Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

Choosing the material for your kitchen countertop can seem overwhelming, with so many options for materials and colors, along with a wide range of budget options. Some are known for their durability, but the countertop is also a very visible surface that affects your kitchen’s aesthetic. Budget is another aspect to consider, as some countertop materials carry a heavy price tag. However, many expensive materials can be mimicked with durable, stylish, and more cost-effective materials. Color, texture, strength, hygiene, stain resistance and style are all considerations when choosing your countertop. Here are the most popular options.

Granite

Granite has become more affordable as supply has increased, due to demand for other types of countertop materials. It is a classic material that adds a touch of luxury to any style kitchen design. Granite is very durable, heat resistant and comes in a wide range of colors. It must be sealed to prevent staining and should be installed by an experienced professional, due to its weight.

Soapstone

If you’re looking for an interesting, yet hard-wearing material that improves with use, look no further than soapstone. Traditionally seen in old houses, it’s a smooth, gray stone that takes on a patina with age that can complement most kitchen designs. Soapstone is heat and stain resistant and just needs to be treated with oil instead of being sealed.

Quartz

An engineered stone, quartz is one of the most popular countertop materials. This nonporous surface is hygienic and exceptionally durable and requires no sealing against stains. It comes in a huge range of colors, has no imperfections, can mimic other materials, and can be custom-made to suit any kitchen design.     

 Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are a reasonably low-maintenance, versatile, and aesthetic choice. The tiles themselves don’t require sealing, but grout lines do, so keep this in mind when planning your tile size and pattern. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns for a truly unique kitchen countertop. Ceramic tiles are a durable option that can also mimic other materials.

Marble

Each piece of marble has unique veining and gives a luxurious feel to any kitchen design. If you don’t want to splash out on a large amount of marble, you can incorporate it into one section as a baking surface or use it as an island countertop. It is heatproof but can succumb to stains unless it is properly sealed.

Solid Surface

Solid-surface countertops are made from a blend of acrylic and resin that are pressed into your desired shape. They are a hard wearing and durable surface that is easy to clean and maintain. This countertop style comes in a wide range of colors and patterns and can be produced to mimic other more expensive materials like granite, stone, or quartz.

Wood

Wood is always a good way to warm up a white kitchen, but also pairs beautifully with other colors like blue. Hardwoods are the best choice for a durable wood countertop. Once sealed and maintained, they can last a long time, but bear in mind that wood is susceptible to stains, scratches, and water-damage.

Laminate

Laminate sheets on particleboard make up laminate countertops, a budget-friendly option that has increased in popularity. Improved manufacturing methods mean there are more styles, colors, and patterns available. Laminates are not the most durable countertops as they scratch easily and cannot withstand high heat. However, they are easy to keep clean and make a fun, retro kitchen design.

Concrete

Concrete is perfect if you want a countertop in a unique style or shape. As they are so heavy, they are often cast in your kitchen, so this adds to your budget. They are heat and scratch resistant and can be tinted with color. Concrete needs to be sealed regularly and may crack slightly. The result is so characterful that it might not be to everyone’s taste, so it’s not recommended if you’re remodeling to sell.      

Stainless Steel

A popular choice in recent years, stainless steel is a modern and hygienic countertop material. It is exceptionally heat-resistant and durable, and the countertops are custom-made, so are seam free. As with marble, stainless steel countertops are expensive.  Additionally, some may find this surface too clinical compared to other options, so may only suit very specific design tastes.

There are many countertop materials out there to suit your style and practical requirements. Each can change the look of your kitchen design, so choose wisely. You will find more inspiring countertop styles in our kitchen design gallery. At Lang’s, our design professionals are here to help and to advise you every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you start your kitchen remodeling project.