Although not every kitchen countertop will fit into your lifestyle, there’s no doubt that no matter the choice you make, you will find yourself with a beautiful kitchen countertop that will hopefully last you for years to come.
That said, here are some of the latest kitchen countertop options that have become popular in recent years.
1. Granite
If money is no object when it comes to building or renovating a kitchen, granite is typically the big winner. It gives off an air of elegance and sophistication, and the original beauty of the granite stone gives a je ne sais quoi to even the most conventional kitchen.
Should you get it?
It can sustain heat, is available in myriad colours and patterns, and adds major value to homebuyers; however, it is porous (can absorb and harbour bacteria).
If you have kitchen ADD and need to switch things up every few years, then laminate countertops might be a great option for you. Made of plastic-coated synthetic material
with a smooth surface that’s easy to clean, the pieces are easily cut to size and then
finished on the edges of the counter space.
Should you get it?
While laminate countertops are inexpensive, you need to consider that scratches and chips are virtually impossible to repair, and does not add value to homebuyers.
3. Solid surfaces
Because surfaces like Avonite, Corian and Swanstone are solid, any scratches that the countertops endure can be sanded out.
Should you get it?
Solid surfaces comes in a wide array of colours and patterns, are stain resistant and seamless.
4. Ceramic tile
While ceramic tile can be quite durable, inexpensive, and a DIY project for resourceful homeowners, tiles rarely last a lifetime and can easily chip or crack.
As well, drop one glass of red wine and the grout will be permanently stained.
Should you get it?
Ceramic tile is heat resistant and is available in a wide range of price points, although your counter surface will be uneven and if you want to go custom, it will cost you a pretty penny.
5. Quartz
Quartz counters are essentially engineered stone composed of 93% quartz particles. You can get it in a much larger range of colours than granite and it is scratch resistant and has a non-porous surface (it will not be penetrated by bacteria).
Yes, it is more expensive than granite, but nevertheless, it is worth the price paid in the long-run, as it will last a lifetime.
Should you get it?
It’s stain resistant, requires no maintenance and adds major value to homebuyers.
6. Stainless steel
If you’re a big fan of very contemporary kitchens, stainless steel might appeal to you in many ways. Both heat resistant and durable, stainless steel countertops also allow for that seamless look as they are constructed according to your specifications.
Should you get it?
While stainless steel is definitely durable, it is quite pricey, noisy and may even dent if hit hard enough. And don’t even think about cutting on this surface.
Of course, there are other options for kitchen countertops like marble, concrete, copper, crafted glass, and exotic stone, the truth is that most homeowners would opt for more reasonably priced and maintainable kitchen countertops.
