There are a few main criteria to consider when hunting for the ideal kitchen countertop, one of which is materials. Keep in mind that kitchen countertops can be made with raw and natural materials and that materials such as stone, wood and shiplap are making a comeback.
In order to find the right countertop, you’ll need to consider your options in regard to materials, technical characteristics and thickness. We’ll give you some information on these points and explain how to avoid certain mistakes.
Get to know the inner workings of each material so that you’ll be sure to make the right choice. The main materials are stone, quartz crystal, glass and laminate. Countertops made of these materials can be found on the ArchiExpo website, along with those made of other materials such as wood, concrete, terracotta and plastic.
Granite countertop by Cosentino
The first thing to know about stone is that there are various types used for kitchen countertops: granite, soapstone and marble.
Granite countertops are expensive, but the price has lowered due to rising demand.
+ Almost impervious to heat and very strong and durable.
+ Adds real estate value
– Expensive
Soapstone has also seen an increase in popularity. It is naturally dark gray and smooth, perfect for any modern kitchen.
+ Strong and resistant to stains
+ Adds real estate value
– Must be treated with mineral oil
– May scratch over time
Marble can look sleek and stylish for a kitchen countertop, but it may not be the best choice as it stains and scratches very easily.
+ Waterproof and heatproof
+ Adds real estate value
– Scratches easily
Quartz countertop by Staron
Quartz , engineered stone, is sold by companies such as DuPont and Leicht. It’s made from quartz crystals and other minerals that are shaped into a slab and bound by resins.
As a non-porous, stain-and-scratch-resistant surface, quartz crystal countertops are a good alternative to granite and marble.
+ Non-porous, stain and scratch resistant
+ Can be easily installed by the homeowner
– Expensive
– Very heavy
Glass countertop by ThinkGlass
It’s good to know that glass is one of the most versatile materials for countertops on the market, available in various styles, colors and textures. Glass kitchen countertops consist of pieces of glass blended with resins and shaped into countertop slabs. They can be curvy or symmetrical and can be combined with any other material. Some have integrated LED lights and streaks of color added for style.
+ Durable, non-porous, heat resistant
+ Eco-friendly and affordable
– Prone to cracks and dents
Laminate countertop by polyrey
A material regarded as lower in rank than premium countertop materials such as stone, quartz crystal and glass, laminate is becoming more popular with many consumers, due to its availability and affordable price. Laminates on the market are offered in thousands of colors, styles and patterns and they are present both in kitchens with a retro feel or modern look. Laminates are plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface, making them easy to clean. They are made by bonding laminate sheets to a particleboard core. They can be bought as post-form countertops or customized on and off site. The disadvantages of having a laminate countertop is that the seams are always visible, and they can be viewed as a low-end material in the kitchen by home buyers. The surface can also be scratched easily, creating damage that can be hard to repair over time.
Kitchen countertops on the market have different characteristics, making it more challenging to find the perfect one that possesses all the desired characteristics you prefer. Nevertheless, you will have to determine whether you want a kitchen countertop that is recycled or heat-resistant while being stain-proof and wear-resistant, or a countertop that has antibacterial features and is recyclable, or countertops that are frost-resistant and/or originally designed or custom-designed.
You can choose a combination of some of the above mentioned characteristics or all of them on the ArchiExpo website, where you can search from a wide selection of kitchen countertops in the search bar and by clicking on the “Other Characteristics” tab and selecting the characteristics you require.
It is important to know the thickness for your work surface as this will determine the longevity and durability of your kitchen countertop. Many kitchen countertop manufacturers advise that 3 centimeters is the ideal thickness for both quartz and granite countertops. Although you can reduce cost by opting for a thickness of 1 or 2 centimeters, the advantage of having a 3-centimeter-thick countertop is that it offers more durability. There is also a limited supply of 2-centimeter countertops on the market compared to 3-centimeter countertops. If you have a tight budget and / or you have lower expectations for your culinary work—keeping it simple, basic—, a 1-centimeter countertop made in laminate or wood and not in stone or granite is sufficient. Be prepared to have it replaced in a few years though as a 1-centimeter thick countertop will not last as long as a 2 or 3-centimeter-thick work surface made with premium materials such as granite, quartz and marble.
When choosing your very own kitchen countertop, here are some pointers to consider, to help you avoid making some costly mistakes along the way:
In order to achieve standout kitchen countertops, consider trending materials, interesting shapes and textures, lighting and smart technology that can be built in.
As for materials, there is a back-to-basics trend in kitchen design; many countertops built with raw materials such as wood are making a comeback in both modern, classic and vintage style kitchens. Interestingly, this back-to-basics shift comes at a time when kitchens are opening-up to natural lighting, with large glass windows and folding glass door wall systems increasing in popularity. The result is an airier and refreshing space that opens the kitchen up to other parts of the home and its outside environment.
LED lighting has also made its way into countertops, with many manufacturers integrating them into the countertops in order to contribute various colors and hues to the kitchen. Smart technology such as touch screen displays, complete with phone apps, are also being integrated into kitchen countertops.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
My brother has been thinking about getting a new countertop because the one that he has is really scratched up. He would really like to get one from a professional that could match their current decor. He has been thinking about getting one that is made of stone, so that it is more durable. I liked what you said about how he can make sure that it is resistant to heat, frost, stain, wear, and is antibacterial.
My mom has been thinking about getting a quartz countertop for her kitchen in order to make it look nicer. Getting rid of the old countertop, and have it replaced professionally could be really useful for them. Thanks for explaining how marble countertops that are a beige or sand color can help the are look more vintage.
My best friend is having her kitchen remodeled and she needs to choose a new countertop for it. I am glad you mentioned that granite countertops are quite durable and resistant to heat. I will have to suggest that my friend purchase a granite countertop from a reliable supplier so that it will last.