29 Jul Picking the Perfect Countertop for your kitchen
Whether you are remodeling your current kitchen or building a new one, picking the material for your kitchen countertops can seem overwhelming. Today we are going to help you out. In this blog, we will be explaining the different types of countertop materials, the pros, the cons, and their price range to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle.
Laminate
Laminate countertops are layers of plastic secured with kraft paper or particleboard to create a solid surface.
Pro
- very budget-friendly
- low maintenance (no sealing required)
- lightweight and easy to clean
- comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures
- highly stain resistant
Con
- Cuts and scratches very easily
- Damaged by Heat
- Wear and Moisture exposure can cause to peel
- Visible Seams with connecting pieces
- Difficult to repair when damaged
Approximate cost – $10-$20 per square foot
Granite
Granite countertops are interlocking mineral crystals that are made up of many minerals the most common being feldspar and quartz. They are usually all custom-made and professionally installed.
Pro
- Durable
- Each slab is unique
- Stain, scratch, heat, and water-resistant when properly sealed
- Comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures
Con
- Expensive; Rare colors and veining adds onto the price
- Requires regular sealing
- Edges and corners can chip
- Professional needs to repair any damages
- Very heavy; Must be supported
Approximate cost – $30-$100 per square foot
Marble
Marble countertops are a type of metamorphic rock-cut and shaped into blocks. Marble is known for its elegant look and high price.
Pro
- Heat-resistant
- Elegant and Timeless
- Good for bakers; maintains a cool temperature for working with dough
Con
- Expensive
- Requires regular sealing
- Cuts and scratches easily
- Damaged by acidic liquids and tough to wash out stains
- Professional needs to repair any damages
- Very heavy; Must be supported
Approximate cost – $50-$125 per square foot
Quartz [Engineered Stone]
Quartz countertops are made from a combination of crushed quartz and resin that replicates the look of stone
Pro
- Durable
- Virtually no maintenance (Sealing not required)
- Stain, scratch, and heat resistant
- Environmentally friendly
- Naturally antibacterial due to its non-porous nature
- Comes in a variety of colors and patterns that can mimic granite and marble
Con
- May have visible seams where pieces meet
- Edges and corners can chip
- Professional needs to repair any damages
Approximate cost – $40-$90 per square foot
Solid surfacing [Corian]
Solid Surfacing countertops are made from acrylic and polyester resin, powdered fillers, and pigments.
Pro
- Low maintenance (sealing not required)
- Nonporous and easy to clean
- Small scratches can be repaired
- Resistant to most stains, mildew, and bacteria.
- Comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures
- Seamless installation with no cracks to trap any dirt or debris
Con
- Cuts and scratches easily
- Damaged by heat
- Dark colors will show more fingerprints
Approximate cost – $35-$100 per square foot
Butcher Block
Butcher Block countertops are sustainably farmed wooden countertops. Maple is one of the most popular because it’s hard and has a clear grain. Cherry, red-oak, and bamboo are other options as well.
Pro
- Inexpensive and easy to install
- Long-lasting if maintained
- Varnish can improve stain resistance
- Cuts and scratches can be sanded out
- Classic warm and natural appearance
- Often used on kitchen islands
Con
- Harbors bacteria so needs to be disinfected frequently
- Very porous; wood swells and contracts
- Requires regular sealing
- Susceptible to water stains and warping
- Can be damaged by heat
Approximate cost – $35-$75 per square foot
Concrete
Concrete countertops are made from cement poured into a mold. Can have colored added into it to create a very industrial chic look.
Pro
- Durable
- Very customizable
- Can be made to look seamless
Con
- Expensive due to customization
- Requires sealing
- Stains easily
- Can absorb moisture
- Small cracks can develop over time
- Very Heavy; must be supported.
Approximate cost – $65-$125 per square foot
Soapstone
Soapstone countertops are natural stone mostly composed of mineral talc and quartz.
Pro
- Durable and ages well
- Heat and water-resistant
- Low maintenance (Sealing not required)
- Small scratches can be easily repaired by sanding and mineral oil
Con
- Tough to wash out stains
- Requires polishing with oil
- Cuts and scratches easily and can crack over time
- Limited range of colors tend to darken with time
- May have visible seams
Approximate cost – $70-$120 per tile
Tile
Tile countertops are made from a variety of materials like quartz or granite. Great for a DIY homeowner project.
Pro
- Durable
- Customizable; Available in a variety of colors and sizes
- Inexpensive and DIY friendly
Con
- Requires sealing
- Cracks easily; difficult to find a replacement tile to match
- Grout stains easily
- Standing moisture can damage
- Bacteria can grow
Approximate cost – $2-$35 per tile