When you’re shopping around for kitchen countertops, how do you judge which is best? There are various factors to make note of as you’re browsing around.
However, it’s also a good idea to have some idea of what it is you’re looking for. For instance, do you want a material that’s natural, durable, or contemporary? You may be able to find the perfect kitchen countertop with all three characteristics.
If you’re out looking for a new kitchen counter for your home, then this guide is for you. We’re going to review 7 options you can choose from, so you can make a more informed decision before you buy.
Let’s look!
1. Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Now, many homeowners go for this material for their kitchen countertop because it’s cheap (money-wise). But they get more than they bargain for with the cheap quality.
Laminate is crafted with several layers of paper that’s resin-treated. The papers are pressed together using pressure and high heat. Beneath the paper you’ll find chip wood composite. Again, the upside about laminate is that it has a low-price tag that sits around $35-45 per sq. ft.
However, it’s easily damaged, which means you’ll spend more money repairing and replacing the countertops over time. It’s not great with water resistance – the particleboard swells up when it’s exposed to water.
2. Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops
Here’s another engineered material used for kitchen countertops. But it’s different than laminate in the sense that there aren’t any layers. Instead, it’s made up of one surface (hence its name “solid surface”).
Solid surface countertops also aren’t cheap and can sometimes cost as much as engineered stones and stainless steel. The upside about solid surface is that you can sand out scratches and gouges.
The downside is that it has a plastic appearance and feel.
3. Engineered Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Here’s a popular kitchen countertop choice among homeowners. It first came about over 50 years ago and has since taken the kitchen design scene by storm. It’s made with 10% resins and 90% stone-like materials, such as quartz.
It also contains other materials, such as glass, silica, and mirrors. This falls under the “green” category because it’s using recycled waste materials.
The downside is that it’s on the pricier side, but it’s worth it because it’s long-lasting and has superb durability.
4. Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops
The most popular natural stones used for kitchen countertops include soapstone, granite, and marble. It’s mined from the earth in countries like Brazil, India, and North America. It’s 100% natural, which gives it appeal to homeowners looking for slabs that are 100% unique.
The veins, colors, and specks are impeccable and unmatched by engineered quartz. No two slabs are the same, which gives each homeowner its own slice of mother earth.
The downside of natural stones is that it’s porous, which means you must seal it every now and then to prevent it from getting stains, scratches, and cracks.
However, once you seal it, it’s just as durable as engineered stone.
5. Ceramic Tile Kitchen Countertops
One reason homeowners opt for this type of counter is because it allows so many design possibilities. There are various styles, textures, and colors to choose from. Plus, you can mix and match the tiles into beautiful mosaic designs.
Some homeowners will even attempt to install the ceramic tile on their own. The only downside to that is you need impeccable attention to detail to prevent obvious visible errors.
It’s a very cheap material costing about $5 per sq. ft. However, it has a lot of seams, which makes it easy to trap food and gunk that can be rather difficult to remove.
You also must seal it to keep moisture out.
6. Concrete Kitchen Countertops
Homeowners looking for a modern kitchen design will find concrete to be a viable option. Yet, there are others who are appalled at the idea of implementing stone counters into a kitchen setting.
This material is very heavy, about the same weight as solid granite. Since this is a poured material, it gives you the option to create any shape you desire. The downside is that it’s a porous material that requires regular sealing.
The cost is also steep at about $100 per sq ft.
7. Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops
Here’s another industrial material that some homeowners like and others not so much. It’s suitable for professional kitchens and homes with modern décor. While stainless steel offers you a way to sterilize your cooking experience (no bacteria can live on stainless steel), it does present a host of other problems.
For instance, slicing and dicing on stainless steel can be rather loud and it can leave behind scratch marks. This means you’ll have to invest in cutting boards and supplies to remove scratches. The price tag is also hefty at about $100 to $200 per sq ft.
Finding a Quality Kitchen Countertop
Now that you have an idea of some of the different countertop options on the market, it’s time to decide. If you decided to go with natural or engineered stones, then the experts at KNC Granite can help.
We have a great selection of marble, granite, and quartz slabs you can view first-hand in our local showroom. Our professionals will measure your countertop space, fabricate the stone, and then deliver and install it into your kitchen.
Some of the brands we carry include Cambria, Silestone, Zodiaq, and Caesarstone. All our products come backed with brand warranties to safeguard your purchase.
If you’re looking to update the kitchen countertops in your home, then feel free to contact us for your free quote. Call now to get started planning your countertop upgrade!