clean and maintain.
- stain resistant to all liquids, even acids.
- heat resistant for many different objects (pots, pans…).
- scratch resistant, to avoid scratches while cutting ingredients on it.
- a suitable match for your kitchen’s tastes and design.
It is difficult to find a material for kitchen countertops that possesses all these qualities, so a combination of different types of materials is perhaps the best choice. It is interesting, practical and probably cheap. For example, you can use a quality material, such as granite, for places that receive the most frequent use (eg, around the range or the sink), and you can cover the rest with a cheaper material, such as laminate.
Types of material for kitchen countertops
The following materials are popular choices for kitchen countertops. Some others, less traditional, such as lava stone, paper base, copper and zinc, are also used, but less often; maybe they will become popular in the future.
Some of them require relatively little care and maintenance. Others you will need to maintain regularly (eg, resealing and/or polishing), according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
1. Natural stone
Expensive, but functional. You can use different types of stone for your kitchen counters: granite, marble, mineral soapstone, limestone, slate… Each has its advantages and disadvantages. What unites them is theirs durability and excellent beauty.
Granite is a stone that possesses very desirable qualities, and can be used anywhere in the kitchen; around the sink, around the range, for a food prep area… If price is a consideration, you might want to use it just for a kitchen island.
Characteristic features…
- extremely durable.
- visually appealing, with a unique pattern for each layer.
- scratch resistant (in contrast to marble, which is a softer stone).
- heat resistant.
Disadvantages…
- absorbs liquids; you will need to maintain it regularly.
Learn more about granite countertops.
Learn more about marble countertops.
Learn more about soapstone countertops.
Learn more about slate countertops.
2. Stainless steel
This is a functional material, comparatively expensive. It can be used anywhere in your kitchen; around the sink, around the range, for a food preparation area… You can integrate it with a sink, as a seamless unit. This will it facilitates cleaning and gives your countertop an integrated look.
Other qualities…
- neutral color, which facilitates color coordination for your kitchen.
- trouble-free maintenance (this is the choice for countertops in the food service industry).
- heat resistant.
- stain resistant and water resistant.
Disadvantages…
- prone to scratching.
- susceptible to fingerprints.
- easily reduced; you need a hard base to attach it to (usually plywood). The hard base also serves to reduce any noise made by objects coming into contact with the steel.
Learn more about stainless steel countertops.
3. Concrete
Comparatively expensive material. Concrete is a a good solution if your countertop has an unusual shape; you can throw it directly into your kitchen.
Characteristic features…
- easy to shape the ends.
- easily integrated with a sink, like the variant with steel.
- they can be painted, polished or textured.
- can be customized according to your needs and wishes.
Disadvantages…
- absorbs liquids; you will need to maintain it regularly.
- prone to cracking.
- placing hot utensils on the surface can with the finish.
Learn more about concrete countertops.
4. Tiles
Comparatively cheap material, although custom made tiles can be expensive. You can put them anywhere in your kitchen; around the sink, around the range, to a food prep area…
Characteristic features of ceramic tiles, which are among the most frequently used for kitchen countertops…
- wide range of colors, patterns and textures.
- durable, heat resistant.
- glazed tiles are stain resistant and water resistant.
- Tile countertops are comparatively cheaper than large slabs.
Disadvantages…
- fragile
- difficult to climb on, because of the uneven surface.
- matt tiles absorb liquids; you will need to maintain them regularly.
- the grout between the tiles collects dirt.
Learn more about tile countertops.
5. Laminate
A low cost artificially produced material, laminate is one of the most frequently used materials for kitchen countertops. It is better to put it in places in your kitchen that are not used often, because its quality is not as high as that of some of the other materials.
Characteristic features…
- beautiful and affordable.
- wide range of colors, patterns and textures.
- they can resemble ceramic, stone or hardwood.
- easy to shape the edges.
Disadvantages…
- prone to scratching.
- vulnerable to heat.
- fragile
- once damaged (burns, scratches…), it is difficult to repair.
Learn more about laminate countertops.
6. Wood
Natural material, relatively cheap. Ideal for preparing food on. A very good variant is to use it as a butcher’s block, inserted into a countertop made of another material.
Characteristic features…
- a warm and comforting look.
- wide range of finishes, shapes and designs.
- easy to shape the edges.
- minor damage to countertops is easily repaired by sanding.
Disadvantages…
- vulnerable to heat and humidity; it can spoil if it is placed near the range or the sink.
- absorbs liquids; you will need to maintain it regularly.
- prone to scratching.
Learn more about wood countertops.
7. Solid surface
Moderately expensive artificial material. You can use it for a large part of your countertops in the kitchen, especially around the sink. You can integrates it with the sink, the same as with steel and concrete.
Other qualities…
- durable and trouble-free maintenance.
- edges easily formed.
- A variety of styles exist.
- it is possible to have a strong visual appeal, like stone.
- damage such as scratches and burns can be repaired.
- stain resistant and water resistant.
Disadvantages…
- vulnerable to heat.
- prone to scratching.
Learn more about solid surface countertops.
8. Quartz (or engineered stone)
An expensive though quality material for the countertop. A large percentage of it is real quartz stone. You can put it anywhere in your kitchen, like in granite and steel. Again, if price is a consideration it can only be used for a kitchen island.
Some of its features…
- durable, smooth and scratch resistant.
- visually appealing material with consistent colors.
- adds a luxurious element to your kitchen.
- stain resistant and water resistant.
- heat resistant.
- trouble free maintenance.
Learn more about quartz countertops.
9. Glass
Glass is not often thought of as a material for countertops, but glass is ideal material for modern kitchen countertops.
Characteristic features…
- glass looks beautiful and adds transparent or translucent depth to kitchen countertops compared to traditional opaque countertops.
- glass provides an aesthetic as well as functional advantage, and can be totally customized according to your tastes and requirements.
- when it comes to maintenance and hygiene, glass countertops are the best, as they are absolutely non-porous, moisture resistant and stain resistant.
- the glass can withstand heat, and is suitable for areas around ovens and stoves.
Disadvantages…
- prone to cracking.
Learn more about glass countertops.
Price of kitchen countertops
The price of your countertops depends on the materials used and how difficult the work is:
- color, pattern, texture.
- shaping the edges.
- size
- possibility of integration with the sink.
- installation…
Installation of kitchen countertops
Even though installing your kitchen countertops seems easy, I recommend that you use the services of a professional.
