Although kitchen cabinets and flooring are the two primary changes people make when updating a home and adding value, kitchen countertops also rate high on the list for importance. Yes, new countertops are an investment but with the right material and color, they would completely change the look and feel of the room, making it a more enjoyable and functional room, not to mention a more valuable room if you were ever to sell.
Some people understand the critical nature of choosing the right materials but unfortunately, some do not. A common mistake is that people will have new countertops installed but within a short amount of time, they realize what they chose is difficult to clean, maintain, and the material does not match the way in which the space is used. Therefore, we wanted to provide a list of the five best materials to use for new kitchen countertops, along with a short description of what the material is and the benefits offered.
The challenge is that today, the types of materials used specifically for kitchen countertops is vast. While this is great news in that homeowners have a much greater selection from which to choose, it also opens the door for buying the wrong material for the homeowner’s needs. With this information below, making an educated decision is possible, giving the kitchen the beautiful change wanted.
Granite
Of all materials used for kitchen countertops, granite is by far the most popular. Without doubt, granite immediately creates a look of elegance but because it is so diverse, it would look amazing in any style room. Because granite has become a favorite countertop material, it is not nearly as expensive as it was even five years ago. This particular material is capable of holding up to heat from plates, pans, etc and when installed by a professional, it would literally last a lifetime.
In addition, granite comes in more than 3,000 different colors, which includes a huge variety of designs and patterns as well. Due to high quality sealants now used, once installed granite kitchen countertops are virtually maintenance free and the material is hard, making it strong and durable. The only downside is cost. Again, granite is more affordable than ever but it remains an investment. Another consideration is that if not properly installed and sealed, it would absorb stain, becoming permanently damaged, and it could crack.
Engineered Stone
The great thing about engineered stone for kitchen countertops is that this material is comprised of as much as 93% quartz particles. Therefore, it is not actual natural stone yet it has the same look and texture of stone. This material is also an excellent material that comes in a wide range of colors, even more so than a person would find with granite. The two primary benefits of engineered stone includes being scratch resistance since it is nonporous and because it does not need to be sealed once a year as with a granite kitchen countertop, it requires very little maintenance.
Today, several top manufacturers offer engineered stone for kitchen countertops to include Dupont Zodiaq, Silestone, LG Viatera, and Cambria Quartz, all reputable companies that make an outstanding product. While engineered stone is stain resistance, acid resistance, and easy to maintain and care for, it does have one drawback – price. Unfortunately, the cost to have new engineered stone countertops installed is high but in return, it is an excellent investment of money.
Solid Surface
When shopping around for new kitchen countertops, another material that would be worth considering is called “solid surface.” Just as the name implies, this type of countertop is solid, which means it has the material, color, and design from the top all the way through. Therefore, if the countertop were to experience a scratch or burn area, it could easily be sanded and buffed out.
Solid surface kitchen countertops are always custom made specific to the homeowner’s needs to include chose of color and design, as well as size and configuration needed. Corian, Swanstone, and Avonite sell huge color and design options, the material is stain resistant, and seamless so the overall appearance is clean and professional. On a negative side, a solid surface kitchen countertop does not hold up to heat as well as granite and engineered stone does and while more affordable too, it is still a financial investment.
