Kitchen countertop materials such as marble are often best used sparingly in your kitchen design.
When you begin a kitchen remodel, or start building a new kitchen from scratch, countertop materials are an essential part of your kitchen’s design. Knowing this, you may be overwhelmed by the options available and unable to determine which is best for your new kitchen. To make your choice easier, we’ve compiled a list of popular kitchen countertop materials along with the essential pros and cons to know for each one.
Granite
- Pro: Granite is one of the most visually versatile kitchen countertop materials. It can be found in a host of colors and patterns, and it stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, heat, and general wear and tear.
- Con: Granite must be sealed every so often to avoid staining. It is also very heavy, which means you will need sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight.
Solid Surfacing
- Pro: Solid surfacing is made from acrylic and polyester. It’s nonporous and virtually maintenance-free. It can be susceptible to scratches and burns, but those can be sanded out. Installation is seamless, and any color and hue is available for your countertop materials.
- Con: Solid surfacing can have a too “artificial” look and feel, but be priced similarly to natural stone. It also doesn’t stand up well to hot pans or sharp knives.
Quartz Countertops
- Pro: Quartz kitchen countertop materials are a good compromise between the beauty of stone and the low maintenance of solid surfacing. It also comes in a greater variety of colors and patterns than natural stone.
- Con: This material doesn’t have natural variegation, as seen in granite, so it looks more artificial. It is more expensive, but its durability can make it worthwhile.
Marble
- Pro: Marble is perhaps the most elegant of the kitchen countertop materials. It stands up to heat well and is the best choice for pastry and baking stations.
- Con: Marble is susceptible to stains, even with sealing, and it can scratch and chip. Most homeowners only use it in a small portion of their kitchen.
Tile Counters
- Pro: Tile kitchen countertop materials work with almost any kitchen style and can hold its own against heat and blades. Chipped tiles are easy to replace, and it is stain-resistant.
- Con: The uneven surface can make some activities difficult. Ungreased grout is prone to staining, and moisture can damage tile and lead to bacterial growth.
Laminate
- Pro: Laminate is one of the most affordable kitchen countertop materials. It’s low maintenance and easy to clean, and it is lightweight.
- Con: Laminate can be prone to scratching, burns, and staining. With exposure to moisture, the layers can peel. You can’t use laminate with undermount sinks, and it can be difficult to repair.
Bring Your Vision to Life Today with C.C. Dietz
If you are thinking of building or remodeling your dream home in the York County region, what better place to begin than the start of a new year? Our team of experts will assist you throughout the entire process, and we are ready to answer any questions that you may have. If you’re eager to customize your dream kitchen, renovate your bathroom, or build your dream home from the ground up, let us be your choice for beautiful, quality work backed by a reputation of excellence and five generations of expertise. Are you ready to talk? We’re happy to meet with you! Schedule a free consultation with us today, or contact us at 717-755-1921 or visit us online.
For more fun remodeling tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: countertop materials, countertops, kitchen countertops, kitchen design, kitchen remodeling