New countertops are expensive, so you expect them to last a long time. If you are remodeling your kitchen, your countertops will be the most costly material you pick out, surpassed only by your cabinetry package. You'll see them every day, prepare food on them, and need to keep them in good condition. Aesthetics and price are important considerations, but don't forget long-term durability and maintenance requirements when choosing the right materials. Read on to find out how the most popular materials compare.
According to recent surveys, quartz countertops have finally surpassed natural granite in popularity. Also called manufactured stone, this material consists of ground up quartz (a natural mineral) that is bound together with resin and then molded into slabs. These days, more than 90% of our clients choose solid-surface quartz countertops because of the durability and easy maintenance. In recent years, the choice in colors and patterns has exploded. Quartz is available that mimics many natural stone slabs as well as many unique colors and patterns.
SEE ALSO: Quartz Vs. Granite: The Complete Guide [Euro Marble]
Above: A Seattle kitchen with white quartz countertops. See more of this project.
This material is often confused for quartz, but unlike that engineered material, quartzite is a quarried natural stone.
Above: Pental Princess White Quartzite in a Mercer Island master bathroom.
Granite is now the second-most-popular countertop choice. It is available in a wide range of colors and natural patterns.
SEE ALSO: Natural and Manufactured Countertops: What's the Dif?
Above: Granite countertop by Pental Surfaces.
Soapstone lends a beautiful, warm look to a kitchen, with colors that range from almost solid white to charcoal gray, with lots of marbling. Personally, I love how light-gray soapstone weathers into a beautiful patina.
Above: Natural soapstone slab.
This classic quarried stone has been a popular choice for kitchen countertops for ages. It traditional good looks add a touch of formality to a room.
Above: Marble slab with pronounced veining.
The timeless look of butcherblock countertops is coming back in a big way. As a warm, inviting material, wood certainly has its charm, but you also have to consider its drawbacks.
Above: Oiled butcher block countertops lend a warm feel to this vintage kitchen.
You can achieve a wide variety of looks with concrete, from industrial to artistic.
Laminate kitchen countertops have fallen out of favor from their boomerang-patterned heyday in the 1950s, but there are still reasons to consider this inexpensive option.
Above: Photo by 510_Architects
This eco-friendly solid surface consists of many layers of recycled paper pressed together and bound with a resin. Paperstone and Richlite are two popular brands.
Above: Photo by building Lab, inc.
Corian and other brands of solid-surface countertops are made with polymer resins (plastic), sometimes mixed with sand. Although they have been somewhat eclipsed by quartz, solid-surface can still be a solid choice.
Above: Corian countertop Deep Bedrock with Corian Farmsink Bold.
Only recently gaining in popularity, porcelain countertops such as Dekton and Neolith are a super-durable choice.
Above: Modern kitchen with Dekton countertops.
Ultimately, your selection of a countertop material comes down to personal preference and priorities. The important thing is to look beyond the pretty surfaces and know the pros and cons of each material before making your decision. After all, you may be living with your countertops for many years, even decades. I hope this introduction will be a good jumping off point for your research and that you settle on a material that you will absolutely love. If you would like to start a discussion about a home remodel or if you just have questions, please contact us. We are always happy to try to be of service.