When selecting kitchen countertops, make sure to research all of the options available.
Here is a list of common countertop materials so you can decide what is best for your kitchen.
photo courtesy of Brent Eckley flickr.com/photos/96831183@N08/27557539394Laminate
The most common type of countertop is laminate, often called by the brand name Formica.
Laminate is one of the cheapest options for kitchen countertops.
It comes in many styles, patterns, textures, and colors. Laminate countertops are practically maintenance free, however cannot be repaired if damaged.
Tile
Tile countertops are a mid priced option that can be ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile countertops.
Tile countertops are somewhat heat resistant, however not seamless, so the grout must be sealed regularly and can be a problem to clean.
Stone tile countertops will require sealing.
Granite
Granite countertops are a beautiful, popular, and classic higher priced option.
Granite varies in price, depending on the rarity of the granite and how far it has to travel to get to you.
Granite comes in many colors and patterns so each piece is unique and can be hard to match.
It is very hard and durable.
Granite usually comes in 4' x 8' slabs that are cut to fit your application.
Larger patterned granite usually has a higher the price and will have more visible seams.
Granite countertops require sealing every 6 months to 2 years.
There has been a scare recently about radiation being emitted from granite countertops, however the effect on people per the amount of radiation emitted seems to be inconclusive.
Soapstone
Soapstone has been used on school chemistry tables because it is durable, nonporous, resists wear, heat, water, and stains.
Soapstone is a mid to high priced kitchen countertop option.
Soapstone countertops should be treated periodically with mineral oil.
Marble
Marble is a high priced glamorous kitchen countertop option that is less stain-resistant and more porous than granite.
Marble requires constant sealing to prevent staining.
Solid Surfacing
Solid surfacing is a mid to high priced option that you may know by the brand name of Corian.
Solid surfacing is durable, non-porous, and stain resistant.
There are many patterns and colors to select from for kitchen countertops.
Countertop seams are generally inconspicuous since there is a consistent pattern to the material since it is man made, unlike natural stone.
Solid surfacing is colored throughout, so minor cuts and scratches can be buffed away.
Engineered Quartz
Engineered quartz countertops are a mid to high priced kitchen countertop option that is not a solid piece of quartz, but about 95% ground up quartz and 5% polymer resin.
The quartz and polymer resin combination creates a very hard stone-looking countertop.
You may have heard of the name brands of Avanza, Cambria, Silestone, Zodiac, or Ceasar Stone.
Engineered quartz is low maintenance, does not require sealing, and some brands can provide microbial protection.
Metal
Metal countertops are a mid priced kitchen countertop option that include stainless steel, copper, zinc, and others.
These metals can give your kitchen a professional restaurant kitchen feel.
Metal countertops can scratch, show fingerprints, and show water spots.
Some metal countertops may patina over time (which you may like or dislike the look of).
Concrete
Concrete is a higher priced countertop to have installed.
If you do it yourself, it can be very inexpensive.
Concrete is heat resistant, can be custom colored, and can be cast in any shape.
Concrete kitchen countertops require sealing since they are porous.
Butcher Block
Butcher block countertops are a low to mid priced kitchen countertop option.
Butcher block creates a warm feeling in a kitchen, however requires careful cleaning and frequent oiling.
It can dent, scratch, and get water damage.
Sheet Glass
Solid glass countertops are a high priced kitchen countertop option that is a unique modern option for countertops, especially if they are lit from underneath.
Glass comes in different transparencies, patterns, and colors.
Recycled Glass
Recycled glass countertops are an eco-friendly option, however they are higher priced.
Recycled glass countertops are made of approximately 85% recycled glass and 15% concrete.
It is comparable to granite in its strength, however it needs to be sealed periodically since the concrete portion can stain.
Paper
Paper countertops are another eco-friendly mid priced kitchen countertop option.
The countertops are made by mixing discarded paper and resin.
There are even some made out of old money.
For more kitchen decorating ideas, see the video below:
