A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Countertop for Your Kitchen!
Having an reasonable expectation of your renovation project is important when you're communicating to every stakeholder. So, today we're going to explore the many factors that can affect the expected deadline of your kitchen remodeling.
Choosing a kitchen finish is one of the most exciting parts of remodeling. But it can also be one of the most nervous elements. After all, it would be best if you chose the suitable cabinets, backsplash, floors, and fixtures to match these countertops, but the cumulative effect can be a bit overwhelming. The best way to determine each component of your kitchen upgrade is to do some research and narrow down what’s most important to you. Consider your habits:
- Do you cook dinner every night, or are you make more takeaways?
- Do you appreciate the flaws in nature or want to have a pristine countertop?
- Do you like a natural finish or something else?
This complete guide on kitchen countertop materials will help you determine the best material for your kitchen countertop, introduce you to different types of materials, comparison, and more to make your planning easier.
Which is the best material for a kitchen countertop?
The best materials for kitchen counters meet all your needs and facilitate the food processing process. Kitchen countertops, an essential element of a functional and practical kitchen, must be made of materials that meet various requirements.
Consider the following attributes when deciding which kitchen countertop material is best for your kitchen.
Budget
Material costs vary greatly. However, if properly maintained, a good kitchen counter can last endlessly. It’s best to decide on the ideal countertop and find the version that fits your budget. For example, you might like the look of marble, but it’s a bit out of the price range. Quartz is similar but a little cheaper. But depending on the difference between the ideal countertop and the cheaper version, it may be worth spending a little more on what you live with for years.
As a rule of thumb, spend about 15-30% of your budget on kitchen countertops. According to some studies, if spending is less than 15%, it may be inferior in quality to the other materials used. Still, if the cost of the countertop is significantly above 30%, it may be exaggerated.
Resistant to scratches and chip
It is one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a kitchen countertop. Sharp knives can scratch countertops made of limestone, laminates, and soapstone. Marble, concrete and recycled glass produce chip when hit with a sharp edge utensil. Keep in mind that accidental collisions and drops can damage countertops such as tiles and glass. The best scratch and chip-resistant countertops are quartz and granite.
Heat-resistant
Heat resistance is one of the most critical issues that arise when deciding on the best material to use for a kitchen counter. Materials for heat-resistant countertops in the kitchen are granite and other natural stones, aluminum, quartz, copper, stainless steel, terrazzo, and concrete. Countertops made of these materials are heat-resistant and capable of withstanding pots and pans. However, regardless of the material of the countertop, it is best to handle it with care.
Resistant to Stain
Stain resistance is one of the essential qualities for homeowners looking for the best materials for their kitchen countertops—a well-sealed natural stone with a highly stain-resistant quartz worktop is often recommended.
Keep in mind that claims about “stain-resistant” countertop materials are not true. Properly sealed natural stone and artificial marble are stain-resistant but not 100%. Manufacturers seal stones with high-quality sealants that significantly reduce the potential for stain. To keep your kitchen countertop as good as new, be careful with acidic liquids, red wine and dark juices. Moreover, do not use harsh cleaners. Seal the natural stone countertop at least once a year and clean up any spills immediately.
Ease of maintenance
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms, so it is one of the messiest rooms in any home. Every time you use your kitchen, you will need to clean it. However, some kitchen countertop ingredients require more effort, while others require less effort. Compare kitchen countertop materials to determine the amount of maintenance required for different types of countertop materials in the kitchen.
Before remodeling your kitchen, be sure to ask your local countertop manufacturer how quickly the countertop absorbs dirt or how often it needs to be sealed. Also, find out the best way to clean it and how complicated the cleaning process is. Quartz and other artificial marble, laminates and granite are generally considered easy to clean and maintain.
Physical Appearance
Depending on the look you want in your kitchen, you can choose from many beautiful options. If you like the unique look of natural stone, granite countertops may be the best choice. It is available in countless pattern and color options; each granite slab is unique and offers a unique look in traditional and modern kitchens. If you’re looking for a more elegant and contemporary look, the quartz countertop is for you. They provide a uniform look, and you can also add natural stone colors to your kitchen.
For example, a marble-effect quartz countertop perfectly mimics the appearance of marble but is easy to maintain and at the same time has extraordinary strength.
Kitchen Countertop Materials
If you decide to remodel your kitchen, you may be eager to remove your old kitchen countertop and install a beautiful new onesie. Countertops can quickly become one of the most influential features of a room from a decorative point of view, and you can expect updates to make a big difference in decoration. However, there are plenty of options to choose from, from materials to beautiful granite countertops and quartz countertops. By paying attention to these points, you can more easily select the best material for your home. Visit our website to explore more about countertops.
Quartz
Quartz provides a durable, long-lasting, high-quality look. It is a processed material that mimics the look of natural stones. Quartz has been the most popular countertop materials in recent years due to improvements in manufacturing. Modern quartz countertops offer the same look as marble with superior durability at only a fraction of the price
Advantages
- It can be manufactured in any shape or size and is highly customizable.
- Easy to maintain and clean without the need for sealing.
- It is not porous and easy to clean.
- It does not easily chip or break.
- The quartz plate is perfectly uniform.
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages
- Because it is artificial, it cannot copy the uniqueness of natural stones.
- Installation can be complex and not suitable for beginner do-it-yourselfers.
Granite
Granite has been a favorite choice for countertops for years because it’s long-lasting, durable, and looks great in almost every kitchen style. No two granites slabs are the same, offering a unique design for every home. The only downside of granite is that it is sensitive to moisture and requires extra maintenance. Still, if you want a countertop that has timeless appeal, granite is the best option.
Advantages
- Each piece of granite is unique
- The colors of granite are endless and can be customized.
- A hard material that withstands frequent use.
Disadvantages
- Connecting multiple granites in a large kitchen may require seams.
- Granite often has many variations in color and texture, which makes designing the kitchen a challenge.
- If the granite is not sealed correctly, it will absorb moisture.
Marble
Marble is a trendy choice for high-end countertops. Perfect for anyone who wants to add elegance to any space, especially to the kitchen. However, this beautiful stone has some notable drawbacks. If you decide between marble and another surface, it all comes down to budget and aesthetics. Marble offers one of the most sophisticated looks in any kitchen, but it costs more than granite. On top of that, marble is more fragile and can be chipped or broken. However, if you are willing to make a big investment in your kitchen, then marble will make that statement.
Advantages
- A readily available natural material.
- Available in various beautiful patterns and natural colors.
- Each marble sheet is 100% unique.
- Marble is heat resistant.
- Marble provides a luxurious and trendy atmosphere.
Disadvantages
- Has a maintainable surface that is easily soiled and needs to be resealed?
- It may be chipped or broken.
- Marble can be exorbitantly expensive, depending on the style.
Antique-looking soapstone countertop
Soapstone is another type of commercial kitchen countertop material with an impressive look. Soapstone has a unique and striking look, but it is not as commonly used as granite or quartz in the kitchen. It is available in various shades of dark gray, providing a soft and smooth feel in the kitchen. It is well used in both traditional and modern kitchens. Soapstone, like marble, is perfect for homeowners who love the patina look that accumulates over time.
Advantages
- Gives the home a deep, luxurious and sometimes antique look.
- It is heat resistant and quite resistant to dirt.
- Minor scratches and damage can be repaired by sanding.
Disadvantages
- Develop patina over time.
- Must be installed by an expert.
- Not resistant to scratches, dents, cuts, and some stains.
- The use of mineral oil is required for the necessary treatment.
Butcher block countertop
If you love the natural and warm look in the kitchen, butcher block countertops are the best kitchen countertop material for you. The most popular materials for butcher’s kitchen counters are hardwood oak and maple. Do not use butcher block countertops in the sink area as water can damage them.
Advantages
- Cozy, warm and perfect for a country look.
- Durable and long-lasting when properly cared for.
- Easy to clean.
- Easy to install and repair, reseal and polish.
- Painting improves stain resistance.
Disadvantages
- If not correctly cared for, it is not resistant to bacteria.
- Must be regularly sealed and lubricated.
- Not resistant to scratches, cracks, chips, dirt and cuts.
- Costly countertop ingredients.
- Water can damage it.
Let Caviar help you decide
After reading this, now you are well aware of choosing the best countertop for your kitchen and the strengths and weaknesses of different materials. Wherever you decide to buy your countertop, make sure you buy from a reputable brand and company like CAVIAR Kitchen and Stone so you can get high-quality materials and the best installation services as we have highly trained and certified engineers. For any information or hiring for installation, feel free to contact us!
Read More from Caviar
