Your kitchen and bathroom require countertop upgrades – what material will you choose for the remodel? When you begin browsing the market for new kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops, you’ll come across a variety of options.
This can make it a bit difficult to pinpoint the best option. With careful research, you can lower your selection down to your top three picks. From there, it’s all about functionality, price and visual appeal.
The more color options and styles a countertop has, the more likely you’ll be able to find something that matches your décor. In the following guide, we will uncover the top 7 countertop materials used for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.
Let’s review.
1. Granite Stone Countertops
Who doesn’t like the look of granite stone counters in the kitchen or bathroom? It’s a natural material mined from the grounds of China, India and Brazil. Today, it’s fabricated in America and can be found in many homes across the nation.
The beauty of granite makes it a top pick for homeowners undergoing kitchen and bathroom remodeling. What also makes it popular is the fact it can withstand high heat, making it perfect for cooking on top of.
Then there’s the fact that it comes in almost 3000 different colors. With the right sealing and maintenance, your granite countertop can last for many, many years. Next to diamonds, granite is the second toughest mineral in the world.
The resale value of a property with granite countertops also makes this material worthwhile.
2. Engineered Quartz Countertops
If you’re one who doesn’t really care about the natural state of your counters, then engineered quartz may be for you. It offers the best of both worlds – a natural look without the porous state. Granite has pores, which requires sealing to keep it looking like new for many years.
With engineered quartz, you’re getting a slab made with 93% quartz and 7% pigments and resin. The resin acts as a sealant, making this countertop suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
It’s resistant to stains, acid and scratches, which is great news if you plan to use it in a kitchen setting.
3. Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface counters are just that – solid. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t be scratched. And because of this, you will have to prepare to sand out the countertop every now and then to smooth out the scratches that appear over time.
This material comes in an array of color and pattern options. Plus, they’re seamless, which gives them a cohesive design in your kitchen or bathroom. The surface is also resistant to stains. Just watch out for hot pots and stains, which care known to cause damage to the surface.
4. Ceramic Tile Countertops
Now, if you’re not too worried about seams, then you won’t mind having ceramic tile installed in your kitchen or bathroom. The overall look is ideal for an average kitchen, but won’t scream luxury like quartz, granite or marble would.
Also, you must be weary of stains in the grout lines. The surface is also easy to crack and chip. And in some cases, the surface will appear uneven. On the up side, ceramic tile is excellent at withstanding hot pans. They come in an array of colors, designs and textures. Plus, the maintenance is easy.
5. Laminate Countertops
Be careful about looking for materials that are cheap because you get what you pay for. When it comes to laminate counters, you’re getting a product that’s easy on the wallet, but not so elegant.
Some homeowners go this route because they can find designs that look a lot like natural stone. The surface is durable, comes in a wide range of colors and easy to keep clean. You’ll just have to watch out for scratches and chips, which are nearly impossible to repair.
Then you also must worry about seams. If you want front edge or end finishing work, be prepared to spend extra money.
6. Butcher Block Wood Counters
Here’s a countertop material you’ll mainly find inside of the kitchen. It adds a nice warmth to kitchen settings and you can find them in an array of finish and color options. The most popularly used woods for this style of counter include maple and oak hardwoods.
The pros about butcher block counters is that they’re easy to maintain, smooth to the touch and you can easily sand and reseal the surface as needed. You’ll have to watch out for stains and water damage as time goes on.
Scratches are also an issue – you can remove them by oiling or sealing the surface.
7. Stainless Steel Countertops
If you’re going off the beaten path with your kitchen design, then you may want to consider stainless steel. This is suitable for contemporary and industrial style kitchens and bathrooms.
You can opt for a seamless countertop look, since it’s constructed to the specifications you provide. As you’d imagine, stainless steel counters can withstand heat and it’s simple to clean.
However, the price tag is high, and you have to watch out for dents and scratches, so no chopping on the surface. You may also find the noise level to be quite annoying.
Hiring a Kitchen and Bathroom Countertop Contractor
At KNC Granite, we have licensed, bonded and insured contractors that can fabricate and install your kitchen or bathroom countertops. We sell quality materials from top-notch brands. This includes quartz, granite and marble from the manufacturers like Cambria, Caesarstone and Silestone.
Our professionals will come to your home to take measurements and provide a free estimate. You can also visit our local showroom to see the products first and select the ones you want installed in your home.
You’ll find our fabrication and delivery process is much faster than big box stores. If you’re updating the countertops in your home, then allow us to help. Contact us today for your free quote!