There are certain occasions in life that really make you feel like an adult such as buying a car, shopping for dinnerware sets, and choosing kitchen countertops. The countertops in your kitchen are central to the overall look and are one of the more important choices to make.
You may be overwhelmed by all the available options but luckily for you I’m here to boil it all down for you. Below I’ve chosen several of the more popular types of countertops and explain some of the more important pros and cons to get you started on your quest…
Laminate: This value-priced option has come a long way since it was first used in homes in the 1940s. Laminate is made of paper blended with resins and fused to particleboard. The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other more expensive options.
Pros:
Cons:
Solid Surface: Made primarily from acrylic and polyester - it was first sold under the brand name Corian, which is often used as a generic term for it. Corian was developed in 1967 and has been used somewhat steadily over the years.
Pros:
Cons:
Granite: Probably still the top choice in countertops – granite is literally mined out of the ground and is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, corals, and beiges. Granite is typically available in two finishes, which are polished and honed.
Pros:
Cons:
Quartz: Made of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz countertops can be a good compromise between the beauty of granite and the easy care of solid surface countertops.
Pros:
Cons:
Marble: I felt I should put this on the list because I get asked about marble all the time. It’s a beautiful material but it has some setbacks especially in a kitchen. Marble is very porous (even when sealed) and it scratches very easily because it is a relatively soft material. So marble is indeed beautiful but keep it in your bathroom, fireplace, small wet bars, etc.
I could easily write another 10 pages on all the options available for kitchen countertops like copper, butcher block, soapstone, etc. but I’ll leave you with these 5. I don’t want to overwhelm you and frankly, it’s 5:30 PM on Friday and I’m tired!
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You may be overwhelmed by all the available options but luckily for you I’m here to boil it all down for you. Below I’ve chosen several of the more popular types of countertops and explain some of the more important pros and cons to get you started on your quest…
Laminate: This value-priced option has come a long way since it was first used in homes in the 1940s. Laminate is made of paper blended with resins and fused to particleboard. The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other more expensive options.
Pros:
- One of the most affordable countertop materials
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Lightweight
- Somewhat flexible if you’re installing on existing cabinets that are not level
Cons:
- Fairly easy to scratch and burn – must use a cutting board and trivets
- Cannot accommodate an undermount sink
- Difficult to repair if damaged
- Is considered by some to be a lower-end product due to its cost so it may not be a good choice for higher-end homes
Solid Surface: Made primarily from acrylic and polyester - it was first sold under the brand name Corian, which is often used as a generic term for it. Corian was developed in 1967 and has been used somewhat steadily over the years.
Pros:
- Lots of color options
- Nonporous – no sealing or special cleaning required
- Seamless installation meaning no joints in the material
Cons:
- Scratches easily
- Burns easily
- Can have a patently artificial look and feel
- Price approaches that of granite
Granite: Probably still the top choice in countertops – granite is literally mined out of the ground and is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, corals, and beiges. Granite is typically available in two finishes, which are polished and honed.
Pros:
- Has become affordable for standard colors
- Unique one of a kind pieces
- Can choose different textures such as polished, honed, or a leather look
- Not easily scratched
- Does not burn
Cons:
- Is porous so most types require sealing but is easy to do but sealed with the right product can last 10 or more years
- Can be expensive for non-standard colors
Quartz: Made of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz countertops can be a good compromise between the beauty of granite and the easy care of solid surface countertops.
Pros:
- Nonporous so material does not require sealing
- Not easily scratched
- Does not burn
Cons:
- Does not have natural variation like granite so it may be evident that it’s a factory made product
- Price point starts at mid-range granite
Marble: I felt I should put this on the list because I get asked about marble all the time. It’s a beautiful material but it has some setbacks especially in a kitchen. Marble is very porous (even when sealed) and it scratches very easily because it is a relatively soft material. So marble is indeed beautiful but keep it in your bathroom, fireplace, small wet bars, etc.
I could easily write another 10 pages on all the options available for kitchen countertops like copper, butcher block, soapstone, etc. but I’ll leave you with these 5. I don’t want to overwhelm you and frankly, it’s 5:30 PM on Friday and I’m tired!
Now go like our Facebook page HERE!
This article is for general information purposes only. Rick Kelley Builders makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information contained herein.
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