What’s the first thing you notice about a kitchen? For me, it’s the countertops.
Along with cabinetry, countertops are the most important visual feature in your kitchen — they really help tie the entire space together! I think it’s why choosing new countertops is my favorite part of a kitchen remodel.
There are many kitchen countertop materials (and colors) to consider…almost to the point where choosing one can feel daunting. Our team at Mosaik is here to break it down and make your choice simple. Keep reading for the most popular kitchen countertop materials and the pros and cons of each.
Granite
Granite is on many a homeowner’s kitchen remodel wishlist. This material is made up of interlocking mineral crystals, the most common being feldspar and quartz. When polished, the result is a countertop with a luminous quality.
For years, granite was the most popular countertop material for kitchens. And while it certainly has a lot more competition these days, it’s still a top choice. Once you see it, it’s easy to understand why.
This beautiful countertop material adds a sense of high-end luxury to any kitchen. It also comes in a variety of colors. And its natural grain appearance ensures each installation looks completely one-of-a-kind.
Pros
- Incredibly strong and durable
- Holds up well to heat
- Great ROI (better resale value on your home)
- Thousands of colors and styles to choose from
Cons
- High initial investment
- Some imperfections are common
- Dulls knives quicky
- Porous material requires yearly sealing
- Spills must be quickly cleaned up to avoid staining
Marble
Marble countertops are highly prized and extremely luxurious. With its unique veining pattern, this natural stone material has a recognizable look that many homeowners crave.
In fact, the marble design in general has become quite popular. You can find this unique pattern on phone and laptop cases, sunglasses, notebooks, wallpaper, earrings, and more!
While marble has become one of the most trendy kitchen countertop ideas, it’s certainly not for everyone. Those with children, for instance, may not want to install marble countertops since they stain and scratch easily.
Pros
- Exceptionally beautiful
- Unique and trendy “veining” pattern
- Waterproof and heatproof
- Good resale value investment
Cons
- The most expensive countertop material
- Is easily scratched and stained
- Repairs are difficult
- Very porous stone, must be sealed often
Quartz
Quartz is our most popular countertop option for kitchen remodels!
Quartz is one of the hardest materials on Earth, so using this material in your countertop surface makes a lot of sense.
Contrary to popular belief though, quartz countertops are not made from solid quartz. About 10% of a quartz countertop is a polymeric or cement-based binder. These countertops also include crushed up granite, marble, and natural stone or recycled industrial items like ceramic, glass, and so on.
It all comes together to create the luxurious look and feel of stone while providing the ease of care of a solid, non-porous surface. Additionally, as an engineered product, quartz comes in a range of colors and patterns — far more than natural stone.
Pros
- Consistent and uniform with no imperfections
- Can be custom-made in any size and shape
- Resists stains and is impervious to heat and acid (no sealing needed!)
- High-end and natural-looking appearance
Cons
- Heavy material
Soapstone
This natural and dark stone material is a popular option for historic home remodels. Over time, soapstone’s silky and smooth surface takes on a patina that’s tough not to love.
Though this material can suffer scratches, it’s relatively durable and resistant to stains. However, the surface’s natural roughness can cause scuffs to dishes and china if not careful.
Pros
- Holds up pretty well to stains
- Fairly impervious to heat
- Ability to sand out any scratches or nicks
- Offers a historic aesthetic
Cons
- Starts out light in color but will darken with time (some like this change in appearance)
- Must be treated with mineral oil
- Scratches and dents possible
Laminate
Laminate is a much more cost-effective countertop solution, but it lacks the same level of appeal that premium materials bring. Still, with the huge range of colors, patterns, and styles now available, it may be worth considering.
Laminate is especially popular in retro design kitchens — particularly mid-century modern kitchens.
Pros
- No maintenance required
- Thousands of options
- Inexpensive option
Cons
- Considered a lower-end product
- Visible seams
- Can be scratched and chipped
- Incredibly difficult to repair
- Cannot install an undermount sink with a laminate countertop
Butcher block
Many people love the classic yet quite look of a butcher block counter. It’s especially fitting in a country farmhouse or cottage-style kitchen.
The biggest concern with butcher block is maintenance. To ensure bacteria isn’t a problem and knicks, stains, and cracks are avoided, you’ll need to give it regular maintenance. But for many, the warmth and durability of this material is worth it!
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Very long lasting
- Easy to repair with sanding and resealing
Cons
- Surfaces are subject to scratches and cuts from knives
- Can be damaged by water and stains over time
- Must be oiled and sealed frequently
Concrete
Concrete is a trendy countertop material idea and offers an edgy and industrial flair to your space.
This material is especially well loved for its versatility. It can be created in any shape and custom-tinted to the color of your choosing. Plus there are endless inlay options, like glass, rock, or shell fragments to give it an even more unique and customized look.
Pros
- Can be color-tinted
- Can be customized with inlays, colors, and textures
- Resistant to heat and scratches
- Heat and scratch resistant
Cons
- Cracks can appear over time
- Requires custom work
- Must be regularly sealed
We take the hassle out of choosing kitchen countertops
At Mosaik Design & Remodeling, we like to keep the process of choosing kitchen countertops (and every other aspect of your remodel, for that matter) simple and fun.
Using the color scheme and design aesthetic of your home as a guide, we’ll present some of the best options for your space. We’ll help you explore the pros and cons of each, look at the options in person, and select the one that best fits the day-to-day and long-term needs of your family.
Learn more about our kitchen remodeling services. Or give me a call at (503) 726-2222 and let’s chat!