Best Materials For Your Kitchens’ Countertops
Countertops are in your kitchen for their functionality, but it doesn't mean that they can't be beautiful. Indeed, it is the addition of countertops along with beautiful cabinets that make your kitchen attractive. It stands to reason why you would deliberate on different materials, considering their looks and functionality. Sure, a countertop contractor will help you make a choice, but the final decision lies with you, so you need to make your choice with careful deliberation.
How To Choose The Best Material For My Kitchen Countertops?
When looking for countertop material, you have to understand that there are things other than affordability and fame. These factors will set the theme and style for your kitchen, so you need to be careful.
According to countertop contractors, these are the things you need to consider when choosing the suitable material for the countertop:
- How does it look?
- Is it durable?
- What is the material’s lifespan?
- Does it complement’s your kitchen’s design?
- Does it complement the cabinets and woodwork?
- What type of style and look do you want for your kitchen? Depending on that, what kind of hues do you need to set?
- Is it fire resistant?
- What is its texture?
- Is it aesthetically appealing?
- Does it have any other features like ease of integration of other elements?
- Can it be molded to include kitchen necessities like sink etc.?
- Does it add any value to your home?
- Can you afford it?
List Of Materials For Kitchen Countertops:
Granite:
Are you a fan of dramatic looks and styles? Well, granite countertops will give you a perfectly dramatic yet elegant look in your kitchen. Although a bit expensive, they don't require much maintenance and have an apparent effect on the resale values of your property.
Granite countertops are perhaps the best option for your kitchen. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add an element of safety as they are fire-resistant. Additionally, they are hard to scratch, so you will be able to look at those new countertops for a long time. You can get this material in different patterns and colors.
Pros:
- Natural material
- Will always be in style
- Heat resistant
- Scratch resistant
- Low maintenance required
- Higher resale value
Cons:
- Expensive
- If sealing is not done correctly, it can be stained permanently.
- It has to be sealed from time to time to maintain its surface.
Price:
Prices start from $25 and go upwards of $1000 per square.
Lifespan:
They can last for more than a whopping 100 years with proper maintenance. This estimate doesn't consider the gunk and grime that might settle in between gaps.
Engineered Stone:
To be specific, the quartz countertops. This is a much better material than granite, as it lasts for much longer than the other and is more durable. Due to this, quartz countertops have become popular in recent years.
Quartz is perhaps the best choice out of all the other materials, as it has a long list of advantages over others. It is manufactured so that you can get different colors and patterns. Additionally, it has every characteristic you would want from a countertop: heat resistant, scratch resistant, non-porous qualities, to name a few. In conclusion, you would rarely find a better material than quartz.
Pros:
- Non-porous
- Heat resistant
- Scratch resistant
- Stain resistant
- Affordable
- No sealing required
- What you see is what you get (the product will be the same as the sample)
Cons:
- Colors and designs can look a bit artificial or fake
Price:
Starting from $50 to $75 and upwards per square depending on the quality
Lifespan:
You will get a 10 year warranty on them; however, they last for much more, more than granite to be exact.
Marble:
Marble is another excellent choice for kitchen countertops. Most of its characteristics are similar to the granite countertops. It is an elegant, beautiful, and smooth feeling material and resistant to flames. It gives off a luxurious vibe in your kitchen; hence it is an expensive choice.
Marble countertops come in various colors and patterns. However, they are easy to stain and scratch. Consequently, some people do not choose this option for their kitchen. Nevertheless, beauty has always remained the most desirable factor in this material.
Pros:
- Beautiful
- Classic
- Natural material
- Fire resistant
- Cool to touch
- Adds the resale value
Cons:
- Heavy
- Requires high maintenance
- Needs to be sealed regularly
- Not scratch or stain resistant. Although stains can be removed.
Price:
Starts from $40 to $200 and upwards.
Lifespan:
A whopping 100 years.
Ceramic Tile:
Ceramic tiles are not just for walls and floors; they can also be used for countertops. You can recycle an old countertop by laying tiles on it, all by yourself!
Ceramic tiles come in many colors and designs. However, there is a need for significant grouting. More importantly, they crack, so you have to be careful.
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- Moisture resistant
- durable
Cons:
- Tiles can be scratched
- Chipping
- Uneven surface
- Stained grouting
Price:
Starts from $1 to $15 per square
Lifespan:
Anywhere from 50 to 100 years
Soapstone:
Are you tired of easily stained countertop surfaces? Soapstone is the solution to your problem. It's not just their non-porous quality that makes them a preferable choice; it is the fact that they are bacteria resistant. Some bacteria will still be there no matter how much you disinfect the surfaces. Soapstone does not let them develop on its surface, so it has a distinct advantage over others.
Soapstone comes in various shade of grey but will darken over time.
Pros:
- Bacteria resistant
- Stain resistant
- Low maintenance required
- Non-porous
- Durable
- Does not require sealing
- Scratches can be buffed with mineral oil
Cons:
- Bit fragile
- You can’t cut any objects on it
- Avoid putting heavy objects
Price:
$70 to $120 per square without installation chahrges
Lifespan:
20 years and more depending on your use
Glass:
Surprisingly, glass is another material that can be used for countertops. The translucent beauty gives off a luxurious look that it is hard to emulate with any other material. Another surprising fact about glass countertops is that they come in various colors, patterns, and designs. However, the installation is a bit expensive, so you can use the glass as an addition instead of the entire look if you are strapped for cash.
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- Non-absorbent
- Stains can be easily removed
- Comes in different colors and patterns
- Durable
Cons:
- Fragile
- Cracks due to heavy objects or blunt force
Price:
$90 and upwards for material, with additional rates for the installation process
Lifespan:
It lasts for more than 50 years with careful use
Laminates:
Laminate is another commonly used material for kitchen countertops. It is a plastic-coated surface that can be made to resemble anything, even granite, so you get a wide variety of colors and textures. It is an affordable choice for those who want quick kitchen remodeling.
Pros:
- Easy maintenance
- Easy installation
- A large variety of colors and designs
Cons:
- Susceptible to water damage
- Difficult to repair
- Shorter lifespan
Price:
$20 to $60 per square
Lifespan:
15 years if you don’t abuse them
Wood:
Contrary to popular belief, wooden countertops are a perfectly safe addition to your kitchen. You can get a variety of colors and textures with these materials. For example, you can either opt for a rustic look with a natural and unfinished surface, or you can opt for classic vibes with finished wood.
Treated woods can adapt the necessary characteristics like durability, strength, etc. however;, through sealing, you can make it heat-resistant and scratch-resistant. But no matter how eye-catching it is, it requires maintenance much more than any other material.
Pros:
- A natural, rustic feel
- Gives a homey vibe
- Recyclable
- Complements many styles
Cons:
- Require heavy maintenance
- Easily damaged
- Needs to be oiled and sanded to erase the wear and tear
Price:
Starting from $60 to $100 per square. The price will increase if you want textures or colorful stains.
Lifespan:
60 years with care, 20 years if you are Hannibal and use the countertop as a cutting board!
How To Find The Best Countertop Contractors Near Me:
Follow the following steps to find the best countertop contractors in your area.
- Ask for recommendations from people you know. Keep in mind that the only viable options are those companies whose services have been availed before by your friends or contacts.
- Limit your search to the local area. You can find many reliable ones in the immediate distance.
- Don't be stingy. Sometimes, contractors who demand high amounts have their service quality to back them up. But that does not mean you need to agree to unreasonable amounts. The same thing applies to materials. The higher the quality of the countertop surface is, the more expensive it will be.
- Hire those contractors who have many years of experience. The more working experience they have, the better their service will be.
- Search for the lists of best countertop contractors near me. You will find a lot of them online. Make sure your location is on when you are doing that. You can also input your location in the search tab.
- Ask for their qualifications. You have the right to ask this, and reliable contractors and companies will be more than happy to provide you with their certifications.
- Ask them if they know the basic safety procedures implemented in your region.
- Ask for their insurance policy. Negotiate who will be paying compensation for any property damage.
- Get quotes from different countertop contractors and material providers. Compare all the estimates, and hire the contractor who will be most suitable for your wallet.