6 Types Of Kitchen Countertops To Consider
If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’ll want to take a look at the different types of kitchen countertops. Here’s a helpful guide to get started.
Is your kitchen in need of a refresh? Whether you’re just looking to make it feel newer, or you’re ready to do a full renovation, you’ll need to think about the countertops that you’ll use. These are the backbone of your kitchen, where you’ll do all the work, and prepare all your food.
There are lots of options out there right now for you, so you’ll need to pick something that makes sense to you. Take a look at these different types of kitchen countertops, and see what would work in your kitchen.
1. Laminate Countertops
You may know laminate countertops under several different names, such as Formica and Nevamar. However, they are all basically the same thing underneath the name. These counters are made from MDF or particleboard, which forms a core. A plastic laminate surface is bonded to it, to create the look that you want.
There are several benefits to these counters. Firstly, they’re one of the most affordable options on this list. Because of that, they can make your kitchen remodel cheaper overall. As well as this, they can come in a huge array of colors and patterns, so you can get just the look you’re going for. They’re very easy to maintain too, as you simply wipe them down with a kitchen cleaning product.
The drawback is that because it’s simply laminate, any damage isn’t easily fixed. If a section of laminate gets dented or scratched, the whole section would have to be replaced to counter that damage. Also, the seams are always visible, and that will put some people off.
2. Granite Countertops
This is a more upscale option that’s become more popular in recent years, that of granite countertops. As the name implies, these counters are made of solid granite and are engineered to fit in your kitchen. As demand has increased, the amount of colors, styles, and patterns you can get in granite has increased dramatically.
These have often been viewed as a luxury kitchen upgrade, but the price has been coming down in recent years. Again, that’s thanks to the demand for granite counters leading to more being created. They’re a practical option too, as they’re impervious to heat and add a lot of value to your home.
You do need to be aware that you can’t install these countertops yourself, and even then there’s the risk that slabs will crack under stress during installation. It will also need sealing to avoid staining over time.
3. Marble Countertops
If you want a natural stone countertop with serious luxury appeal, you can’t do better than marble. A marble countertop will always be unique, as no two counters will be totally alike.
The best thing about a marble countertop is its gorgeous appearance. It’s something that’s certainly going to give your kitchen the ‘wow’ factor. It’s also water and heat proof, again making it highly useful when cooking.
There are some drawbacks though. Marble’s one of the most expensive options on this list, so some homeowners like to limit it to one area, like a kitchen island. It’s also susceptible to staining, although some modern sealers can help prevent that.
4. Solid Surface Material Countertops
Moving onto man made countertops, the solid surface material is a popular choice. This is made by pressing sheets of acrylic particles and resin together into shapes to make countertops. It’s a process that’s been around for over 50 years but still is useful today.
When they were first introduced they were designed to mimic natural stone, but now they’re seen as a more mid-tier choice. Even so, they look fantastic and they’re often the best choice for many homeowners. It resists staining, has almost invisible seams, and if there’s damage, it can be sanded out. Plus, as it’s man made you can get almost any color or pattern that you can think of.
Be aware that this is another option that has to be installed by professionals, and that it can’t stand up to heat damage like real stone can.
5. Wood Countertops
A wood countertop is something that will offer a warm look for your kitchen and has been gaining popularity in the last decade or so. You’ll usually see hardwoods, like maples and oak, used in kitchens.
They’re a good option for kitchens as you can have them installed in a wide variety of colors and finishes. They also are quite easy to clean and care for. When you do care for them well, they’ll last for years to come. If there ever is any damage, you can easily sand out the problem and reseal it, and no one will ever know you dropped a knife onto it.
A wooden countertop can be quite pricey, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when you’re choosing something for your counters. It’s also quite susceptible to damage if you don’t keep up with maintenance. Bacteria can be a problem, as can cracking if it’s not oiled.
6. Concrete Countertops
Concrete has become a choice for many homeowners, as it’s something that’s very unique and exciting. These are usually cast right in your kitchen, creating something that’s custom made just for you. They can be done in a variety of colors, so you can get just the look that you want.
A concrete counter is something that’s high heat and scratch resistant too, so if you want something that’s highly impervious to damage it could be for you. Be aware though, concrete countertops are high cost as their custom work. You’ll also need a professional to do it, something that won’t work if you want to install your countertops yourself. Plus, the look can be too industrial for some people.
Conclusion
There are so many different types of kitchen countertops out there for you as a homeowner. All of them have their benefits, so you can pick one out that works for you. Take a look at what’s available, and pick a countertop that gives you everything you need for your kitchen remodel. Whatever your budget, you’ll find what you need.