How to Choose a Countertop Material

There are many different types of countertop materials and many different reasons for choosing each one. The types of countertops you can choose are:

Butcher block
Custom wood
Porcelain
Concrete

Marble
Limestone
Quartz
Soapstone

Travertine
Sintered stone
Granite
Laminate

Of course, the first deciding factor that influences which type to choose is style. Many people love granite, quartz, and butchers block countertops because they look refined and stylish. Others love concrete, sintered stone, and soapstone countertops because they aren’t as “cookie-cutter” and are unique.

The second factor to keep in mind is maintenance. Even though styles like butcher block are aesthetically pleasing, they require frequent upkeep such as sanding and polishing. Butcher block is especially tricky because it is easily damaged by kitchen tools such as knives. If there are children in the home, choosing a low-maintenance option is the best idea because then parents don’t need to worry about possible damage to the countertops when the little ones are helping cook. Other styles such as granite and concrete countertops need to be properly maintained through sealing to avoid stains from condensation rings and other liquids such as wine.

Cleaning is a factor that is at the top of most people’s priorities. Although styles like granite tile are fun and artsy, they are difficult to clean. The grout between the tiles creates a dip that attracts debris that can be difficult to remove. As everyone knows, cleaning the kitchen countertops is vital because there can be many germs and residue left from use and food such as raw meat.

Price is one other very important deciding factor. Although styles like granite, marble, and quartz are beautiful, they often come with a not-so-pretty price tag. Thus, many people choose laminate because it looks nice but doesn’t cost as much. Owning a home is already an expensive journey. There’s no need to worry about having the most costly countertops in the market until it makes fiscal sense. On the other hand, if you have the budget for countertops like granite or quartz, you should consider adding them to your house because they not only add style, but they also increase your home’s resale value.

Even though there are many factors to keep in mind when choosing a countertop, it is surprisingly not that difficult because they are all so unique and there are many brands to choose from to find “the one.” Some well-known brands are:

Cambria®
Caribou®
Caesarstone®
Corean®
Corian®
Dekton®

Duralosa®
Durat®
EuroStone®
Evostone®
Formica®
Paperstone®

Richlite®
Silestone®
Stone Coast®
Stonewood®
Wilsonart®

In terms of popularity, most people choose granite or quartz countertops, especially for kitchens. Porcelain and sintered stone are also becoming increasingly more popular. Sintered stone is an 100% natural material and is often used for bathrooms and outdoor countertops. If you’re looking for a durable and stylish laminate, European laminate is currently chic, and, as many know, Americans often follow European trends.

If you would like help in selecting and installing the perfect countertop material in your kitchen, bathroom, or workspace,
please contact us or call us at 425-392-8301.