The right countertop in your home is essential to the bathroom and kitchen design. Kitchen countertops are an investment for every homeowner because a kitchen can’t be complete without the right countertops. However, when deciding which type to install, you need to consider its durability, price, design, maintenance, and more.
Also, your lifestyle will determine which type of countertops to install. If you love cooking and do it all the time, you’ll need a countertop that will be easier to maintain and clean. To get the best countertops you can find, you’ll need a professional designer to help you pick out one because every countertop has its advantages and disadvantages.
Additionally, don’t forget to match your countertop with your design. Pick out a type of countertop that fits the entire kitchen. Regardless of the style, whether it’s traditional, contemporary, or modern, below are all the different types of countertops to consider.
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1. Marble
Marble is a natural stone that can be used to complement many modern kitchens. It’s one of the types to consider if you’re looking for a luxurious and aesthetic look in your kitchen. This countertop quickly elevates your kitchen, giving it a nice and clean feel. Fortunately, marble comes in various colors, including grey, white, green, brown, and taupe.
Beyond the lovely looks, softness, and budget-friendly advantages, marble is fragile. Just with a blunt cut, you’ll have a scratch on it. That’s why investing in good cutting boards is advised to avoid such instances. Also, another notable downside to this countertop is that it’s accessible to permanent stains.
2. Quartz
Do quartz if style and durability are a thing for you. Well, most homeowners prefer this because of its budget-friendly idea, non-porous, and it’s durable. Non-porous material means the countertop will be bacteria and viruses free. With these benefits and others, families with kids prefer quartz countertops.
Quartz is entirely a natural stone, hence doesn’t crack easily, and its hygienic is top due to non-porous construction. Unfortunately, quartz is heavy and challenging to install, making it harder for homeowners to move quickly from house to house. Beyond that, it’s sensitive to heat and more expensive compared to other average materials.
3. Granite
The reason why most homeowners use granite countertops is because of their durability. It’s a long-lasting pick and has different colors in the range of bright and dark. Granite countertops don’t require high maintenance because it’s best to avoid harsh cleaning products. Getting it clean only requires soap and water.
Fortunately, granite can be cut into various edges, including beveled, ogee, square, half, and whole. If you’re interested in having any granite countertops in your kitchen, it’s best to contact a professional to install them because cracking is possible if not correctly installed.
4. Laminate
The laminate countertop was the most preferred type by many homeowners during the 80s and 90s. It still is because of its durability, low maintenance, long-lasting ability, heat resistance, and wide range of prices.
Even though most stones are in the tan color category, there are bright and darker alternatives with laminate countertops. Besides, if you mind your kitchen design, it’s best to contact a professional for more ideas and its installation.
On the other hand, laminate countertops may have seams, can have cracks if not properly maintained, and can easily be damaged by heat. Furthermore, this type of countertop doesn’t add resale value like other synthetic materials.
5. Concrete
This is one of the unique types of kitchen countertops. Installing a concrete countertop is an inspiring way of elevating a farmhouse or a traditional kitchen. Concrete has a striking look that easily allows decorative textures and a little fixture during a home improvement. It’s also bold and strong, which is why they use it to make roads and walks.
Furthermore, if you’re skilled with DIY, you can make your concrete countertop using a kit. But this applies only to those who have patience and can pay attention because concrete takes 28 days to dry and needs time to be sealed and checked.
Besides, don’t be fooled. Concrete countertops aren’t pocket-friendly or as durable as they may sound. Cracking is possible, especially if it doesn’t dry properly.
6. Tile
Tile countertops are known to present unique and colorful designs in the kitchen. Many decisions about the kitchen arise from techniques and appliances. A well-designed tile countertop gets attention in the kitchen compared to other appliances.
Tiles are available in various colors, sizes, shapes, and materials—for instance, porcelain, natural stones, and ceramic. Tiles are easy to maintain and clean compared to other types of countertops. Plus, installing them requires minimal skills.
Conclusion
Deciding on the best countertops is a massive decision for the entire kitchen. It’s enormous in terms of costs, durability, installation, design, functionality, and more. A well-chosen countertop makes your kitchen easier to maintain and more functional. The article above presents various types of kitchen countertops to consider for your next remodeling.