You're ready. Your kitchen countertop has been an eyesore for ages and you're ready for it to go!
But where do you start? How do you know which kitchen countertop is best? There are so many options nowadays—granite, marble, quartz, quartzite, concrete, butcher block; the list goes on and on.
Which countertop material is right for YOU and your needs?
We'll break it down for you below.
The Top 4 Most Popular Countertop Materials
Granite
Quartz
Marble
Laminate
These materials are the most popular residential countertop materials—and for good reason! They each have their own pros and cons, which we'll explore more below.
Granite - A purely natural stone that is sourced directly from stone quarries, defined by its elegance and timeless luxurious appearance.
Pros
-can withstand very high heat temperatures
-strong and durable
-very popular with homebuyers and adds value to home
-nearly maintenance free (only needs to be treated with sealers)
-resistant to cuts, scratches and stains (when cleaned quickly)
Cons
-cannot be DIY-ed
-imperfections present due to natural stone
-prone to cracks if stressed or not installed correctlly
-if cutting on surface, knives can be dulled
-requires sealing to avoid permanent stains
-edges and corners can chip and must be professionally repaired
Budget Type: Mid to high
Quartz - Man made engineered stone formed by combining 90% ground quartz with 8-10% resins, polymers and pigments.
Pros
-can be DIY-ed
-easy maintenance with no sealing required
-uniform slabs with no imperfections
-can be custom fabricated to any size and shape
-resistant to stains
-impervious to acid
Cons
-very heavy in weight
-edges and corners can chip easily and must be repaired professionally
-noticeable seams in joined areas
-not as heat resistant as granite
Budget Type: High
Marble - A luxurious natural stone that is entirely unique to each kitchen.
Pros
-waterproof and heatproof
-adds real estate value to home
-unique veining in each slab
-will not yellow due to heat
Cons
-DIY installation is not possible
-can be scratched easily and difficult to repair
-porous stone which stains easily and difficult to remove
-needs to be sealed every few years
-not sturdy enough for kitchens; heavy pots may chip or break off the slab
Budget Type: High
Laminate - Plastic coated synthetics made with laminate sheets and particleboard (MDF) core.
Pros
-easy and low maintenence
-thousands of options and customized patterns available
-DIY installation is relatively easy
-durable against heat and stains
-one of the cheapest options available for countertops
Cons
-cutting directly on it permanently damages the surface
-may not add any perceived value to home
-any damage is almost impossible to repair
Budget Type: Low-mid
There you have it—a breakdown of the most popular kinds of kitchen countertops! Which one are you eyeing? Did any of the pros or cons surprise you?
Let us know in the comments down below!
As always, if you find yourself in need of any kitchen or bath remodeling assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us!
-Wholewood Team
Sources: @thespruceofficial @consumerreports @thekitchn @countertopguides @hgtv
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