Are you remodeling your kitchen or thinking about it? If so, then you would know that you have to make decisions after decisions. One such crucial decision is choosing between different kitchen countertop options.
Why is it such an important decision? To begin with, your kitchen countertop has a critical role to play, both functionally and aesthetically. Not only does it set the tone for your kitchen remodel, but it is also the focal point of your brand new kitchen.
Hence, you must make the right choice. But how? Here are some kitchen countertop options to consider while remodeling.
Kitchen Countertop Options to Consider While Remodeling
Granite
Granite remains among the top kitchen countertop options for a reason. Not only is it a fan favorite, but it is also a justified fan favorite. Granite is a natural stone that is cut and polished into slabs. It is these slabs that you find in kitchens all over the world in different styles and finishes.
Granite is heat, scratch, and stain-resistant, which makes it perfect for a kitchen environment. However, it also needs to be sealed and resealed every year as it is a naturally porous material. If you don’t mind the maintenance and care, granite is a strong kitchen countertop option.
Marble
If there is one kitchen countertop option that screams luxury, it is marble. Marble countertops have fast gained popularity for several reasons. One of the reasons is the rise of modern/minimalist kitchen design that calls for a light and luxe countertop material for which marble is a perfect fit.
Even though marble is more high-end and quite prone to scratches and stains, marble is among the top kitchen countertop materials with the proper care and maintenance.
Quartz
While granite and marble are natural stones, quartz is an engineered stone. Your quartz countertop is made up of quartz pieces blended with resin. The ratio of this mixture is 92 to 94 percent stone and 6 to 8 percent binding agent.
Unlike natural stones, quartz is non-porous, thus making it ideal for kitchens. It also means that you don’t have to pay extra attention to its maintenance and it is easy to clean. Because it is manufactured, you also get many options in terms of color and designs, making it ideal for a broad range of kitchen remodel ideas.
Laminate
Laminate is one of the more affordable kitchen countertop options. Even though it is easy to brush aside laminate as a viable option, it is proving to be worth your attention.
Made out of plastic laminates, these countertops come in many styles and design options, some even mimicking natural stones. If you are a budget-conscious home remodeler or want a DIY- friendly option, laminate is your best bet.
That being said, it does come with some drawbacks. Many homeowners consider it ‘cheap,’ hence, that might be a drawback in resale. It is also prone to chipping and peeling off. Thus, you have to pay extra attention to its care.
Soapstone
If you’re striving for uniqueness with your kitchen remodel, then you should look no further. Soapstone is a natural countertop material that has enjoyed its fame in the shadows of other materials like granite and marble.
You’ll often find grey and dark soapstone countertops. It is one of the more uncommon kitchen countertop materials out there, which gives it an edge. Soapstone is resistant to stains but is vulnerable to scratches.
Because it isn’t in demand as much, you might find it harder to procure; thus, it might end up costing you more.
Slate
Slate countertops are the delicate balance between the uniqueness of soapstone and the familiarity of granite and marble. Another fine addition to the league of natural stone kitchen countertop options, slate is non-porous and stain-resistant.
Like soapstone, you are more likely to find darker shades for slate, but it also comes with the veining (although more subtle) that you find in marble. Another upside of slate is that it costs less than marble, soapstone, and granite.
Concrete
Concrete kitchen countertops are conversation starters. Anyone and everyone who walks into your kitchen will stop in their tracks to ask about it. Although considered to be an unusual choice, concrete countertops are gaining popularity in the high-end remodeling segment.
A huge reason for this is that concrete kitchen countertops are not for everyone. Even though concrete can be highly customizable, in terms of shape, color, finish, and design, you will need an expert custom concrete countertop installer to do the job, and that comes at a cost.
Recycled Glass Slab
The rise of contemporary kitchen design and the increase in demand for sustainable materials have also given way to a new type of kitchen countertop material: recycled glass.
Made from fabricating and melting down the recycled glass, this material is among the more unique kitchen countertop options. Even though they are made out of glass, they don’t necessarily have to look the part. Many countertops mimic the look of quartz or engineered stone.
However, they do cost a lot more than what quartz would. Hence, when you’re purchasing a recycled glass countertop, you’re paying a premium for the look and the novelty factor. Functionality wise, they are pretty robust and stain-resistant.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is for those who want to pick something definite and unique from the various kitchen countertop options. You’ve only seen them in restaurants so far, but kitchens worldwide are picking up on the trend.
Stainless steel countertops are still pretty unique and fit a very niche kitchen design and remodeling project. Not just that, it also takes a skilled contractor to fabricate and install them for your kitchen, which drives up the cost and makes it an expensive countertop material.
Stainless steel is easy to maintain; it is heat-resistant and lasts long. You might have to be careful of fingerprints and stains, but that’s always an easy fix.