DESIGN BUILD BLOG

Posted on November 15, 2022

When starting a new remodeling project at home, one of the many decisions you'll have to make is what kind of countertops to use. When picturing your dream kitchen, you may already have a specific countertop in mind, whether they're made of granite or marble. 

But nowadays, there are so many beautiful options to choose from, so how do you make this decision? The best way to start is to familiarize yourself with your choices and weigh the pros and cons of each. To help you decide which countertop is best for your project, we'll discuss the most commonly used countertop materials and the pros and cons of each. 

Things to Consider When Choosing a Countertop

When you're choosing a countertop, it's important to remember that the best countertop for one home may not be the best for another home. The design of your home and what you'll be using the countertops for are only two factors that can impact your decision on what material to use. So here's what you'll need to consider when choosing a countertop for your project:

Appearance

When your home is being remodeled, the appearance will make a difference to you, and rightfully so. And although you're not going to choose a flimsy countertop just for its appearance, it's also essential to choose something you feel goes with the aesthetic you're creating in your home. You may have a modern-style kitchen or a farmhouse-style kitchen- whatever your design choice is, your countertops should fit perfectly in your new space. Each countertop has a different appearance, and many materials come in different tones or colors. So it may be helpful for you to examine multiple materials to see what might be the best fit.

Durability

After all the love and care you'll put into designing your home, you want your countertops to last a long time. The durability of the material you choose for your countertops will impact how long they'll last and what they'll be able to withstand. The durability may include stain resistance, which is something to consider, especially if you have children. While some materials will naturally be more durable than others, it will also depend on how well you maintain them.

Price

Even if a higher price is worth having your dream countertops, it's still something to consider as part of your overall budget. Sometimes when you're remodeling a part of your house, unexpected costs will come up. So it's important that you know how much the countertops will cost and keep your project within your projected range.

Like any home renovation project, redoing your countertops can take time, and there is much to consider. Careful planning and research upfront can keep you from being surprised about the aspects of each material later on.

Countertop Materials

When you're having your kitchen renovated, the good news is there are so many more choices than there used to be. However, having too many options can also seem like a curse, so we've narrowed down the best materials for your next project.

Granite

Granite is the obvious choice of material for many homeowners, and there's no denying that granite makes for a beautiful countertop. Due to its rising popularity, it's more widely available and often more affordable than it used to be. However, it's still on the higher end regarding pricing since it's a natural stone. Although granite can stain more easily than other materials, it's heat-resistant and can last for decades when properly maintained.

Pros

  • Beautiful appearance
  • Durable surface
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • The high end of the price range
  • Must be sealed regularly
  • Not stain-resistant 

Quartz

Quartz, also known as engineered stone, comes in various colors, and it's relatively easy to maintain as well, making it one of the most popular countertops. Typically, quartz countertops are pure quartz mixed with a small percentage of resin, which makes for a beautiful, finished look with a durable surface.

Pros

  • Incredibly durable
  • Won't chip or crack easily
  • Stain resistant
  • Low-maintenance

Cons

  • The high end of the price range
  • It lacks the natural look of some other materials
  • Heat-resistant, but not heatproof

Marble

Marble makes a beautiful countertop but is one of the more involved materials to maintain. Marble countertops, made from natural stone, will take a little more work to keep clean and maintain. Marble comes in various colors, making it easier to fit the design of your kitchen. Marble also comes in two different forms: honed or polished. Honed marble will be harder to keep clean since it's a more porous surface, whereas polished marble provides a protected surface with a shiny appearance. 

Pros

  • Provides a unique look in your kitchen
  • Durable and resistant to cracking
  • Heat resistant
  • Long-lasting material

Cons

  • High maintenance
  • Requires regular sealing

Soapstone

Soapstone is an excellent choice if you're looking for a natural stone with a more rustic feel. It comes in several different tones and is a relatively low-maintenance choice, although you will need to treat it periodically with mineral oil. Even though soapstone is durable, the surface likely will scratch with age, and this isn't a significant issue for most homeowners since it often adds to the rustic, worn-in feel of a soapstone countertop. 

Pros

  • The unique, rustic appearance
  • Mostly stain resistant
  • Damage can often be sanded

Cons

  • Must be treated with mineral oil
  • Surface may darken
  • The surface will scratch over time

Butcher Block

Butcher Block is another countertop material that provides a rustic feel and is great with farmhouse-style homes. Simply made out of a wood slab, the type of wood will affect the properties and appearance of your countertops. The type of material used makes it great for sanding out issues on the surface, but it can be prone to scratching. Compared to other materials, butcher block is relatively affordable. 

Pros

  • It can be sanded to fix surface issues
  • Rustic feel
  • Antimicrobial

Cons

  • Must be oiled to prevent stains
  • Scratches are more manageable than other materials
  • Not heat or stain resistant 

Laminate

Laminate countertops can be great because of their flexibility in design and low maintenance. This material is made from a combination of particleboard, resin, and plastic, so they're not nearly as durable as natural stone countertops or even engineered stone. However, they can take on the appearance of different materials or patterns, making them versatile for design purposes.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Low maintenance 
  • Variety of designs

Cons

  • Less durable than stone countertops
  • Not very heat resistant
  • It doesn't last as long

Concrete

Concrete for countertops is becoming more popular, and they are often used in more modern-style homes. The process of adding pigment to the countertops leaves room for flexibility with the design, but sealing and waxing are a part of maintaining this material, as well as quickly dealing with any spills to avoid stains. 

Pros

  • Durable
  • Long-lasting surface
  • Personalization to fit your design ideas

Cons

  • It needs to be waxed and sealed
  • Not stain resistant
  • Not scratch resistant

Dekton

Dekton countertops haven't been around as long as other materials, but they have become more prevalent in recent years, and there are plenty of reasons why. Dekton is a combination of natural stone with porcelain and ceramic. They're known for being nearly indestructible and heatproof, and since extreme heat and pressure are used in the process of making this material, they stand out in how much heat they can actually handle.

Pros

  • Heatproof
  • Extremely durable
  • Versatile for both indoor and outdoor

Cons

  • Limited availability for installment
  • Pricier on average than other materials
  • Designs are only printed on the top

Takeaways

When it comes to choosing countertops, there are plenty of options out there. This is great when you're looking for a unique design for your space, but sometimes, the sheer amount of choices can be overwhelming. Weighing the pros and cons of each design choice can help you make the best decision for your home and allow you to choose countertops that will make your home into the dream home you've pictured. 

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