Kitchen Countertop Options

Kitchen Countertop OptionsThere are many kitchen countertops to choose from! It can be daunting to select the best option if you are in the process of remodeling or building a home. I have listed the pros and cons of twelve different countertops here.

Quartzite

A beautiful, natural option that is stronger than granite. It is mostly white (pure) but the impurities give it color and pattern.Pros

• Very hard if found in its pure form
• Will not etch with water or acidic liquids

Cons

• More expensive than other materials
• Difficult to find in its pure form

Quartz

Quartz is the hardest material of all. It's a common mineral that is mixed with polymers to create the ideal countertop.Pros

• Hard surface
• Low maintenance-this countertop does not need to be sealed
• Scratch resistant
• Stain resistant
• Resistant to bacteria
• Wide range of colors
• Consistent color and pattern throughout
• Heat resistant

Cons

• Not as natural looking as real stone
• Costs almost as much or more than real stone

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, natural stone that is probably the most difficult to maintain. Marble is soft and if you don't like the natural patina that will take place over the years; this may not be the best option for you.Pros

• Beautiful and elegant appearance
• Stains can be prevented with a good sealer
• It remains cold and bakers prefer this for making pastries

Cons

• Etches easily with acidic liquids
• Needs to be sealed once a year
• Prone to scratching and chipping

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that is quite hard and durable.Pros

• Scratch resistant
• Etch resistant
• Wide range of colors
• Durable
• Heat resistant but heat will damage the sealant
• Stain resistant when sealed

Cons

• Needs to be sealed once a year

Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone that is dense and non-porous. It's called soapstone due to it'a soft and soapy feel. It can stand up tp acidic materials and it is heat resistant which is why it is often used in chemistry labs.Soapstone will darken naturally over time but if you would like to speed up the process you can pour mineral oil on it and let it sit for a while and then wipe it off. Repeat this process a few times for a beautiful charcoal appearance.Pros

• Soapstone is non-porous making it resistant to bacteria
• It doesn't need to be sealed which means low maintenance!
• Environmentally friendly
• Stain resistant
• Heat resistant

Cons

• Scratches easily but scratches can be sanded
• Limited range of colors

Concrete

The appearance of concrete will change with time and will develop a warm patina. The design trend is 3"-7" facades that make the countertop look very thick.Pros

• Stain resistant when sealed
• Add colored pigments  or add aggregate to create a variety of customized looks
• Heat resistant but heat will damage the sealant, however not all concrete countertops require a sealant
• Can be cast into any shape and size
• Ability to create integral sinks

Cons

• More expensive
• Needs to be sealed

Recycled Glass

Recycled glass countertops are similar to granite in durability. They are made of recycled glass and white cement. If the counters get scratched or chipped they can be repaired.Pros

• Scratch resistant
• Etch resistant
• Heat resistant
• Stain resistant when sealed
• Many colors are available
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Needs to be sealed once a year and polished 2-3 times a year to maintain its beauty
• Can chip, scratch or break with heavy impact

Solid Surfacing

Solid surfacing countertops are made from acrylic and polyester blends.Pros

• Seams are invisible
• Many colors are available
• Stain resistant
• Easy to clean
• Heat and moisture resistant
• Does not age with time

Cons

• Prone to scratching but can often be sanded to remove the scratches
• Can be scorched

Stainless Steel

Pros

• Stain resistant
• Heat resistant
• Resistant to bacteria

Cons

• Easily scratched
• It could get dented but will depend on the gauge of the stainless steel
• Fingerprints will be noticeable

Laminate

One of the most affordable materials, laminate countertops are made of paper blended with resins and adhered to particleboard or plywood.Pros

• Easy to clean
• Affordable
• Scratch resistant
• Heat resistant

Cons

• Prone to stains
• Prone to scorching
• Deep scratches, scorching and cracks cannot be repaired

Butcher Block

Butcher block counters offer a warm look. Your knives will not be dulled on this surface and over time and the aging process creates a unique patina.Pros

• Long lasting
• strong and durable
• Naturally anti-bacterial
• Scratches can be sanded

Cons

• Can be stained,
• Damaged by acids
• Requires bi-annual sanding and sealing; sealed counters should not be cut on
• Prone to mold if water is left standing on the countertops

 

Tile

Tile is budget-friendly and can be found in a number of sizes, colors and materials.Pros

• Affordable
• Glazed tiles can be heat and scratch and stain resistant

Cons:

• Grout is susceptible to mildew
• Tile can crack and chip

Countertop trends for 2015 are granite, quartz, white marble, reclaimed wood and butcher block, concrete, stainless steel, and tile.I know what my favorite countertops are. I like marble simply because it's beautiful and classic and I don't mind if it shows a little wear and tear or "patina" which is a fancy word for age. I like the contemporary look that quartz can provide as well as the low maintenance. Granite is awesome too, but I am quite particular about the color and pattern.How about you? What is your favorite countertop material? Is it currently in your kitchen or are you dreaming about it?Have a colorful day!Holly