Countertops 101 – Basics of Choosing a Kitchen Countertop Material

For many, their kitchen is the most important room in their home. And most real estate experts agree that the best way to improve or increase the property value of a home is to remodel the kitchen. The four main components of a kitchen remodel generally involve replacing major appliances, installing new flooring, replacing or resurfacing kitchen cabinets, and installing a new countertop. Let’s focus on that final component: replacing the current kitchen countertop material with a new one.

Naturally, it’s about more than rushing to the store to pick out a new kitchen countertop. You will first need to consider how much you want to spend. You should also think about how much time and effort you’ll need to spend to maintain your new countertop. Finally, you’ll want to seriously consider the style and look you want in your kitchen. Whichever type of countertop you install, it will be the focal point of the entire room.

The first type of countertop that comes to mind for any eager kitchen renovator is granite. However, there are many countertop materials to choose from, and granite is just one of them. These days, an aspiring kitchen remodeler can select from tile, stone, acrylic, concrete, stainless steel, and laminate—even wood!

GRANITE

Let’s start with the most popular: granite. Granite countertops are the most popular but also the most expensive. Why? In addition to the beautiful surface, granite is extremely resistant to heat and scratches. A granite countertop is very durable and will last a long time. A granite countertop will never go out of style and the installation of granite slabs will greatly increase the value of the house. The drawbacks? Aside from the expense, granite is a natural stone and is porous. A sealer will be required to prevent staining. An alternative is to use granite tiles instead of a solid slab. The cost savings on tiles is high. It’s important not to use the granite surface as a cutting board, as it will dull the finish (and ruin a knife or two).

OTHER NATURAL STONES

In addition to granite, there are other stone surfaces that can be used on kitchen counters. Quartz, marble, limestone, soapstone and slate surfaces are very popular today. Marble is smooth and cool, perfect for preparing food directly on the surface. It is not as durable as granite and requires more sealing maintenance to protect it from staining. Chalkboard is highly durable and has such a unique surface that it can really stand out in a kitchen. Since slate has been used as a roofing material, it does not require as much sealing protection, but some maintenance is still needed. Limestone is very porous and spills must be dealt with quickly to prevent staining. It has a natural, worn look that can deepen and darken over time. Natural quartz looks similar to slate, but it doesn’t stain or scratch as easily. Engineered quartz has also gained popularity, but costs are considerably higher (engineered materials are a composite product of quartz mixed with epoxy, polymers, and small stones or pebbles for a unique look and feel).

SLABS

Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles have been popular in kitchens for decades. It comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and designs. Tiles can be as small as one square inch and as large as six square inches. Tiles are durable and also have some of the same heat and scratch resistant qualities as granite. Porcelain tile is usually more expensive than ceramic tile, but porcelain tile is more durable and the most fire-resistant type of tile. Disadvantages of the tile? It can chip easily, is more expensive than laminate alternatives, and grout can be a problem. When laying the tiles, there are grout lines between each tile and the grout can be stained very easily. It will require a lot more maintenance to keep it looking good. Due to problems with grouting, the ability of tiles to crack and chip easily, and the overall cost, installation work is best left to a professional.

CONCRETE

Concrete isn’t just for sidewalks or driveways. A concrete countertop is pigmented and can be polished to a smooth, shiny surface that can resemble any natural stone. Countertops can be molded in a factory or cast on site. Concrete is quite porous and needs to be sealed regularly, similar to granite, to resist staining. It can be made in any shape and have any thickness. Concrete is also heat and scratch resistant. Countertops can be made in a variety of colors and textures. Disadvantages of concrete? The sealant required is not the only protection needed. The sealer needs to be waxed every one to three months to prevent staining and water damage, so maintenance can be extensive. It cannot be cut on the concrete surface without leaving marks. Concrete is also very expensive.

STAINLESS STEEL

A restaurant would probably be the first thing one would think of when it comes to a stainless steel kitchen counter. But there is a reason why most restaurants use this material. Durability, stain and water resistance, low maintenance, a wide variety of size and shape options are just a few of those reasons. It is also very easy to clean and you can put a hot plate or pan on the surface without worrying about damaging it. Disadvantage: many do not like its “industrial” look. It can be quite expensive to have done. Cutting it can leave marks and can be easy to dent. It’s important to make sure the surface is at least 18 gauge and has eight to ten percent nickel.

WOOD

Sometimes called butcher block countertops, a wood countertop is usually made from strips of maple or oak that have been glued together. But just about any hardwood can be made into countertops. Bamboo countertops are the latest trend! Wood countertop material has a warm, beautiful look that can come in a variety of shades and textures. It’s perfect for people who want to cut directly on their counter surface. Can be sanded and resealed for deep cuts, scratches or stains. It can be easy to install and prices are reasonable. Drawbacks? The wood is not very hard and can easily burn, scratch or dent. Wood can warp or turn black near sinks due to regular contact with water. And it requires regular sealing.

LAMINATE

Formica is the most common name for laminate countertops. It is made of a thin layer of plastic glued to particle board or wood. Plastic laminate countertops are very affordable, lightweight, and available in an endless variety of colors and designs. It is very resistant to stains and, being a plastic material, it is easy to clean. Because it comes preformed, it can be easy for a DIYer to install. Disadvantages of Formica? While these counters are somewhat durable, they don’t last forever. Laminates are not heat or scratch resistant, but they are stain resistant. Abrasive cleaners can dull and scratch the surface. Warping or water spots occur with excessive exposure to moisture. Color or pattern may fade over time.

ACRYLIC/SOLID SURFACE

Solid surface countertops are custom built countertops for any application. Popular companies include Corian, Avonite, and Swanstone. These surfaces are durable, waterproof, easy to clean, nonporous, and even resistant to mold and bacteria. And nicks or scratches can be sanded out. Drawbacks include problems handling hot pans on the surface, high cost, and excessive weight requires a good, strong cabinet base (similar to natural stone). Some don’t like the plastic or the “fake” look of the material, but the material has a wide range of colors to choose from.

Replacing kitchen countertops is just one step in your kitchen renovation goal, but many consider it the biggest step. You can really make a statement about your kitchen and your home with the right selection of countertop material. Of course, once you take care of the worn countertops that come with the house, it will really make those old cabinets, floors, and appliances stand out! It’s all just part of the process of increasing the value of your property.