If you are a kitchen person, you might already know the types of kitchen countertops available in the market. For those of you who are not kitchen enthusiast or even the enthusiast who doesn’t know much about countertops or the materials used, this article aims to enlighten you on the ins and outs of countertop world. If you are thinking of changing your kitchen countertop, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Contents
How to choose kitchen countertops
The countertop market is huge and diverse. The different types of materials vary in a couple of ways. When searching for countertops for your kitchen, there are factors that you should consider. These factors are but not limited to:
- Material
- Cost
- Durability
- Maintenance
- The look
In all these factors, cost and maintenance are the two most important things to think of first.
Kitchen countertop types
There are lots of types in this sector, ranging from naturally occurring materials to engineered types. These materials can be used in different settings like bar tops or even your kitchen island tops. Below are some of the types available:
Natural Stone
There is a wide variety of natural stones on the market today. Gone are the days when only tiles and stone were used for kitchen countertops. These are naturally occurring stones from mother earth. These types are just polished to make them more appealing. Some of its common types include:
Granite
This is a course-looking plutonic rock found mostly in mountainous areas. In the past years, granite was only found in high-end kitchens due to its elegance and high cost.
Since supplies have increased, this cost has reduced somewhat. It is available in various colors, from black, white, deep red, to blues. Granite defines beauty, elegance, and luxury in a kitchen.
Granites benefits include:
- Resistant to fire and heat
- Resistant to stains and scratches
- Adds value to your kitchen
- Color lasts over time since its resistant to UV radiation.
Marble
This is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is subjected to heat and pressure. It is softer than granite from its feel to its look. However, due to its susceptibility to staining compared to granite, it’s not the best choice for kitchens.
Marble countertops are costly hence rarely used for the whole kitchen area. It comes in fewer colors compared to granite, but there are colors to choose from. Marble countertops ooze luxury and class.
Benefits:
- Exceptionally gorgeous appearance
- Easy to cut and shape
- Resistant to heat
- Waterproof
Soapstone
This is a metamorphic type of rock, also known as soap rock or steatite, which has a milky appearance with a silky feel. Soapstone countertops give a countryside look to your kitchen though they can be used in modern kitchens as well. Its color range is limited as compared to granite or marble.
Benefits
- Heat resistant
- Low maintenance
- Deep rich color
- Damage can be sanded out
- Gives a historic, antique look to your kitchen
Engineered Stone
Unlike natural stone found naturally on earth and polished into shiny countertops, engineered countertops are factory-made crushed stones containing quartz particles and other minerals. They are shaped into slabs and bound with resin or an adhesive. Engineered stone is an environmentally considerate choice.
Benefits
- Extremely durable and strong
- Low maintenance
- Environmentally friendly
- Heat resistant
- Stain-resistant
- Has an array of shades and styles
Wood
This is one of the most ancient types of kitchen countertops. It is an excellent choice for a surface working space and islands. The common types of woods used are maple, walnut, birch oak, and but teak.
Benefits
- Durable if properly cared for
- Ideal working space
- Renewable
- Has a beautiful warm look
- Easy to clean
Kitchen countertops spices your kitchen especially if you choose the one that suits your interior theme. No matter the type of kitchen you want, be it modern, traditional, or classy, the market is well equipped with all these choices. There is nothing that says welcome to the kitchen, better like a beautiful kitchen countertop.
