Choosing Counter Top Materials for Your Kitchen Remodel

If you’ve done any research in the kitchen remodel arena, you are most likely aware of all the unique and amazing options when it comes to countertops. These days, with all the creativity in the industry, it seems as though the sky is the limit. From the old days of laminate (yes, it’s still available and may be making a comeback in retro renovations) to the more modern explosion of hammered copper, pressed recycled glass, and even illuminated alabaster, the artistic availability is rather surprising.

In terms of making a decision on the material for your remodeled kitchen countertops, consider some of the most popular choices, and the benefits and drawbacks of each one.

Granite

For many years, the top countertop choice for culinary connoisseurs has been granite. This solid surface comes in hundreds of different colors and styles, offering great versatility. Polished granite is a somewhat durable work surface, but also offers a high-end look, adding to your overall home value. Also, because it is a natural material, variation in the stone’s pattern is common, adding artistic appeal. But, this can also make matching up slabs tricky for larger kitchens. The cost of granite and quartz are comparable, but natural granite requires a bit more care than manufactured quartz to keep it looking pristine: rapid cleaning of acids, oils, and wine to prevent staining, as well as annual sealing.

Quartz

Practically maintenance free, engineered quartz countertops are stain, acid, scratch, heat, and impact resistant due to their non-porous surface. Because of that, they do not require sealing, like other stone surfaces. Quartz is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, much like granite, but some homeowner’s find it lacks the elegance and luster of natural stone and granite.

Marble

With a timeless appeal, marble gives any kitchen a quintessential elegant and luxurious look. Marble is dreamy. However, it’s also very soft and porous, which means scratches, dents, and staining can be a problem. Regular sealing and special care with anything acidic is essential in order to prevent etching, and will keep the surface looking clean and bright.

Glass

Sleek, streamlined, and even colorful, glass countertops have many benefits. Countertops from glass are available in a variety of colors and shapes, which means the décor possibilities in your kitchen can go any direction with glass. Although it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum for countertop materials, the popularity of glass countertops is on the rise thanks to its modern look and unique appeal.

Concrete

A thick slab of concrete can be an eye-catching focal point in a modern kitchen. Much like glass surfaces, concrete countertops are highly customizable, with the option for many different color schemes and textures. In fact, concrete can even be mixed with other materials, like glass, tile, and other stone, to create an exceptionally artistic look. One downside to this type of countertop, though, is its tendency to easily stain. Just like marble, it needs to be sealed properly and somewhat often to keep it looking its best.

Wood

Wood countertops can offer a cottage kitchen look with butcher-block blonde wood, or can be an exceptionally elegant highlight to a traditional formal kitchen with custom cabinets and crown molding. Both decorative and functional, a wood countertop surface is ideal for food prep, if properly sealed. Believe it or not, wood countertops are sanitary, even for chopping meat, and are highly heat-resistant, unlike concrete or marble, and even some other natural stone options.

These are just a few of the more popular kitchen countertop surface options. Really, the list of materials available goes on and on. That said, when making your decision about what is ideal for your kitchen remodel, keep in mind both the aesthetics of the surface, as well as the durability. And, don’t be afraid to mix and match surfaces in the same kitchen. A kitchen island topped with gorgeous wood countertops surrounded by elegant marble over the cabinets and around the sink can create movement, as well as eye catching and stunning appeal.

Author: Melinda Dzinic
Author: Melinda Dzinic

Melinda Dzinic is the founder and CEO of Euro Design Build. She has a deep passion for creating beautiful, healthy spaces for families, knowing that people’s homes are a foundation for living a richer life experience. She is a NARI Certified home remodeler whose eye for design and tireless professionalism has made her one of the top voices in Texas’s home renovation industry.

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