Our 13 Favorite Kitchen Countertop Materials
- Marble Countertops.
- Honed Granite Countertops.
- Stainless Steel Countertops.
- Glass Countertops.
- Recycled Countertops.
- Concrete Countertops.
- Travertine Countertops.
- Tile Countertops. Tile countertops are a great choice if you want an inexpensive material that’s easy to maintain.
Moreover, what is the best countertop for kitchen?
Countertop Intelligence
- Quartz. Pros: It mimics the look of stone yet needs less maintenance.
- Granite. Pros: Each slab of this natural material is unique; rare colors and veining cost more.
- Soapstone, Limestone, and Marble.
- Laminate.
- Solid Surfacing.
- Recycled Glass.
- Butcher Block.
One may also ask, which stone is best for kitchen countertops? This family of countertop materials includes quarried stones like granite, marble, soapstone, and slate.
- Granite: once found only in expensive homes, granite is more common today and is one of the most popular materials.
- Pros: no (or low) visible seams, durable surface, heat-resistant.
Simply so, which countertop is easiest to maintain?
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don’t require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Is quartz or granite better for countertops?
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn’t porous like granite, it’s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
13 Related Question Answers Found
What countertop can you put hot pans on?
The only countertop materials that you can safely set hot pots and pans on are Soapstone and sintered surfaces; in fact, they are recommended as countertop materials for that purpose. Setting hot items directly on quartz or granite may not damage them immediately, but they could eventually crack due to thermal shock.
Are granite countertops going out of style?
The short answer is NO: granite won’t become dated because it’s a 100% natural material. Wood, stone, plants–these things don’t go out of style. The colors and pattern in each slab of granite were brought together without human intervention long before there were even such a thing as design trends.
What do you put on kitchen counter decorations?
Large fruit bowls, bread baskets, cookie jars and even canned goods like jams, jellies and other stores can create a bright, colorful and inviting kitchen countertop design. Lighting is another feature you can add to kitchen countertops to create warmth and visual interest in your kitchen design.
How can I update my kitchen countertops?
Here are a few less expensive ways to update old counters. Give It a New Look with Paint. Skim-Coat Your Counters for a Faux Concrete Look. Make Your Own Solid Concrete Counters. Create Tile Countertops. Install Butcher Block.
What is a cheaper alternative to granite countertops?
Cheap Kitchen Countertop Alternatives Material Cheap to Expensive (Per Square Foot)* Granite $40-$100 Marble/Quartz/Engineered Stone $50-$90 Wood $50-$100 Soapstone $50-$100
How do I choose quartz countertops?
Here are four tips to help you find the perfect quartz surfaces and countertops for your kitchen, bath and other home remodeling projects. Choose Colors, Patterns and Texture. Select the Right Thickness. Choose Edging. Select Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures Before Selecting Your Quartz Surface.
Is quartz or Corian better?
Overall quartz is more durable and can withstand heat and scratches better than Corian. Both can be discolored by some chemicals. However, damage to Corian can usually be repaired where quartz can sustain permanent damage.
What is the latest in kitchen countertops?
Kitchen Countertop Styles and Trends Classic Butcher Block Countertops. Upscale Laminate Countertops. Customizable Concrete Countertops. Low-Maintenance Solid Surface Countertops. Elegant Marble Countertops. Timeless Soapstone Countertops. Classic Tile Countertops. Sleek Stainless Steel Countertops.
What is the best countertop for your money?
These are some of the most in-demand countertop materials on the market today, and for good reason: Quartz. Quartz has become popular with thanks to its durability and low maintenance. Granite. Marble. Laminate. Solid Surfacing. Slate. Recycled Glass. Wooden Butcher Block.
What is the most stain resistant countertop?
Other than perhaps stainless steel, no countertop is 100% stain proof. Quartz is the most stain resistant material because it is engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly stain resistant. Quartz is also easy to maintain as no sealer is required.
Does quartz fade in the sun?
It’s a little known fact but direct sunlight will fade any brand of quartz, and Silestone is no exception. In just a few weeks of exposure dark colors will lighten and whites will begin to turn yellow.
Can you put hot pans on quartz?
1. You Can’t Set Hot Pans on Them. Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you’ll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Does granite scratch easily?
Avoiding Scratches Granite is a quartz based material and can therefore be scratched by quartz or anything harder. Knives will not scratch granite, although cutting on your countertops is not recommended as it will very quickly dull your knives. Diamonds will scratch granite, so please be careful with jewelry.