Choosing The Best Kitchen Countertops Materials

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when upgrading your kitchen is the type of countertops you choose for your precious kitchen.

There are many materials to pick from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Deciding which one to go with can prove troublesome and even exhausting.

This guide offers a breakdown of the different types of kitchen countertops materials, how to choose them, and what to consider when making your decision.

Marble countertop with dark blue cabinets and golden faucet

Types Of Countertops Materials

The material you choose for your countertops is important for several reasons. The most important factor to consider is how well the material will withstand wear and tear.

You also need to consider how easy the material is to clean and whether or not it will be stain resistant and develop bacteria. Finally, you need to think about the style and look of the countertops.

Ultimately, you’ll need to choose a material that will complement your kitchen but will also improve its functionality. The most popular countertops are natural stone countertops with a solid surface.

Countertops come in a variety of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks:

Marble Countertops

Marble looks luxurious and improves the aesthetic of your space. However, it’s not a durable material, making it a poor choice for busy kitchens. Marble is easy to clean and heat resistant, and bacteria and stains won’t harm this natural stone.

Because marble is a softer stone, it can be damaged if not properly taken care of. The average price for marble countertops ranges from $60 to $120 per square foot.

The advantages of marble countertops are that they look good and increase your space’s appeal. They reflect direct sunlight greatly and will easily brighten up your kitchen.

On the other side, marble countertops are not resistant to cleaning substances, can be easily damaged, and cost a fortune.

A white island with marble countertop material and gray fridge

Granite Countertops

Granite is a popular material for kitchen countertops because it’s durable and easy to clean. However, unpolished granite is a porous material and can easily absorb bacteria and stains.

Granite offers many of the same benefits as marble countertops, but it’s less expensive and more durable. It becomes resistant to stains, bacteria, heat, scratches, and cracking when polished. Granite is also heavy and extremely difficult to install yourself.

Some polishes for granite include polished finish, honed finish, leathered finish, and flamed finish.

The average price for granite countertops ranges from $50 to $100 per square foot.

Countertops materials close up with a honed granite countertop for a kitchen

Granite Types

Granite is an easy to maintain stone with high durability. Its colors and patterns are aplenty, so you’ll be able to get a perfect counter for your space.

When it comes to granite, there are many types to choose from. Although each has its own advantages and disadvantages, some granites are better than others.

Some of the best granites include:

Butcher Block

Butcher block is a good option if you want a comfortable look and feel in your kitchen. It’s made from natural wood, which gives it a warm and inviting aesthetic. Additionally, the butcher block is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Many homeowners implement a butcher block countertop into their granite or marble countertop because it makes a great cutting board for vegetables and meat. Besides, changing it is affordable.

Hardwood counters, like maple, are naturally bacteria resistant. However, they can get scratched easily. Additionally, they’re prone to warping and splitting if not properly cared for. They stain easily and require constant oiling.

Unlike natural stone, the butcher block countertops are cheaper, and they range from $40 to $60 per square foot.

A wooden countertop with plants and white cabinets

Laminate

Laminate countertops are an excellent option for homeowners on a budget. They’re affordable and easy to install. Additionally, they come in various colors and designs, which means you can find the perfect one for your kitchen.

Laminate can scratch easily and hot pans will leave stains, so you might change this kitchen countertop option more frequently than others. Additionally, it can easily be damaged by heat and moisture.

The average price for laminate countertops ranges from $25 to $50 per square foot. We wouldn’t recommend laminate because it’s a poor material that costs you more in the long term, and it can even decrease your kitchen’s value.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an excellent choice for kitchen countertops because it’s durable and easy to clean. It’s also resistant to scratches and stains. Additionally, it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, making it a popular choice for busy kitchens.

However, stainless steel is expensive and requires expert installation. If you don’t have the necessary experience, think twice about installing it yourself.

Stainless steel will bring an industrial style to your kitchen. It doesn’t come in as many colors as other countertop materials do. This means it may not fit with your overall kitchen’s design scheme.

The average price for stainless steel countertops ranges from $50 to $100 per square foot.

Quartz Countertops

A quartz countertop is a great material for kitchen countertops because it’s extremely durable and easy to clean. A quartz kitchen countertop is resistant to scratches and stains. Additionally, it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, making it a popular choice for busy kitchens.

However, quartz is an engineered stone, so it is expensive and requires expert installation. If you don’t have the necessary experience, think twice about installing it yourself and get help from a professional.

Engineered quartz will bring an industrial style to your kitchen. It is available in unlimited colors and patterns, and can match any kitchen design scheme.

The average price for quartz countertops ranges from $50 to $100 per square foot, but thick slabs will be more expensive.

Concrete

Concrete is a unique but risky option for kitchen countertops because it’s durable and easy to clean. It must be constantly sealed and maintained to keep it free of scratches and stains. The amount of maintenance required makes it a less popular choice for busy kitchens.

A concrete countertop is expensive, requires expert installation, and is rarely observed in residential kitchens. However, new methods of building this concrete are evolving fast, making it a better choice for kitchens.

It doesn’t come in as many colors as other countertop materials. Still, some finishes will allow you to color your concrete slab to match the décor.

The average price for concrete countertops ranges from $50 to $100 per square foot.

Picking The Right Countertops Materials For Your Needs

When choosing a material for your kitchen countertops, it’s important to think about your lifestyle, needs, and overall appearance. When choosing the perfect one for your kitchen, it’s important to keep the cabinet colors in mind.

If you have a busy kitchen and need a low-maintenance material that’s easy to clean, stainless steel or quartz may be the best option for you.

Granite and quartz are great countertops materials if you want your counter to be resistant to scratches, bacteria, and heat damage.

Here at Mortise and Miter, we recommend quartz if money is not a concern. If you’re looking for a budget option, laminate or a butcher block countertop will be a good choice.
A close up with a quartz countertop

Match The Kitchen Style With The Countertops Materials

The material you pick for your kitchen countertops will also affect the style of your kitchen. If you want a modern, industrial look, stainless steel or concrete are great choices. The butcher block or the laminate may be better options for a more traditional look.

You can even use different materials for different countertops in your dream kitchen. For example, you may want a butcher block on one countertop and quartz on another. It all depends on your needs and how you’ll use your kitchen.

Suppose you’re unsure which material to select. In that case, Mortise and Miter will walk you through every available material option to pick the perfect solution for your unique circumstance.

Countertops Materials That Fit Your Needs

Durable countertops materials are good for families with kids that will undoubtedly play around your kitchen. If you have a busy family, stainless steel or quartz may be better options since they’re easy and fast to maintain.

If you have a tight budget and can’t afford to spend a fortune on a quartz or granite countertop, laminate or butcher block will be the best option for you. However, these options will lack the beauty of natural stones.

Ultimately, you’ll need to make sure you select a material that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Test The Lighting

The lighting in your kitchen will also affect the look of your countertops. If you have bright light, materials like marble and soapstone may look better. If you have softer light, materials like wood and laminate may be better.

You can also use different materials for different areas of your kitchen. For example, you may want a darker material like concrete for your countertops near the stove.

If you’re unsure about which material to choose, test out different options under different types of lighting. This will help you make the best decision for your needs.

Lighting above a kitchen island with marble counter and white cabinets

Try Samples Of Different Countertops Materials

It’s important to try samples of different countertops materials options before buying. You want to ensure that the material is right for your needs.

Samples are also a great way to see how the material will look in your kitchen. If you’re unsure which color to choose, ask for a couple of samples from your local countertops store. This will help you make an informed decision, and you’ll be happy with your choice.

Take Your Time

It can be tough to pick out countertops for your kitchen. It’s important to take the time to find materials that are right for you and your family.

If you rush into a decision, you may not be happy with the results. If you’re having trouble picking a material, try consulting an expert.

Our specialists from Mortise and Miter help you find the best material for your kitchen, so you won’t worry about changing them again for years to come.

Types Of Finish For Countertops Materials

There are a few different types of polish that you can use for your countertops.

The most common type of polish is acrylic. Acrylic is a plastic that is durable and easy to clean. It’s also affordable, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.

Another type of polish is epoxy. Epoxy is a resin used to create a hard, glossy finish. Epoxy is scratch-resistant and can be used on a variety of materials. It’s also non-porous, which means that it won’t absorb water.

For homeowners who want an elegant look, oil is another option for polishing countertops. Oil is a natural substance that requires regular maintenance to keep the finish looking shiny and new. The best oils are walnut or linseed oil. However, these types of oil are not always the best for countertops because they’re difficult to clean.

How A Contractor Will Ensure A Proper Installation

If you try to install the countertops materials yourself, you may not be happy with the results. Installation is a tricky process, and it’s important to do it correctly.

Hiring a professional contractor to install your countertops is important because they will ensure a proper installation. A professional contractor has the experience and knowledge to install your countertops correctly.

They will also take the time to make sure that the countertops are level and fit correctly.

Before hiring a contractor, make sure you check their references. You’ll want to hire someone professional and skilled at installing countertops.

How To Maintain Your Countertops

Once your countertops are installed, you’ll want to maintain them properly. Maintaining your countertops will keep the finish looking shiny and new for years to come.

After installing your countertops, here are a few things you should do:

Conclusion

Choosing your kitchen countertops materials is an important decision. If you’re looking for a durable and affordable option, granite may be the choice for you! However, if elegance and luxury are what you want in your home, marble might be the perfect fit.

The counter material you choose for your kitchen will be the space’s focal point, so make sure you make the right choice by talking with an expert.

Call us today and improve your daily life with new countertops!

Here at Mortise and Miter, we offer plenty of options that work with any lifestyle and meet your needs. Our experts offer valuable insight into the best counter material and the perfect cost-effective option for your situation.

Call us today and improve your daily life with new countertops!