Choosing a kitchen countertop material can be a daunting decision—they are expected to be durable (scratch-proof, stain-proof, and heat-proof), beautiful, and (ideally) economical. Plus, with the ever-increasing list of countertop options, you would probably like to weigh the pros and cons of each. So, Houston Remodel Service has compiled a list, and while it does not cover EVERY kitchen countertop material, we will cover the basics.
Kitchen Countertop Options
Natural Stone
Natural stone countertops include selections such as granite, marble, limestone, soapstone, slate, quartzite, and travertine. They all vary slightly in their qualities, the biggest difference being their appearance. The benefits to using natural stone include:
- Durable: Stone is often resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. Some are even bacteria-resistant as well, providing a sanitary surface for prepping ingredients in your kitchen.
- Low-Maintenance: Spills can often be cleaned with a simple damp cloth. The only maintenance would be that they might need resealing, but stone countertops such as granite only need to be resealed every 10 years.
- Luxury: Not only do the sleek stones make a kitchen remodel feel more modern, but they can also add value to your home. They can be incredibly versatile since they come in several colors and patterns, but the downside here is they can also come with a heftier price tag.
Butcher Block
Butcher block countertops are a natural wood countertop that can add warmth to any kitchen. Overall, the upkeep can be a little more challenging than stone countertops, but many homeowners still use them based off their appearance alone.
- Affordable: Butcher block is one of the most affordable options for kitchen countertops. They can also be a DIY option for some of the handier homeowners but hiring a contractor to install them is still very affordable.
- Customizable: With a wood countertop, you can select the grain, color, and type of wood for a fully customizable kitchen countertop. Whether you’re looking for a dark cherry wood or a blonde bamboo, you’re sure to find a countertop that fits into your remodeling style.
- Long-Lasting: If installed, sealed, and cleaned properly, it can last a couple of decades, which is quite a bit longer than say, laminate. However, it can take a bit more upkeep. The wood will expand and contract with the weather, and it also needs to be sanitized and it is not a bacteria-resistant surface. It also can easily take on dings, stains, and scratches, however, they are generally easy to remove with a bit of sanding.
Concrete
With more personalization available, concrete countertops have become increasingly more popular. Concrete can be cast into any shape and pigmented, stained, or textured with all kinds of shades and finishes; you can even embed tiles, stones, etc.
- Shapeable: Because concrete is poured into a frame, it can be designed to fit perfectly into any space. Comparably, when looking at slabs of granite or marble that need to be huge in order to fit larger areas of your counter (ie the corners) the price tag on these pieces can be huge! Concrete can be made to fit any spot at a much more reasonable price point.
- Scratch-Resistant: Concrete can hold up to scratches and dents, certainly much more than butcher block can. It is also impervious to heat. However, it’s not entirely stain-resistant and is still a porous surface, so it has to be sanitized to remain clear of bacteria.
- Slow Turnaround: In addition to the fact that concrete may need more maintenance than the rest, it also can take some time till your concrete countertops are ready. It takes time to design, cast, and cure, so if you are in a hurry, this may not be the best choice.
Additional Options
- Laminate: It is super cheap and honestly, has a lot more high-end looking selections than it did in decades past. It should not be overlooked, but it does not add much value and will probably need to be replaced in 10-15 years.
- Solid-Surface Material: Also known as Corian. It is a man-made material consisting of acrylic particles and resin. With a wide variety of colors and patterns, as well as its ability to resist staining, it can be a good choice for a kitchen remodel. However, it is moderately expensive and definitely not heat resistant.
- Ceramic Tile: For most of us, tiled countertops seem a bit dated. However, recent innovations in porcelain tiles offer many more design options than ever before, including tiles that look like wood, marble, or even leather or cork. They are easy to clean, affordable, and probably have the most selections out of any other option.
Need Help with Your Kitchen Renovation?
Houston Remodel Service is your local remodel specialist! We know this list is not exhaustive, but we hope it gives you a good start. If you need more help deciding on a kitchen countertop or are looking for help during your kitchen remodel, Houston Remodel Service can lend a helping hand.