Luxurious, Modern, or Unique? No Matter Your Taste, Here’s All the Information You Need When Planning Your New Kitchen Design.
Embarking on a kitchen remodel is an exciting and important journey. One of the most significant decisions you’ll make is choosing your kitchen countertop material. The right kitchen countertop material can set the tone for your whole kitchen and also impacts its function, long-term use, and the overall enjoyment of your kitchen.
With a range of beautiful options available, understanding the features and benefits of each material helps you make an informed choice. Let’s explore some of the most popular countertop materials to help you determine which one is right for your kitchen remodeling project.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that not every countertop material is available at every kitchen remodeling supply store. Because some countertop materials are less durable or harder to care for than others, some stores prioritize certain natural stone and man-made stone. This is because customers are more likely to be satisfied with these durable products and won’t need to replace them again in just a few short years.
Granite Countertops
Few surfaces command a room quite like this design element. Granite countertops are known for their unrivaled style and longevity, making them the preferred choice of many kitchen remodel contractors and homeowners. Chosen frequently in both residential and commercial spaces, granite countertops offer multiple benefits:
Pros Of Granite
- Durability: Granite is a natural stone. It’s resistant to scratches, heat, and stains, making it an excellent choice for high-use kitchens.
- Unique appearance: As each granite slab is unique with its own patterns and colors, no two are exactly identical. This means that even if you choose a popular type of granite, your kitchen will look unique!.
- Added home value: Granite countertops are often seen as a premium feature, which can increase the resale value of your home.
Special Considerations For Granite
Granite is porous and requires annual sealing to maintain its stain resistance. Although sealing your granite countertop should not be overly time-consuming, it is an extra step to consider.
What’s the bottom line?
Choose granite countertops for a unique, natural stone that provides a textured look. Highly resistant to heat and damage, this is a great choice for a busy kitchen or a family.
Quartz Countertops
As an engineered, man-made stone, quartz ranks among the hardest surfaces on the planet. Many kitchen remodelers choose quartz countertops in both residential and commercial kitchens due to its combination of durability, toughness, and aesthetic appeal. Here’s some more useful information:
Pros Of Quartz
- Low maintenance: Quartz countertops are man-made, engineered from natural quartz and resin. They are non-porous and resistant to stains and bacteria. Unlike many other popular countertop surfaces, they require no sealing, making them virtually maintenance-free.
- Customizable fit and designs: Quartz is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic natural stone. Quartz slabs can also be fabricated to virtually any shape or size. beautifully sleek look, affordable cost, and ability to fabricate the slabs to virtually any shape or size.
- Durability: Quartz is highly durable and resistant to scratches and heat, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens.
Special Considerations For Quartz
While quartz is heat-resistant, excessive heat can cause damage. It’s essential to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from hot cookware.
What’s the bottom line?
Select a quartz countertop for a sleek modern look that mimics natural stone. Customizable to almost any shape or size and highly durable, this option is a great choice for a kitchen remodel.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is a robust, natural stone is a popular choice due its stunning look, shiny finish, and reliable hardiness. This kitchen countertop material has become popular with modern kitchen designers due to a durability and unique veined look, rivaling both granite and marble.
Pros Of Quartzite
- Natural beauty: Quartzite is a natural stone with a stunning, marble-like appearance. It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns, offering a luxurious aesthetic for your kitchen.
- Durability: Quartzite is incredibly hard and durable and resistant to UV damage, scratches, heat, and stains. Many kitchen remodelers suggest quartzite countertops for a high-end look with the strong properties of granite.
- Low maintenance: With proper sealing, quartzite is a relatively low maintenance kitchen countertop option. It doesn’t harbor bacteria and is easy to clean with mild soap and water.
Special Considerations For Quartzite
Like granite, quartzite needs to be sealed annually to maintain its stain-resistant properties. This maintenance step is essential to keep the countertop looking its best.
What’s the bottom line?
Quartzite countertops create a unique, stunning look, that works perfectly for a trendy, showstopping, or deluxe kitchen design. As it retains the reliable hardiness of granite and quartz too, many kitchen remodel contractors choose quartzite as a catch-all option for aesthetics and function.
Countertop Options for All Kinds of Kitchen Design
Although many modern kitchen designers favor granite, quartz, and quartzite countertops, there are other less popular options to choose from for your remodeling project. Keep in mind, however, there are very good reasons professionals do not recommend using these materials in kitchens that will be used every day.
Marble Countertops
Although marble is beautiful and elegant, it is softer than granite or quartz. This makes it more susceptible to scratches and stains. Marble must also be sealed every three to six months, so it requires much more maintenance than other materials. It also is one of the most expensive countertop materials on the market today.
Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops offer a warm, rustic charm. They are great for food preparation and can be sanded and refinished to remove scratches. However, they’re prone to water damage, chipping, and scratching.
Butcher block countertop manufacturers recommend oiling them every few weeks, a process that renders your countertops unusable until the oil soaks in and dries. If they aren’t cared for properly, they’ll require fairly frequent replacement and can harbor bacteria.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate is a budget-friendly material that is easy to install and maintain. However, it is prone to scratches and cannot tolerate heat. Any seams in laminate can take on water, causing the veneer to warp or bubble. Most kitchen remodels have moved away from laminate, as they are not desirable when re-selling a home.
Find a Local Expert Who Understands Your Needs To Put Your Dream Kitchen Remodel Within Reach
When selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen remodel, remember to consider your lifestyle, design preferences, and intended function of your kitchen. As different countertop materials offer a unique set of benefits, getting in touch with a professional countertop supplier can be hugely beneficial in finding the exact solution to fit your needs.
