Choosing between different kitchen countertops can be quite challenging, as you would want to pick a material that suits your needs and lifestyle. But at the same time, it should match your aesthetic.
From my experience as an interior designer, choosing a countertop material that perfectly complements the flooring, cabinetry, and backsplash is crucial. In this post, I will share my professional tips for choosing the best kitchen countertop including pros, cons, and the best cleaning products.
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Marble Countertops
Marble is a natural material, highly sought after because it gives off luxurious vibes. It is one of the high-end options for kitchen countertops that are versatile enough to fit a wide array of styles. The natural veining adds subtle visual touch while being available in different colors.
When choosing the suitable marble stone for your kitchen countertops, you need to consider the cabinet color and match the undertone. You would want to avoid pairing warm and cool undertones since they can look tacky. I was working on a project where my client fell in love with gorgeous marble with a cool undertone. They changed their mind when they saw the marble sample next to their off-white cabinets. Their warm undertone contains tones of yellow, while the countertop has blue undertones. When you put them next to each other, the blue undertone will bring out the yellow in off whites as they are contrasting colors.
Pros of Marble Kitchen Countertops
- Gorgeous kitchen countertop choice that pairs well with different kitchen themes
- Unique patterns thanks to the natural streaks and spots in the stone
- Increases the home’s resale value
Cons of Marble Kitchen Countertops
- High maintenance material that requires frequent sealing
- High cost
- Stains easily if not sealed
Recommended Marble Cleaning Products
Granite Countertops
Besides marble, granite is one of the most popular natural stones for kitchen countertops. Its natural specks create a unique pattern, while the material is highly durable. With being available in different colors and patterns, you can find the right fit for your kitchen style.
Black and tan are the most popular choices since they are relatively neutral and pair well with different colors and styles. However, don’t forget that natural stones are porous and require sealing. You will need to apply the protective coat every 1 to 5 years to prevent stains from penetrating the porous stone.
Pros of Granite Kitchen Countertops
- Resistant to heat and scratches
- Increases the home’s resale value
- Unique patterns that can’t be repeated
Cons of Granite Kitchen Countertops
- High cost
- Required frequent sealing to remain in top shape
- Damage is costly to repair
Recommended Granite Cleaning Products
Laminate Countertops
Laminate is a material that achieves the right balance between price and durability. In fact, it is the sturdiest material in the lower price range. For a long time, it was considered a material that looked cheap. However, this isn’t the case anymore, today’s high-pressure laminates (HPLs) are more durable, and come in a wider variety of styles that mimic expensive surfaces such as granite or marble.
Pros of Laminate Kitchen Countertops
- Simple maintenance
- Affordable
- Available in different colors
- DIY friendly installation – Can be cut on site
Cons of Laminate Kitchen Countertops
- Susceptible to scratching, peeling, and heat damage
- Shorter lifespan than natural stones
Recommended Laminate Cleaning Products
Quartz Countertops
Quartz or engineered stone is made of natural ground quartz mixed with polymer resin. It is a durable high-end material that isn’t prone to scratching or heat damage. With a wide variety of colors and patterns available, you aren’t limited regarding the design choices. You can even find the marble veining and granite patterns if you prefer their natural look but wish to keep it low-maintenance.
Pros of Quartz Kitchen Countertops
- Durable and non-porous
- Simple cleaning and low maintenance
- looks similar to marble
Cons of Quartz Kitchen Countertops
- Susceptible to heat damage
- Prone to scratches
- Should be sealed every few years
Recommended Quartz Cleaning Products
Butcher Block Countertops
The butcher block kitchen countertops are highly desirable as they add a touch of warmth to the kitchen. The countertop consists of natural wood slabs making the space look more inviting. However, wood is porous, so you must oil the surface. Also, it would be best to clean the stains as soon as they appear to prevent them from penetrating the wood.
Pros of Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops
- Adds warmth and style
- An affordable option for kitchen countertops
- Diy friendly project
- Sanding will fix minor damage
Cons of Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops
- Sensitive to liquids
- Needs to be oiled frequently
- Easily stained
Recommended Butcher Block Cleaning Products
Here is a rough estimate of the cost of popular countertop options, see below:
- Solid-surface (i.e. Corian): $35-65 per square foot
- Laminate: $8-40 per square foot
- Granite: $45-200 per square foot
- Quartz: $55-155 per square foot
- Stainless steel: $80-100 per square foot
- Marble: $75-250 per square foot
- Concrete: $65-135 per square foot
- Travertine: $50-100 per square foot
- Butcher block: $35-250 per square foot
- Ceramic tile: $10-35 per square foot
- Soapstone: $70-120 per square foot
Knowing the pros and cons of each kitchen countertop material, you can choose the right fit for your needs. For more tips, follow my Instagram and check my blog!
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