Your home’s kitchen is probably its busiest room. The average kitchen’s countertop must withstand daily hot pots and pans, spills, wet dishes, and food preparation. The ideal kitchen countertop needs to be functional and attractive at the same time. If you’re on the verge of remodeling your kitchen or just interested in renewing your kitchen countertops, it would be in your best interest to familiarize yourself 5 kitchen countertop materials that lead the market in 2021.
Granite
Granite has been the material of choice for countertops for quite some time now, especially when no budget restrictions are set. Granite defines beautiful elegance in the kitchen space. Even the most modest kitchens get a luxurious feel when flavored by granite’s beauty.
Granite has historically been an expensive material to get one’s hands on, but its price has been coming down somewhat in recent years.
Pros
- Extremely durable and strong
- Almost impervious to heat
- Adds value to one’s real estate property
- Around 3,000 different types and colors available
Cons
- It can be more expensive than other options
- Not DIY suitable
- May crack if improperly installed
- Slabs could have imperfections
- Knives are rapidly dulled when cutting on granite
- Stone demands sealing to avoid stains
Marble
Another commonly-encountered natural stone in kitchen countertops is marble. Marble often comes with a high price tag, which is often why it is not often observed on a countertop’s entire expanse. Its luxurious appearance is usually limited to the use on an island or countertop section.
Pros
- Heatproof and waterproof
- Adds to a home’s real estate value
- Stunning stone
Cons
- Expensive option
- No DIY installation possible
- Scratches are possible; repairs can be difficult
- Stone can stain easily when not sealed
Soapstone
Soapstone is yet another natural stone option. It typically has a dark gray color and a silky, smooth feel. It has gone through a recent resurgence as a granite alternative. Soapstone can be often seen in historic residential properties, but often also used in modern properties as both a sink and countertop material. Contrary to common belief, architectural soapstone that is used for countertops is stain resistant and quite hard. It may, however, scratch with time, but this adds to the stone’s antique patina.
Pros
- Fairly heat impervious
- Rich, deep color
- Stain-resistant to an extent
- Provides a historic, antique kitchen look
- Option to sand out damage
Cons
- Has to be treated with mineral oil
- Could darken with time
- DIY installations aren’t possible
- The surface could dent and scratch, but this adds a nice antique look and feel
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone product containing up to 93% quartz particles along with other minerals. Quartz is available in various colors and possesses a nonporous surface resistant to both staining and scratching.
Pros
- DIY Installation is possible
- Fairly easy maintenance
- Uniform slabs
- Custom fabrications in any shape or size
- Stain-resistant and impervious to acid and heat
Cons
- Expensive
- Very heavy
Solid Surface
Solid-surface material is generally sold through brands like Corian, Swanstone, and Avonite. It is a man-made material that consists of a mixture of acrylic particles & resins that get pressed into sheets and other different shapes.
Solid surface used to be regarded as luxury and premium countertops but is now regarded as more mid-tier. However, it is still an excellent option for mid-range kitchens or high-end kitchens with plenty of countertop space.
Pros
- Stain-resistant
- Virtually invisible seams
- Damage can be sanded out
- Available in numerous patterns and colors
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- Could get damaged from hot pans
- DIY installation not possible
When it comes to countertops, the options are endless. After going through the 5 kitchen countertop materials mentioned in this article, go for one that matches your budget, style, and needs. Countertops can make or break your kitchen, so make sure to do your homework!