The Best Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen is one of the most compelling areas of a home and reflects the owner’s taste. Many contemporary kitchen countertops are created from natural stone such as slabs of granite, limestone, and quartz. However, there are a variety of alternative, manmade and recycled options available such as concrete and laminates. Each has its costs and benefits to explore.

Kitchen Countertop Options: Pros and Cons

Quartz

PROS:

• Gives the appearance of stone but requires less care.
• Quartz is a blend of minerals, color, and resin. It is durable, meaning resistant to serrated knives, scouring pads, and most stains
• Available in bright colors and designs akin to granite and marble

CONS:

• Quartz can be expensive
• Installation can be difficult due to weight.
• It can be susceptible to heat damage.

Soapstone, Limestone, and Marble

PROS:

• Gives the appearance of stone but requires less care
• Quartz is a blend of minerals, color, and resin. It is durable, meaning resistant to serrated knives, scouring pads, and most stains
• Available in bright color and designs akin to granite and marble

CONS:

• Gives the appearance of stone but requires less care
• Quartz is a blend of minerals, color, and resin. It is durable, meaning resistant to serrated knives, scouring pads, and most stains
• Available in bright color and designs akin to granite and marble

Laminate

PROS:

• Laminate is generally an inexpensive option making it budget-friendly and economical
• easy to install and an excellent option for those who would like a DIY project.
• Comes in a variety of colors and patterns
• Resistant to heat and stains

CONS:

• Easily damaged
• Short life span
• Susceptible to stains

Recycled Glass Slab

PROS:

• Recycled glass countertops are considered a green product
• The countertops have varied appearances meaning they can be made to look like other materials. For example, crushed glass can have a similar appearance to granite
• Countertops are non-porous and are impervious to stains, cuts, and scratches.
• Easy to clean
• Unusual colors and unique patterns of countertops are available

CONS:

• Heavy impact can cause cracks in the glass
• They are an expensive option

Granite

PROS:

• More affordable compared to quartz
• Resists chipping & scratching
• Long lasting and durable

CONS:

• Granite is porous and can produce stains
• Scratching is a possibility

Which One is Right for You?

The selection for your kitchen counter is a reflection of you, so the material you use for the surface depends on how you use your kitchen, your individual style and of course, your budget.

Considerations: The cost of replacing countertops

The typical range, to install or replace kitchen countertops is $1,852-$14,301. Factor in how this fits into the overall budget for your remodeling project.

Considerations: How countertops affect other design features

Industry experts advise selecting the countertop before the backsplash. Countertops are the most visible item in the kitchen and the most used as well. This makes it a bigger investment than the backsplash. Still, the colors of the backsplash and countertops need to complement each other, not compete.