How To Choose The Right Countertop For Your Kitchen

The remodel of a kitchen includes making a lot of difficult choices. For example, you need to analyze the amount of storage needed, the color palette, the materials and, of course, the countertop options. Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen is not easy. It is a decision which needs to be based on several important aspects. https://www.homedit.com/most-popular-kitchen-countertops/

Material

Wood kitchen cupboards

There are plenty of options when it comes to countertop material and some are more popular than others. You need to find the right balance between looks, maintenance, durability and cost.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Granite is the top choice. It comes in a variety of shades including black, white, coral, green or beige. Each piece of granite is unique so no two countertops can possibly look the same. This material comes in two finishes. A polished finish gives the countertop a shiny look.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Engineered stone is another option if you prefer this type of look. It’s available in a large variety of colors and this often makes this more popular than natural stone. Countertops made of engineered stone are also more durable.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Solid surface countertops also come in a wide range of colors. They’re stain-resistant and are made primarily from acrylic and polyester. However, these can have an artificial look and feel, not preferred by those who enjoy the look of natural stone or wood for example.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Concrete is another great option for countertops. It can be customized with pigments and comes in a variety of finishes. However, maintenance is not as easy as with other types of countertops.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Wood is often chosen for kitchen countertops because of its ability to instantly warm up the room, giving it a welcoming look. They also have a classic appeal and look excellent in traditional or rustic kitchens.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Stainless steel countertops are usually found in commercial kitchens and have a strong industrial vibe. The reason why they’re so popular in restaurants and professional kitchens is because they’re very resistant and don’t get damaged by heat. Also, they’re resistant to bacteria.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Marble countertops are, of course, considered to be very stylish and classy. They’re appreciated for their glamorous look and distinctive veins and are often seen in traditional kitchens. Marble countertops are always cold so that’s also a plus.

Wood kitchen cupboards

And then there’s also paper composite which is also used for making countertops. These are made from paper fibers mixed with resin, they’re eco-friendly and very durable. They’re heat and water resistant and lighter than those made of natural stone or concrete.

Maintenance

All types of countertops require maintenance, some more than others. The material, color and finish you choose dictates that.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Granite countertops can withstand heat and scratches really well but have to be sealed every so often or they can get stained.

Solid surface countertops are basically maintenance-free. Because the material is non-porous, there’s no need for sealing or special cleaning. However, these countertops can be susceptible to scratches and burns.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Marble may look glamorous but it stains easily, even if it’s sealed. So you might not want to have all your kitchen countertops made of marble and limit its use to certain areas only.

Stainless steel countertops are nearly indestructible. They resist heat and bacteria and have that industrial look that a lot of contemporary kitchens know how to highlight. However, they show fingerprints and dent easily.

Wood kitchen cupboards

As for concrete countertops, things are simple. They resist heat really well and are durable but, because they’re porous, they stain easily and have to be sealed frequently.

Wood and moisture are not friends so take that into consideration before choosing the material for your kitchen countertops. Also, wood is not resistant to bacteria and has to be disinfected frequently. In addition, it doesn’t withstand scratches. However, these can be fixed through sanding or oiling.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Paper composite countertops are surprisingly durable. They withstand heat and water really well but are not resistant to scratches or chemical damage.

Cost

Obviously, the cost is important. Some types of countertops are known to be expensive. Engineered stone and granite are costly but the price is basically the same for these materials. Marble is expensive and so can be stainless steel. And even though paper composite may sound like an affordable choice, that’s not always the case.

Wood kitchen cupboards

Wood countertops are among the least expensive options along with concrete and solid surfacing up to a point. But the cheapest option of all is laminate. These countertops are made of paper blended with resin and they’ve popular for decades, although nowadays the more natural look is preferred.

Lifestyle

Wood kitchen cupboards

While material, price and looks are important, what you need to focus on is your lifestyle and that of your family. The kitchen countertops have to be a good fit. So if you have kids and there’s always a mess in your kitchen, perhaps white isn’t the best color for the countertops and wood or marble not your best material choices.