When it comes to design, do you insist on a natural stone or would a manufactured, composite material fit the bill even better? Then consider the overall design of the room, so you can be sure the countertop you love will work seamlessly with the cabinets, flooring, and other design choices. Whether you have a traditional, modern farmhouse, or contemporary kitchen, here are all the different countertops to consider. See our simple guide below and read on for more details about each kind.
Types of Countertops
This stone is certainly not the most practical choice, however. Marble is softer than other natural stones, so it’s important to be careful and invest in proper cutting boards. If you cut directly on marble, it will scratch. Another issue with marble is that it’s porous, so temporary spills easily become permanent stains. This means those accidental red wine and lemon juice splashes need to be cleaned up fast, and you’ll want to clean the surface regularly. Luckily, technology is improving to make marble a little more durable. “New sealants are making this notoriously-risky countertop less worrisome for messy chefs,” Chiaramonte says. One unique aspect of marble is that it maintains a naturally low temperature, making it ideal for people who enjoy baking. Marble is a great surface to roll out and shape dough. This type of countertop can also be more affordable than you would assume. While marble looks upscale and sophisticated, some kinds of marble, such as Carrara, can be budget-friendly. According to Chiaramonte, it’s a smart investment. “We are seeing an increasing number of quartz countertops being coveted by buyers and sellers alike,” she says. Because they’re man-made, quartz countertops are a great way to get the look of natural stones like marble or granite without worrying about durability. Granite countertops require very little maintenance and are easy to take care of, but it’s best to avoid harsh cleaning products. Cleaning granite only requires a little soap and water. Some granites are more porous than others and may require periodic sealing in order to prevent stains. Granite is heat-resistant, so feel free to take pots directly from the oven and place them on the granite counter. No trivet needed! However, it isn’t wise to cut directly on granite; this stone is so hard that it will dull your knives. You can buy commercial concrete countertops, or if you are really skilled with DIY, you can make your own using a kit. However, keep in mind that concrete can take up to 28 days to dry completely, so it’s not ideal if you’re working on a tight schedule. It also needs to be sealed. Concrete is far from perfect as these countertops can crack as a home settles. The good news is that cracks are very easy to repair. But, if you want a countertop that will look Pinterest-perfect for years to come, this isn’t your best choice. Butcher block is also the only type of countertop surface that allows for direct cutting and slicing, because it is essentially a giant cutting board. Butcher block countertops can be sealed or unsealed; however, once the wood is sealed, it’s no longer appropriate for food prep and must be used with a separate cutting board. This material is also porous, so spills must be sopped up quickly or you risk staining the wood. Unsealed butcher block countertops must be oiled twice a year. When compared to marble and granite, soapstone has several advantages. It requires minimal maintenance and is entirely non-porous, so it is stain-, bacteria-, and heat-resistant. It also has a unique look to it and is available in a variety of gray shades with blue or green undertones. The natural, marble-like veining varies from stone to stone. While soapstone is susceptible to damage, it gives the stone an antique-looking patina. In fact, it is recommended that homeowners oil the countertop once a month for the first year to allow the surface to oxidize and for the patina to develop. If you clean stainless steel properly (with a little bit of soap and water or a product formulated specifically for this surface), it’s easy to maintain. But the longer you leave a splash or spill, the harder it is to clean. Stainless steel also shows fingerprints and water spots easily, so it isn’t ideal for a home with young children. Another pitfall of stainless steel is that it can dent and scratch. But for the most part, stainless steel is incredibly durable and entirely non-porous. But cost isn’t the only advantage of laminate. This product is nonporous and won’t absorb bacteria. It also never needs resealing and is easy to clean with a little bit of soap and water. On the other hand, it’s easily damaged by heat, so forgetting a trivet can ruin your entire countertop. Furthermore, unlike other synthetic materials or stones, laminate won’t add resale value to your home. So while it isn’t ideal for large kitchen renovations, it is a great way to stay on budget for less important projects like small rental property kitchens, a basement bathroom, and a guesthouse. Tiles are available in a variety of sizes and shapes from classic squares to subway tiles and even trendy hexagons in different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and natural stones. Granite, quartz, and marble tiles are a more affordable alternative to large slabs. While the maintenance and durability of tile depend on the material, all tile countertops have one issue in common, which is that grout lines can be a challenge to keep clean and fresh looking. So, if your kitchen countertop tends to get dirty, you may want to consider darker-colored grout like gray or black. There are many benefits to choosing this type of countertop. It’s stain-resistant, seamless, and most damage can be sanded out. However, solid surfaces aren’t heat-resistant, so have plenty of trivets on hand.
