Kitchen Countertop Options
When it comes time to remodel your kitchen, choosing the right surface for your kitchen countertops is crucial. Although the variety of choices may be daunting, it gives you the opportunity to choose the perfect countertop material to enhance the beauty of your home and reflect your personal style. Currently, you can choose from hundreds of colors, patterns and textures, in materials ranging from natural stone and acrylic sheets to quartz composites and stained concrete. Here’s a look at the most popular kitchen countertop materials that are being used by homeowners today and their pros and cons.
Granite Countertops
When your budget permits, granite is the countertop “material of choice.” It is the ultimate in elegance and brings out the true beauty of the kitchen. Kitchens with granite usually lead to a bump in home value, and often sit on the market shorter times than similar homes without.
- Pros: Variety, it comes in almost 3,000 colors! Durability, it will last a long time and holds up well against heat. You can plop down a hot pan without a second thought of hurting the material. It also has the 2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds.
- Cons: Price, but as more people buy it, it becomes more affordable; If it’s not installed properly it may crack and require some maintenance and if you don’t get it sealed, the stones may stain.
Ceramic Tile Countertops
In the average home, you will probably find ceramic tile countertops. It is not only durable and easy to clean, but it is also inexpensive. Installation is fairly simple, and can even be turned into a DIY project if you have the time and resources.
- Pros: Variety, tons of prices, sizes and textures to choose from; Price, stock tile can be very inexpensive and if you are up for the challenge can be DIY installed.
- Cons: Durability, because the counter surfaces are uneven, the tiles can easily chip or crack, and regular cleaning is required to reduce stains in the grout lines.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel is a great choice for those who want a sleek, modern look. They are constructed to your exact specifications so you can have countertop that is flawless and perfect for what you need.
- Pros: Heat resistant & Easy to clean – enough said.
- Cons: Easily damaged, you can’t cut directly on stainless steel as it is can scratch and dent easily; Price – can be expensive since not typically a stock countertop material.
Marble Countertops
Marble is the perfect complement to any kitchen and gives it that luxurious look that many homeowners crave. However, most homeowners don’t use marble on their entire kitchen due to the high price tag, but it is frequently used on islands or small sections of the counter to designate a baking center.
- Pros: Design, absolutely stunning!
- Cons: Price, it’s one of the most expensive countertop materials; Easily stainable, it’s porous and requires frequent professional sealing.
Poured Concrete Countertops
The use of poured concrete for countertops is becoming an increasingly popular trend in kitchen remodeling. Concrete counters resemble slabs of natural stone and are a great choice if you have countertops in unusual shapes. The high price tag may be beyond most people’s budget, but its ability to conform to almost any shape, size and surface is amazing.
- Pros: Unique, gives the kitchen an exotic and rare look; Versatility, it can be tinted almost any color you would like; Heat resistant.
- Cons: Design, concrete can make your kitchen look somewhat industrial rather than cozy.