Countertops!

How to know what the right countertop is for your kitchen?

When selecting a countertop, price is definitely an important factor, but price alone shouldn’t be the only factor. Durability, ease of cleaning and the amount of kitchen activity should also be considered. So, how do you know what is right for you? We provide a brief comparison of some of the most popular countertops trending right now. You can also take our Countertop Survey to assess what type of countertop may fit best in your space.

Lots of choices!

How to know what the right countertop is for your kitchen?

When selecting a countertop, price is definitely an important factor, but price alone shouldn’t be the only factor. Durability, ease of cleaning and the amount of kitchen activity should also be considered. So, how do you know what is right for you? We provide a brief comparison of some of the most popular countertops trending right now. You can also take our Countertop Survey to assess what type of countertop may fit best in your space.

• Granite. Granite is one of the most selected countertops because it checks most boxes. Not only can you find granite in many styles and color options, it is extremely durable and can withstand heat well and is scratch resistant. This makes it a good option for the busy cook! It is easy to clean whereas some other options are not as easy to clean. Another plus for the cook! Plus, if you have a tough spot that needs a bit more elbow grease, granite can handle harsher cleaning products.

• Marble. Marble is a bit less flexible. Much like granite, it is durable, but color selections can be limited, and it doesn’t quite check all the boxes. While it is heat resistant, it can scratch easier than granite and it is affected by harsh chemicals. It is not as easily cleaned, partially because of the lack of chemicals which can be used. This option is good for a family that has adult children or prefers natural cleaners. However, Marble will stain and etch – if you are a perfectionist, this may not be the choice for you!

• Quartzite and Quartz surface. Both of these surfaces check every box. Quartz, much like Granite, is extremely durable and is heat and scratch resistant. A quartz surfaced countertop is heat resistant but can scorch so it’s a bit less durable than its counterparts. While, you may pay more for quartz, but it provides a sleek look and comes in a variety of color selections.

• Porcelain. Porcelain is a mixture of materials including ceramic, glass and other materials. It is very durable and is also heat resistant but harder to find in a wide variety of colors. It is easy to clean and scratch resistant. Porcelain is a cheaper option than that of Granite, Marble or Quartz. **This is the new kid on the block and is gaining popularity for the “look” and “price” but there are some drawbacks. While it is durable, porcelain is only patterned on the top layer. It is colored throughout but if it chips, the pattern will not be seen in the underneath layers.

• Butcher block. This look provides a more rustic/farmhouse look to a kitchen but is not quite as durable as the stone versions of countertops. It is heat resistant, but it will burn. It scratches easy–it’s essentially a giant cutting board–and is harder to find in a wide range of colors. But, unlike some of it’s countertop friends, butcher block can be repaired easier. It is usually solid wood held together with laminate adhesive. A nice look for a bar or maybe even kitchen island but may not be the best choice for a countertop if you are hard on your surfaces. Wood is also a porous material so the finish on the countertop is critical for sanitary concerns.

• Laminate. While Laminate is not the best when it comes to durability, it makes up for it in price point. The least expensive of all countertops, laminate also comes in a variety of color options. However, it’s less durable and can burn easier. You cannot put heat directly on laminate without running the risk of harming the countertop. It is not easily cleaned and is only somewhat stain resistant. Laminate can be a good choice for the first-time homebuyer who plans to renovate down the line or a multi-family property. Something to consider when choosing laminate is your endgame. If you are going to live in the space for a long time, if you are going to rent it out, etc. you will ultimately get more for your money choosing a little higher end product such as one of the other 5 mentioned in this article.

Have questions about which countertop material is right for you? We can help!