The first step toward a successful kitchen is to select a countertop surface material that fits your lifestyle. After all, it’s on your countertops where the cooking takes place. 

We might also argue that in every kitchen, the countertops are the backdrop and the primary event: they take up a lot of visual space. And the materials and options you select, whether unbreakable composite slabs or handcrafted tiles, are as much about functionality as they are about style.

  • Design and colour (the style statement you want to make) material size and form (thickness, length, and edge style of the slab) combined with the backsplash (if the materials will match)
  • An island in the kitchen (whether or not you want one, and matching it with the counters)
  • Durability and simplicity of upkeep (consider how you’ll utilise the area)
  • Ownership costs total (not only initially, but also future cost for maintenance).

Laminate

This nonporous acrylic is available in a limitless variety of colours and patterns, making it great for individuals who want to make a bold statement with colour and pattern, whether it’s a monochrome statement or a whimsical design scheme. Formica’s Gerri Chmiel adds, “It can mold itself into any design concept.” Laminate has become more durable because of new technologies, but it is still a low-cost alternative. 

Jean Stoffer adds, “It’s a terrific alternative for someone on a budget.” What are the drawbacks? It doesn’t withstand heat as well as other alternatives (so don’t place a hot skillet directly on it!) and may chip or peel over time.

Tiles

While tiles are most commonly used for backsplashes, they may also be used for countertops. If you want a classic aesthetic but don’t want to spend a lot of money, tile countertops are a terrific option. 

The disadvantage is that they frequently require re-grouting in order to keep clean. Although white grout is the most apparent option, ETC.etera’s Jake Rode Heath- Harrison adds, “there’s an entire grout spectrum out there.” 

Tile, on the other hand, is more heat-resistant, thus it can withstand hot pots and plates better. Pick your favorite.

Solid Surface

Interior designer Dries Otten explains, “A solid surface is an artificial stone, usually a blend of natural materials (like stone) and an acrylic bonding agent.” Solid surface, unlike actual stone, 

“will get old and worn out” with time, he says, but it’s still highly durable. And it’s impervious to the majority of common cleaning products! It’s also one of the most cost-effective countertop options available.

Quartz

Quartz is ideal for the no-fuss cook since it doesn’t need to be sealed or polished and has double the impact resilience of real stone. However, it is still heat sensitive, so hot cookware shouldn’t be placed directly on it. 

Quartz countertops are made by combining quartz particles with resin and polymers to create a long-lasting, natural-looking surface. Natural stone alternatives are less resistant to home cleaning supplies and chemicals than this combination of natural stone and synthetic resins (so you can keep surfaces looking pristine at all times). 

Quartz materials of excellent grade can be equally as expensive as natural ones. In her kitchen, House Beautiful editorial director Jo Saltz used Caesarstone quartz to emulate the appearance of marble while being durable.

Granite

Granite is one of the most expensive natural stones since it is one of the hardest (though Margles tells us it can be about the same price as a high-quality quartz). This makes it the most durable, making it ideal for family kitchens that get a lot of action yet still want to feel opulent. 

It’s also one of the hardest and most scratch-resistant natural stones on the market. Granite must be resealed on a regular basis to keep it appearing fresh.

Granite is the crystalized form of hot liquid magma, if you’re wondering where it originates from. Cool!

Conclusion

Choosing the best countertop though, may be difficult. For starters, there are several options: I’m not sure what kind of marble I want. What’s the difference between quartz and quartzite, and how can you tell the two apart? 

What precisely is quartzite, now that I think about it? Natural, engineered, and man-made materials, as well as color variations, are all available.