Kitchen counters are arugably the most used part of your kitchen. Whether they’re serving as a workspace for meal preparation or as a gathering spot for family and friends, your countertops do it all! From spills, stains, hot pans and messy kiddos, they typically get a lot of wear. Therefore, selecting the right countertop material that aligns with both your design preferences and practical needs is an important decision in creating a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional! There are a lot of options out there so we want it make it easy for you to compare them and ultimately select the best countertop for your new kitchen. In this blog you’ll learn about the properties of each material and get plenty of inspiration!

MATERIALS

Countertops come in a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and design aesthetic. With all these options, you have tons of ways to personalize your kitchen. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of marble, the durability of granite or the modern appeal of quartz, there are important elements to understand of each.

QUARTZ & DEKTON

• Material: Engineered stone surfaces.

• Durability: Both are highly durable and resistant to stains and scratches.

• Maintenance: Unlike natural stones, they don’t require sealing.

• Cost: $-$$$

• Good to Know: Because these materials are man-made products they have a large range of veining looks, whether it’s no veining or high veining, there’s options to suit an array of styles.

• A Few of our Favorites:

QUARTZITE

• Material: Natural stone.

• Durability: Quartzite is an exceptionally hard and durable and is known for its resistance to scratches, impact, and heat.

• Maintaintainance: Needs to be sealed annually.

• Cost: $$-$$$

• Good to Know: Non-porous so prevents the growth of bacteria.

• A Few of our Favorites:

MARBLE

Material: Natural stone.

Durabilitiy: While marble isn’t the most resiliant surface, it’s still quite durable when properly maintained.

Maintenance: Marble countertops require regular sealing to maintain their appearance and protect against staining. Polishing may also be needed to restore shine.

Cost: $$$

Good to Know: Marble stays relatively cool, making it an excellent choice for baking.

A Few of our Favorites:

CONCRETE

• Durability: Concrete countertops are exceptionally sturdy and can withstand heavy use without cracking or chipping. They are highly resistant to impact damage.

• Maintainance: Concrete countertops require periodic sealing to protect against staining and moisture absorption.

• Cost: $-$$

• Good to Know: Highly customizable, heat resistant, and also heavy, so ensure that your cabinetry and support structure can handle the weight.

• A Few of our Favorites:

GRANITE & SOAPSTONE

• Material: Natural stone.

• Durability: Granite & soapstone are both dense and durable.

• Maintainance: Granite is easy to clean and doesn't require sealing as frequently as some other materials. For soapstone, occasional oiling or waxing can enhance the stone's natural patina and provide added protection against staining. However, this is optional, and many homeowners prefer the aged, rustic appearance soapstone develops over time.

• Cost: $$-$$$

• Good to Know: Both are resistant to scratches & heat.

• A Few of our Favorites:

BUTCHER BLOCK

• Material: Crafted from wood, typically maple, oak, or cherry.

• Durability: When properly maintained, they can withstand years of use.

• Maintenance: They require periodic oiling to prevent drying and cracking.

• Cost: $-$$

• Good to Know: Wood is not waterproof and will show stains.

• A Few of our Favorites:

design ideas

Just like any remodel element, there are so many unique & fun design ideas to play with when it comes to your countertops.

DESIGN IDEAS TO TRY

• Explore the trend of a waterfall countertop, where the countertop extends down the sides of the cabinet, creating a seamless and striking focal point.

• Mix different countertop materials. We love the look of a butcher block island!

• Nix a tile backsplash and continue your counters up the wall for a high-end look. You can either go just to your upper cabinets or take it all the way to the ceiling.

• Square edge is the most commonly used, however there are a multitude of options to explore with your fabricator.

• Thick counters are great for an ultra modern look.

• Countertop materials aren’t just for counters! For example, consider using marble or quartize as a fireplace surround or to create a dramatically beautiful statement wall.

Love all things home improvement? Make sure to check out Part 1 & 2 of our Kitchen Remodel Series!

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