The kitchen has become a place for morning conversations and family time as much as for cooking. It is also where small gatherings tend to end up, which has a lot to do with how kitchen remodeling has developed.
As islands and breakfast bars have become popular, the demand for refined countertops has grown with them. If the resale appeal of your house matters to you, it makes sense to invest in high-quality countertop materials. Think about appearance and durability as one package.
Here are a few things to think about as you start planning your kitchen countertops.
Best Kitchen Countertops
What qualities make a great kitchen countertop? First on the list is appearance, specifically a distinctive, refined look. Beyond that, consider resistance to scratches, stains and heat, overall durability, and the range of colors available. How much maintenance the surface needs is another factor. Here are some of the strongest candidates.
Classic Elegance of Granite
Granite countertops are widely seen as a plus when a home is sold, because granite is known to keep its appearance over time. It tolerates heat well and resists scratches, and when sealed it stands up well to everyday kitchen spills. It is one of the harder natural stones used for countertops.
Granite is naturally porous, however, and lighter shades tend to show stains more readily if the sealer is neglected. On the other hand, granite comes in a rich variety of colors, so there is usually one to suit your kitchen interior.
Dramatic and Soft Appeal of Marble
Marble countertops are known for their striking appearance. Marble makes a kitchen look grand and luxurious. Unlike granite, however, it scratches more easily and needs more care. Acidic foods can etch the surface and spills can leave lasting stains. Marble works best for homeowners who do not use their kitchen heavily or who are comfortable with a surface that develops a patina.
If you really want marble in your kitchen, regular care and proper sealing go a long way toward keeping it looking its best for many years.
Pristine and Luxurious Quartz and Quartzite
Quartz is an engineered stone, while quartzite is natural. Both are popular for their durability and distinctive appearance. Quartz is less prone to staining and does not need sealing, but it is less resistant to heat. Quartzite handles high temperatures better and is very hard, though as a natural stone it should be sealed. Both are easy to clean.
Types of Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen countertops can be classified by material. The most in-demand are those made of premium stone, because they are elegant and highly durable and can last for decades with proper care. Besides granite, marble, quartz and quartzite, stone options include onyx, soapstone and travertine.
Another popular type is wood, or butcher block. It comes in a variety of species and colors, including oak, maple, teak, cherry and walnut. What makes this type of countertop appealing is the warmth it brings to a kitchen. It is distinctive and works well in combination with stone countertops.
Copper, recycled glass and concrete can also be used for countertops. Copper is less common, but it gives a kitchen a unique look and develops a patina as it ages. Recycled glass and concrete surfaces are relatively easy to maintain and, properly looked after, can last for many years.
Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
Various materials can be used for outdoor kitchen countertops. Butcher block is sometimes chosen because it blends well with a natural setting. However, outdoor countertops are exposed to sun and rain, so they call for more maintenance than indoor ones, and wood in particular.
Proper sealing matters even more outdoors. Shade or a cover also reduces exposure to the elements and helps the surface keep its finish for longer.
Kitchen Countertop Installation
The longevity of a countertop depends on proper installation. Concrete countertops that are not properly supported can crack, for instance, and wooden countertops can warp.
A good installation covers every step: laying out the countertop, choosing the right material, fabricating and fitting it, and explaining how to care for it afterward.
Modern Kitchen Countertops
Trends in modern kitchen countertops include using two different materials in one kitchen and playing with contrasting hues. A combination of wood and stone countertops looks fresh and elegant. Other options include mixing two stones, or working with neutral colors, black and white, and contrasting shades.
Affordable Kitchen Countertops
A high-end look does not always require the highest budget. Wood or butcher block is generally among the more affordable options, while premium stones such as granite, engineered quartz and soapstone cost more, with the price depending on the specific slab, its thickness and the complexity of the job. A written estimate based on your own kitchen measurements is the only reliable way to compare.
Conclusion
A well-chosen countertop helps turn your kitchen into a more inviting place for conversation and time together. Whether it is for an island or a breakfast bar, weigh style, durability and upkeep together to find the surface that suits your home.