‘What Kitchen Countertop Should I Choose?’

One of the things that surprise homeowners the most when they are planning a kitchen renovation is the number of options there are for kitchen countertops. Kitchen design has come a long way since the days of tract housing when just about every kitchen came complete with a standard formica or laminate countertop.

The one thing all kitchen countertops have in common is that they are water-resistant. They have to be, given all the washing, spraying, and food prepping that happens on top of them. Other than that, however, the many types of kitchen countertops vary wildly.

The Sky’s the Limit

The good thing about choosing a kitchen countertop is that you can spend as much or as little as you would like. There are a variety of high luxury countertops that cost a small fortune as well as more affordable options that are both durable and attractive.

At the higher end of the scale are marble countertops. Most high-end new homes will feature luxurious marble kitchen countertops as a major selling point. They are carved from natural stone to give modern kitchens a clean, contemporary yet sophisticated feel. You need to be careful with marble countertops, however, because they are porous and they can easily stain and scratch. So it’s important to protect your investment with careful use.

Affordable Alternatives

Quartz countertops offer the look of marble but with more durability. While they are man-made, they still feature the natural stone look of marble.

Similarly, granite is a natural stone commonly used in countertops. But because it is harder and less porous than marble it’s easier to maintain. Cleanup typically requires simply a little soap and water. Granite also is heat resistant so it allows home cooks to place pots directly from the oven and place them on the counter without worry.

To pick the right countertop material for you, consider your design plans, how you plan to use it, and also the budget for your kitchen renovation project.