Currently, the most popular option in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surface because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed and its seams blend very well. It is easy to clean and is resistant to heat, scratches and stains. Being the best choice of most homeowners, traditional granite countertops offer a high-end look that increases the value of your kitchen while providing a prep surface.
Because granite is a natural material, variation in the pattern of stone is common and, for most people, increases its attractiveness, but can make it difficult to match the slabs. In most regions, the cost of granite and quartz are comparable, but natural granite requires a little more care than manufactured quartz to maintain its good appearance, clean all stains quickly, especially oils, wine, acids and soda, and follow a regular sealing routine, usually once a year. The current favorite of the design world, the gray veins of Carrara or Calacatta marble are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also help to disguise wear and hide light stains. With timeless appeal, this stone gives any kitchen a decidedly elegant look and, while the cost is comparable to that of some granites, marble is porous, so stains can be a problem.
Regular sealing and special care with anything acidic to prevent etching will maintain the best appearance of the creamy surface. Since we've been experiencing a design movement that uses more textured and tactile surfaces, why not consider it in countertops as well?. Polished and leather surfaces are the most common and can be applied to many different materials, such as granite, marble and quartz. Even though polishing is still the most popular, these other two have advantages.
Quartz is an engineered stone product that contains 93% quartz particles and other materials, in the form of slabs with resins. It is a better and more adaptable alternative to granite and marble, making it one of the most popular countertop materials. Quartz is sold by companies such as DuPont, Zodiaq, Cambria and Silestone. In addition to being available in a wider range of colors than granite, it also has a non-porous surface that resists scratches and stains.
In fact, you can also find excellent copies of natural marble with similar veins if you opt for a quartz kitchen countertop. Best of all, unlike natural stone, engineered quartz requires no annual sealing. Granite has always been a popular choice for countertop material. In addition to this, granite is known to define elegance in a kitchen.
Even the simplest kitchens begin to look like luxury spaces when accented with the beauty of granite countertops. Granite has always been an expensive material. However, quartz's growing popularity and increasing supply have reduced its cost. In most places, the cost of granite versus quartz is relative, but natural granite needs a little more care than quartz to maintain its good looks.
Soapstone is also a natural stone that has a soft and silky feel. Interestingly, there has been a recent increase in sales as an alternative to granite. Soapstones are often seen in older homes, but they are also used in modern homes as a kitchen countertop and as a material for sinks. As time goes on, Soapstone takes on an antique patina that looks attractive in some kitchens.
In contrast, architectural soapstone used for countertops is actually harder and more resistant to stains. Marble is also a natural stone that is commonly used in kitchen countertops. However, due to its extremely high price, most people don't buy marble to use it to the full extent of the countertops of most kitchens. Instead, its luxurious appearance is limited to use on an island or a section of a countertop with less use.
Although once considered premium quality and luxury, solid surface material is now a mid-level countertop material. However, high-end kitchens with a lot of countertop space can also use it, which would be expensive to cover it with granite or marble. Ceramic tile is durable, easy to clean and considerably cheaper than other, more popular countertops. Recent innovations in porcelain stoneware offer more design options than ever before.
That includes tiles that look like wood, marble, or even leather and cork. There are many countertop options on the market for kitchen countertops, but 10 materials comprise most countertops in residential kitchens. They include granite, marble, quartz and more. Each material has its positive and negative aspects.
For example, some are very strong, while others can be scratched or damaged. And some materials cost a lot more than others. For some time, granite has been the countertop material of choice when there were no cost issues to consider. Granite defines elegance in a kitchen.
Even modest kitchens look like luxurious spaces when scented by the beauty of granite countertops. Knives quickly blunt when cutting granite. Soapstone is another natural stone, usually dark gray in color with a soft and silky feel. It has seen a recent resurgence as an alternative to granite.
Soapstone is often seen in historic homes, but it is also used in modern homes as a countertop and sink material. Over time, soapstone acquires an antique-looking patina that can be very attractive in certain kitchen styles. Contrary to expectations, the architectural soapstone used for countertops is actually quite hard and resistant to stains. However, it will scratch over time, although this may increase the ancient patina of the stone.
Another natural stone commonly used in kitchen countertops is marble. Because no two marble slabs are exactly the same, each marble countertop will be completely unique. Due to its extremely high price, marble is not often seen across the full extent of most kitchen countertops. More often, its luxurious appearance is limited to use on an island or section of the countertop reserved as a baking center.
Although highly prized, marble may not be the best choice for kitchens due to its penchant for stains and scratches. Newer sealants may reduce marble maintenance, but this is a considerably more temperamental stone than granite or soapstone. Sold by companies such as DuPont Zodiaq, LG Viatera, Cambria and Silestone, quartz was created as a more adaptable and better performing alternative to granite and marble. It is available in a wider range of colors than granite and has a non-porous surface that resists both scratches and stains.
Some types are convincing copies of natural marble, with similar veins. Unlike natural stone, engineered quartz requires no annual sealing. Solid surface material, sold under brands such as Avonite, Corian and Swanstone, is an artificial material that consists of a mixture of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into sheets and other shapes. Solid-surface countertops and sinks have been around for nearly 50 years, but at the time of their introduction, they were considered alternatives to space-age natural stone, which they sought to imitate.
Once considered premium luxury countertops, solid surface material is now considered something mid-level, but it's still an excellent choice for mid-range kitchens. It can also be a good material in high-end kitchens with a lot of countertop space that would be prohibitively expensive to cover with granite or quartz. Ceramic tiles are durable and easy to clean, and are considerably cheaper than countertops made of natural stone, quartz or solid surfaces, especially for DIYers who want to do their own work. Recent innovations in porcelain stoneware offer many more design options than ever before, including tiles with the look of wood, marble or even leather or cork.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer more design options than almost any other countertop material. It doesn't have the same prestige as granite or quartz Laminate counters carry trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar and Wilsonart. Laminates are synthetic, plastic-coated with a smooth surface that is easy to clean. Countertops are manufactured by joining the laminated sheets to a particle board (MDF) core.
Laminate countertops can be purchased as preformed segments (called post-formed countertops) or can be custom manufactured to specifications, either on site or in a manufacturing shop. Although for many years considered more common than premium countertop materials, laminates have seen a recent increase in popularity, thanks in part to the thousands of colors, patterns and styles available now. Laminates are especially popular in retro designs, especially in mid-century modern kitchens. The pros and cons of the 7 best countertop materials.
Granite is one of the most popular options for kitchen countertops, with a particular favor towards high-end kitchens. Granite is a natural stone loved for its unique color, tones and grain. With its natural beauty, it's a great addition to any kitchen. You'll have a variety of colors to choose from, helping you create an exclusive look by choosing the perfect shade for your kitchen countertops.
Another natural stone option that has a high demand for countertops is marble, although it has limitations that should be recognized in kitchen applications. Granite tile countertops are generally less admired than solid granite countertops or even modular granite countertops, but they are an option for homeowners looking to save money by installing the countertop themselves. Stainless steel is an excellent choice for contemporary and industrial design and is among the most popular countertops for your kitchen or bathroom. Fortunately, by the time you start planning your kitchen countertops, you'll already have industry experience after learning about cabinets, which will help you get one step closer to creating more memories in a kitchen you love.
Seeing its importance in decorating the kitchen, it matters a lot what material, finish and design you choose for your countertop. After all, whether you're cooking, organizing, or just doing your homework on the island, your countertops will be one of the most visible aspects of your kitchen. But marble is a relatively soft, porous stone that MUST be carefully and repeatedly sealed if used for kitchen countertops. For kitchen countertops, grout joints make tiles a less than ideal countertop material, but newer ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in large sizes (1 x 2 or 2 x 2 feet) that can help minimize the amount of seams and make maintenance easier.
For example, if you spend most of your time in the kitchen cooking, you'll want to make sure you have durable countertops that are resistant to scratches and water damage. The range of materials that can be used for kitchen countertops is incredibly diverse, and some materials on the list may surprise you. . .
