Exploring a Kitchen Remodel? Here’s All You Need to Know in the World of Kitchen Countertops
The best kitchen is the kitchen that works for you and your home. The material you chose for your kitchen countertops can not only dictate the style of your room, but has significant influence on function, long-term use, and satisfaction.
If you’re curious about what’s going on in the world of kitchen design, or actively planning your kitchen remodel, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s all you need to know about style, affordability, function and long-term durability for the most popular countertop materials on the market.
Choose a Granite Countertop for Durability and a Distinctive Look
Few surfaces command a room quite like granite countertops. Granite’s elegant and distinctive style and longevity make it the preferred choice of many contractors and homeowners. While granite has previously been a high-cost option, it has become far more affordable in the last decade, while still providing the same high quality. It works well in both residential and commercial spaces.
With whites, blacks, earthy tones, and minerals that create a stunning intricate detail, granite kitchen countertops provide a beautiful feature with unmistakable sophistication. The wide spectrum of colors, shades, and patterns and natural variation in the material mean that no two slabs are completely alike. Furthermore, the timelessness of granite’s look means that it can fit seamlessly into any style, kitchen design and both classic and modern decor.
But this is just where the benefits begin. A granite countertop is incredibly durable with a strong resistance to scratching, chipping, and cuts. Additionally, you can throw away your heating pads as granite is strongly heat resistant and remains hardy after time even in high-traffic, high-use countertop areas.
Last but not least, granite countertops are very easy to clean. Even light colored granite is significantly stain-resistant when sealed, and counters just require just a simple wipe down. You must seal your counters at least once a year.
Choose a Quartz Countertop for Easy Customization and a Super Sleek, Contemporary Look
Quartz countertops are an ideal choice for both residential and commercial countertop applications. Although quartz hasn’t traditionally received the same attention as other products, it’s quickly becoming one of the most prominent countertop materials. Its popularity is likely due to its beautifully sleek look, affordable cost, and ability to fabricate the slabs to virtually any shape or size.
As an engineered, man-made stone, quartz is specifically designed to outshine its fellow man-made materials in a winning combination of style, durability and toughness. Unlike some natural stone surfaces, quartz kitchen countertops have low porousness, meaning that quartz countertops are highly functional for busy kitchens and also offer fairly high resistance to heat as well as scratches, staining, and denting. We still recommend protecting your quartz countertops from pots and pans fresh from the hot oven, however.
With a surface crafted from pure, crushed quartz combined with minerals, pigments and binder, this material imitates natural stone appearance beautifully and creates a slab that delivers strength, durability, and aesthetics all rolled into one.
Choose a Marble Countertop for Deluxe Style and a High-End Look
For elegance, luxury, and a sophistication that takes any kitchen just one step further, nothing beats marble for sheer, one-of-a-kind dazzle factor. Like granite, each slab of marble is distinctly unique. No two marble countertops are exactly alike.
This natural stone elevates the aesthetic appeal of any kitchen and is famous for its beautiful veining pattern, patina, and shiny finish. Its neutral shades mean marble can fit smoothly with almost any color scheme and combines easily with other countertop materials and styles. Marble even blends beautifully with other decor when installed as a one-off feature, such as a kitchen island countertop. Choosing a single feature marble countertop is a popular decision for homeowners and contractors who want to add a touch of opulence to their kitchen remodel.
Like granite countertops, marble needs to be sealed regularly, however unlike granite, marble can be susceptible to cracking, scratching, staining and chipping if not handled and maintained appropriately.
Choose a Butcher Block Countertop for a Rustic and Natural Look
In a return to embracing natural materials in the home, butcher block countertops have become increasingly popular in home remodels over the last several years. As well as providing the reliable sturdiness of hardwood, butcher block countertops offer a warm and natural kitchen style that can make an area feel immediately homey and effortlessly trendy.
The cuts of butcher block countertops are intended to showcase the natural beauty and grains of the wood and are normally crafted from maple, oak, or walnut. As well as presenting a traditional, rustic chic or farmhouse feel, it also offers a number of functional benefits.
They are easy to install, repair, and sand, and if varnished, they prove fairly easy to clean and resist stains. Butcher block countertops require regular sealing or oiling.
Unlike stone countertop options, it’s important to note that butcher blocks are not as resistant to scratches, dents, cracks, and nicks and cuts from knives and other sharp kitchen tools. Additionally, butcher block countertops are more susceptible to bacteria and water damage, and are not usually an appropriate choice for a sink area or adjacent, for this reason.
Choose a Laminate Countertop for a Budget-Friendly, Simply Stylish Look
Modern laminate countertop options have made leaps and bounds in the world of kitchen design. Traditionally a favorite of those looking for an affordable material, laminate countertops now cover a span of colors, patterns and textures bound to match any possible style, theme, or color scheme for a kitchen. With easy installation and maintenance, it’s also a popular choice for DIYers looking to give their kitchen a painless and affordable update.
Functionally, laminate also boasts many beneficial features for homeowners and contractors looking for new countertops. This option is durable, resistant to stains, and easy to clean. It’s also a great choice for people who prefer frequent kitchen updates due to its low cost, versatility and easy installation.
While laminate is strong and durable, unlike granite, quartz and quartzite countertops, laminate is not resistant to chipping, scratching, and direct cuts and is difficult to repair once damaged. Laminate countertops are also easily damaged by heat and moisture. Additionally, some home buyers often associate laminate countertops with a more low-end look, so this is something important to consider if you plan to sell your house.
Choose a Quartzite Countertop for the Wow Factor and Long-Lasting Benefits
Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock with properties similar to granite and a unique look similar to marble. A robust, natural stone, quartzite is the product of sandstone that’s undergone a process of intense heat and pressure, resulting in a strong and durable material. Quartzite is an emerging trend with homeowners and contractors as it creates a stunning look while retaining the reliable hardiness of granite and quartz countertops.
Aside from its durable quality, a quartzite kitchen countertop is also a popular choice due to its elegance and crystalline shine. Cutting an impressive aesthetic for either kitchen and bathroom remodels, quartzite is a strong rival to marble. These countertops are UV resistant (so are an ideal choice for an outdoor kitchen), low maintenance, and easy to clean.
Get Expert Guidance While You Shop for Countertops
Whether you’re a DIYer looking for a kitchen countertop replacement or a contractor starting from scratch, Elegant Kitchen & Design is your premier destination for quality materials at wholesale prices. We offer an extensive selection of natural and engineered stone – quartz, granite, and quartzite – from top-rated manufacturers, promising solutions for every taste and budget. Contact us to explore how we can upgrade your kitchen remodel and find the right look and design for you.
