Kitchen Makeover: The Unbiased View On 5 Kitchen Countertop Materials

When it comes to kitchen renovation, choosing the right countertop should be your top priority. Generally, if you prepare your meals, you're probably mindful that this surface is responsible for heavy lifting when things are getting busy, whether it’s for food preparation or serves as a secondary table in an airy kitchen.

Whichever the case is, various materials will outfit this hardworking kitchen structure such as natural stone, laminates, engineered quartz, solid surfaces, and wood. So before starting your renovation, here are some of the things that you’ll need to know about different countertop materials for your kitchen.

Charming Laminate Counters

Laminate countertops or usually called Formica could be the most popular countertop material because of their affordable price. Laminate kitchen counters could last for many years and even decades with just lightly to no decay.

Besides, one of the essential benefits is that it offers a variety of colors and various textures, but you should understand that their thickness may differ. Those thicker laminates are used for countertops while the thinner is ideal for drawer laminates and backsplashes.

The latest technology can range from laminate to metal, wood, or mimic stone countertops without the cost of organic materials.

However, plastic laminate countertops don't usually have heat-resistant surfaces and can quickly be damaged or burned. Once the cover is scratched or punctuated, it's hard to repair, and only those drop-in sinks are ideal for this countertop material.

Solid-Surface Kitchen Countertop

As the name implies, solid-surface kitchen counters are composed of a thick sheet of synthetic acrylic, which makes them germ-resistant, non-porous, and an overall excellent choice for homeowners who want a less maintenance countertop.

When it comes to style, solid surface countertops also offer a great variety. If you opt for a single block of color rather than the look of natural stone, this is the perfect material for you.

Elegant Granite Countertops

Still, the top option of most homeowners, traditional granite kitchen countertops provides a stylish look that supplements the value of your kitchen while offering a sturdy prep surface. Since granite is a natural substance, variation in the pattern of stone is common, and for some people, combines with its glamour but matching up the parts can be tricky.

In some places, the value of quartz and granite are comparable, but natural granite needs more care than carved quartz to keep its excellent looks. Hence, you should wipe all stains up quickly, especially soda, oils, wine, and acids, and follow a proper sealing routine, usually once a year.

Engineered Quartz Stone

Though quartz is much a naturally occurring material that is usually considered solid, you should not underestimate its engineered element, which offers more than just a durable surface.

Admittedly, countertops made from engineered quartz are possible by mixing pounded natural quartz with a polymer resin; a combination that offers it a high value of durability and a wide variety of colors.

Inviting Tile Kitchen Counters

Ceramic tile countertops were famous over the past decades. As of this generation, tile counters are not that popular but still offer the best results when used for islands or backsplash.

Not all tiles are applicable as a countertop cover as wall tiles as countertop formulated or thinner than floor tiles can crack easily. Typically, ceramic tiles are placed over existing plastic laminate or plywood surface countertops for best results.

Takeaway

Replacing a stained, scratched, scorched, or just plain unappealing countertop can turn any kitchen into a cozy and lovely place. Luckily, there are lots of choices in a wide variety of values.

Thus, when planning for a kitchen renovation, take a look at those counter materials above for your reference. After all, you can visit your local kitchen stores or Floform online for more options and choices for kitchen stuff.