5 Kitchen Countertop Materials: What to Expect

When designing a new kitchen or updating an existing one, choosing the right countertops is one of the most important steps of the design process. The countertops need to be matched well with the overall aesthetic and design direction, but what is more important is the material they are made of and its durability and characteristics. Let's look at 5 kitchen countertop materials and what to expect when choosing one of them for a kitchen renovation project.

LAMINATE COUNTER TOPS

Laminate kitchen countertops are affordable and come in a variety of colors and designs. They might be a good choice for a rental property or an investment property as they are not as expensive to replace and are relatively easy to install. However, laminate kitchen countertops are not as durable as other countertop options and are also not heat resistant, so protective pads are recommended when placing hot cookware on them.

BUTCHER BLOCK AND RECLAIMED WOOD COUNTERTOPS

Butcher block and reclaimed wood countertops are other very affordable options for kitchen countertops. Just like laminate countertops, wooden countertops might work for rental or investment properties as replacement would not be as costly. Wood has the property to warm up any space, and a reclaimed wood countertop could look beautiful in a farmhouse kitchen. A wooden countertop bar in a media room, family room, or game room might look pretty, too. Expect proper maintenance and regular use of food-safe wood sealers. That is essential if choosing butcher block or reclaimed wood countertops, as they could harbor bacteria. It's important to note that these countertops are not stain, scratch, and heat resistant. Hot pads and cutting boards should be used to protect them.

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

Granite is a very popular choice for kitchen countertops because of its durability, stain and heat resistance. Granite is a natural stone cut into slabs when used for kitchen countertops. It comes in a variety of beautiful shades and each slab has a unique appearance. It can be used for indoor and outdoor kitchens, too. Granite countertops are easy to maintain but porous, which means that they require proper sealing at installation and resealing every 1 to 3 years. Granite slabs are also not as large, so there might be seams. However, if the countertops are installed professionally, seams would be hidden or really hard to spot.

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Quartz countertops are engineered countertops made of the natural material quartz, which is mixed with other materials and pigments. It is one of our top recommended kitchen countertop materials as it is very easy to maintain and stain resistant. It is also non-porous, which means that quartz countertops do not require sealing. Quartz countertops mimic the appearance of natural stone but are less expensive than granite and marble. However, they are not as heat resistant, and damage from high heat might be permanent, so hot pads should be used for protection. Another disadvantage is that quartz countertops often have seams, which are more visible than granite or marble countertop seams. Professionall installation is very important for a more polished look.

MARBLE COUNTERTOPS

Marble is the most luxurious and expensive kitchen countertop choice in our list. Marble is a soft, natural stone cut into slabs. Just like granite, each slab is unique, which makes marble countertops highly desirable for more upscale kitchen projects. Marble has beautiful veins and comes in many shades to match different kitchen color stories. It is heat resistant, too. Additionally, marble adds more resale value to a home. This countertop material has many outstanding characteristics, but it's important to note the disadvantages, too. Marble is porous, which means that regular sealing and proper maintenance are important and expected. It is also softer than granite and quartz and may chip and stain more easily.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each kitchen countertop material and what to expect might help with choosing the right option for a project. Let us know in the comments if you are considering a kitchen renovation and which material you like the most.