Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials

When it comes to your kitchen, the countertops are one of the most important aspects of your design. Often times it can be the focal point of the room, or the design inspiration for the rest of your kitchen remodel. With so many countertop choices out there it can be difficult to narrow it down to the one. Here’s a list of the most popular kitchen countertop materials in kitchen remodels today.

 

Granite

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise for most of you. Granite is a tremendously popular kitchen countertop choice for its natural beauty and durability. There’s a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect match for a kitchen. Granite is also heat resistant and stain-resistant when properly sealed, which makes it a great choice for the kitchen. Additionally this natural stone doesn’t trap bacteria like other more porous countertops, making it a great choice for preparing food.

 

Quartz

Quartz is the most durable natural stone countertop available. It doesn’t require a seal like granite, which means it’s easier to maintain. Similarly to granite though, it’s nonporous so it doesn’t trap bacteria or stain. Quartz is also heat-resistant. However, you do get less variability in colors and shades with quartz stone countertops.

 

Marble

Marble is a beautiful natural stone that many people decide to implement into their kitchens purely for its aesthetic appeal. Unlike the other natural stones we’ve listed above, marble is much more delicate and has a porous nature, meaning it is likely to absorb liquids and stain more easily. To remedy this, you can and should have your marble countertop professionally sealed before installation and every few years after that. The sealant however will not protect against chipping and scratches, so be mindful when using knives and heavy cookware on your marble countertop. The upside to marble is that it’s heat resistant. We would recommend that if you like the look of marble, try implementing it in other areas of your home and select a more durable natural stone for your kitchen countertop.

 

Soapstone

This natural stone has a warm and inviting appearance. Soapstone is not quite as durable as granite or quartz, but it is non-porous, which means it doesn’t need to be sealed like other natural stones. Additionally, because it is non-porous soapstone can stand up to bacteria and stains. However, be mindful that it is a softer natural stone, which means you should avoid cutting directly on it and be careful of cast iron and glass as these materials can easily scratch the stone’s surface.  If you choose a soapstone countertop you can also opt to oil it periodically to enhance its appearance over time.

 

 

For help getting started on your kitchen remodel give us a call at Carson Richard Kitchen & Bath. We’re happy to help you through the design and installation process. Call us or click here for a quote.