Let Our Kitchen Countertop Materials Guide Influence Your Design Plan

There so many options for kitchen countertop materials that it can be challenging to choose the right countertop for your home. This brief guide will give you a brief description and the pros and cons of the 9 most popular countertops so you can determine what type would work best in your kitchen.

Granite

Granite is the go-to-choice for kitchen countertops, defining elegance in a kitchen. This stone typically comes at about five different price levels, based on the level of availability and the part of the world it’s sourced from. No matter your budget, there is a level of granite right for your kitchen. Even basic kitchens can be transformed into luxury spaces when enhanced by the beauty of granite countertops.

Pros

• Very strong
• Highly resistant to heat
• Increases home’s value

Cons

• Expensive
• Requires sealing
• Not suitable for DIY installation

Quartz

The kitchen countertop material known as “quartz” is actually an engineered stone product that contains as much as 93% quartz particles and other minerals, shaped into slabs and bound with resins. Quartz is often known as a more adaptable and durable alternative to granite and marble. Quartz also does not require annual sealing, as natural stone typically does. Because it is a manmade product, quartz can easily simulate a “marble” type look, while offering a better level of durability.

Pros

• Can be custom made in any size or shape
• No sealing required
• Stain and heat resistant
• Has a positive impact on home value

Cons

• Expensive
• DIY installation is not possible for homeowners due to heavy material weight

Soapstone

Soapstone is a naturally dark gray stone. It typically has a smooth, silky feel, and has seen a recent resurgence as an alternative to granite. Soapstone looks quite attractive as it ages, taking on an antique-like patina.

Pros

• Stain resistant
• Perfect for achieving a classic, antique look
• Damage can be sanded out

Cons

• Must be treated with mineral oil
• May darken over time
• Not suitable for DIY installation

Solid-Surface Material

Solid-surface material is a blend of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into sheets and other shapes. Solid-surface countertops and sinks have been around for about 50 years. Once regarded as a luxury kitchen countertop material, solid-surface is now considered somewhat mid-tier, but it is still an excellent choice.

Pros

• Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
• Resists staining
• Damage can be easily sanded out
• Material offers integral sinks which are formed as part of the same countertop material

Cons

• Vulnerable to damage from hot pans
• Moderately expensive
• Not suitable for DIY installation

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is considerably less expensive than natural stone, quartz, or solid-surface countertops. It’s also one of the few countertop options that you can install yourself. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer more design options than nearly any other countertop material.

Pros

• Affordable
• Suitable for DIY installation

Cons

• Tiles are brittle and may crack under impact
• Grout lines can stain and are difficult to clean
• Does not have the same prestige as other kitchen countertop materials such as quartz, marble, or granite

Laminates

Laminates are plastic-coated synthetics with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces. For years, laminates were regarded as a poor cousin to other kitchen countertop materials, however, they have seen a recent surge in popularity, thanks in part to their affordability and thousands of colors, patterns, and styles now available.

Pros

• One of the most inexpensive options
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Suitable for DIY installation

Cons

• Easily damaged, and difficult to repair
• Seams are always visible
• May be viewed as “low-end” by potential home buyers

Wood or Butcher Block

Wood countertops bring a nice warm look to your kitchen and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Countertops often require harder woods, such as maple or oak.

Pros

• Offers a quaint, country look
• Easy to clean
• Very long lasting when cared for

Cons

• Can be damaged and scratches by water, stains, and knives over time
• Must be oiled and sealed frequently to avoid cracking
• May not inhibit bacteria growth as well as other materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel countertops are perfect for contemporary kitchens. They look sleek and clean, plus they’re heat resistant and extremely durable.

Pros

• Impervious to heat damage
• Easiest of all kitchen countertop materials to clean
• Increases home’s value

Cons

• Very expensive
• Easy to scratch
• Adds to the noise of a kitchen as it doesn’t absorb sound

Concrete

Concrete is a unique choice for your kitchen countertops. Due to their heavy weight, concrete countertops are usually cast in forms right in your kitchen. These slabs are highly polished, textured, or acid-stained to bring a modern feel to your kitchen.

Pros

• Heat and scratch resistant
• Provides a truly unique look
• Decorative textures and colors are available

Cons

• Very expensive
• Surface is porous unless regularly sealed
• Cracking may occur over time

If you have questions about what kitchen countertop material would be right for your home, then contact Special Additions. In addition to cabinets, we also carry a wide selection of countertops made from quartz, granite, wood, soapstone, and more. Our design staff will work with you step-by-step—from the initial meeting to installation.