When it comes to kitchen counters, you have a seemingly endless number of options! How do you go about choosing a material? There are three things to consider when choosing a counter material: price, looks, and durability. To help you choose the best one for your kitchen, here’s what you need to know about the eight most common types of kitchen countertop materials.
Granite
Granite is one of the most common countertop materials. And it’s easy to see why; what’s not to love? Not much! Granite is a beautiful, cost-effective, and extremely durable material.
Quartz
Or as some like to call it, faux granite/marble. Quartz has all the great benefits of granite and marble without the hefty price tag, making it a fantastic choice for homeowners who want luxury on a budget.
Butcherblock
These wood counters are the perfect touch to a rustic kitchen. But despite the affordability, beauty, and cleanliness of butcherblock, it’s notoriously weak and will stain, break, and expand and contract according to temperature. It’s best used sparingly.
Marble
Marble is a classic material with a gorgeous finish. Its bright color can make any kitchen feel roomier and more welcoming. Marble is durable and one of the best materials for baking thanks to its smooth and perpetually cool surface.
Tile
Tile has a traditional and retro look. It’s a versatile kind of countertop material that you can customize to your heart’s content. It’s not the most durable material and will scratch and stain, but since it’s heat-resistant, it holds up around stoves and other hot surfaces.
Lava
You heard that right: lava. Not the molten kind, fortunately! Lava stone counters are loved by many for their beauty. They have a gorgeous finish and come in a wide variety of colors. But they aren’t just pretty; they’re also strong. Lava stone is non-porous and resistant to heat, cold, and temperature fluctuations.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is something you usually see in industrial kitchens, but it looks great in residential kitchens as well. These counters are sterile and resistant to water, heat, and stains. That said, they’re easy to scratch and dent, so you must be careful if you want their sleek modern beauty to last.
Porcelain
It’s not unusual to see porcelain in bathrooms, but did you know you can use it in your kitchen, too? While most of us think of porcelain as something delicate, porcelain is in fact very sturdy. It’s stain-, scratch-, and heat-resistant, all qualities that make a reliable kitchen countertop.
While this list of the eight types of kitchen countertop materials doesn’t cover every counter material out there (you would need a novel for that), we hope it’s given you a better understanding of some of the most popular options. Every material has its pros and cons, so choose the one that you think best suits you and your kitchen.
