Upgrading your kitchen is sometimes a necessary feat, but even if it isn’t, it can be a tough ordeal. Redesigning your kitchen is a great move whether you’re looking to sell or enhance your own comfort. There are many different areas of the kitchen that can be improved, and so many different materials to use in your remodel. One area that’s frequently remodeled are the kitchen counters. This too comes in an array of materials, which means you have plenty of room to find something that suits your style and needs.
If you’re new to the world of kitchen countertops, then you’re going to need some help narrowing things down.
The following are the most popular options for materials used for kitchen counters
Marble Stone
Stones are definitely still in, which is why you’ll find more than a few of them listed below. But for now, we will focus on marble, which is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something beautiful, classic and elegant. If you like to bake, this too will suit your kitchen. It’s prefect for rolling dough on, giving you a nice finished product. But do keep in mind that the surface of marble isn’t that tough, which makes it prone to chips and stains. So if you’re a heavy duty cooker and food prepper, then this isn’t the stone for you. You can, however, place it in an area of the kitchen that will secure it from spills and damage.
Concrete Slabs
The industrial look is a great look for certain kitchen remodels. If it’s suitable to your needs, then you can find these slabs in different colors. You can even find some manufacturers who will tint the slab in a shade that you prefer, allowing you to match it with the other kitchen décor. Some manufacturers will even go as far as to add other materials to the concrete, such as shells or glass. This would really give it some pizzazz. If you’re designing a kitchen that has a beach feel or just want to make your counters stand out, then this wouldn’t be a bad idea. The only issue with concrete is that is has to be resealed repeatedly to prevent it from getting stains and cracks. Plus, it’s very heavy, so you’re going to need sturdy support.
Paper Composite
Most people wouldn’t think to use paper as a form of countertop material, but it’s not as uncommon as you may think. Those who are looking for an eco-friendly alternative oftentimes resort to paper composite counters because it can stand the test of time. It can withstand heat and water better than many other material types. However, if you want to keep it in tip top condition, then you’re going to have to rub it down with mineral oil and sand it regularly. Be careful with chemicals around this surface – this is the one thing that paper composite can’t stand up against.
Laminate
Anyone who’s on a tight budget will find laminate to be an attractive option – that’s if you don’t mind the basic look. It’s not fancy, so it won’t fare well in a kitchen remodel where elegance and high quality is in the equation. The lightweight material is cheap and definitely shows in scratches, burns and stains, which can all occur to this surface over time. When there’s too much moisture, the laminate will even peel away, revealing the additional layers beneath. You can forget about repairing it, it will just have to be replaced. So keep that in mind if you’re trying to save money – you can save money now with laminate or invest in something more expensive that will last many years.
Engineered Quartz
You’ll find quartz being engineered by professionals using a mix of quartz and resin. It is very easy to maintain and is quite durable. You can expect to pay a pretty penny for quartz, but it’s well-worth it in the long run. It also doesn’t have the most natural look, so if you want a natural stone, then granite or marble would be better options. But keep in mind that quartz tends to be tougher than marble. You can find quartz counters in a variety of colors as well.
Tile
If you want to be a bit more creative,then tile countertops would be something to look into. It’s fairly durable and can resist stains, which is a plus for kitchens. You can also easily replace one area of the counter that has been cracked or chipped. The one downside of tile is the grout in between, which you will have to be on top of cleaning. Otherwise, you will battle with dirt and grime. You should have the grout sealed, so to prevent stains and bacterial growth. Moisture is definitely an enemy of tile counters. So think twice about using it around sinks.
Bamboo
There’s never been a wood more beautiful and durable than bamboo. It’s an eco-friendly option, making it even more of an attractive option. It can endure stains, burns and nicks, which most woods can’t say for themselves. You can keep your counters looking great using mineral-oil beeswax, which will help it to last longer. You should keep it away from moisture and water, so that it doesn’t end up warping.
Limestone
We just can’t get away from the stone materials – they’re by far one of the best options for the kitchen counter. It looks amazing and is pretty high-resistant to heat. You can add a great sealer to help make it stronger, but still expect to see some nicks, stains and scratches. So if you spill anything on it, make sure to clean it up quickly.
Granite
This is a stone that can’t be left off the list, especially when we’re talking about kitchen countertops. With this material, you’re guaranteed to have a counter that’s long-lasting, since it’s resistant to heat, scratches, stains and cuts. It’s very heavy, like concrete, so make sure that you have a foundation that can withstand it. It’s a good choice to reseal it every now and then as well.
Buying new kitchen counters is a big decision. Not only is it costly, but it’s something you’re going to have to deal with for a long time. So make sure you juggle through your options before making a final decision.