What Is the Best Kitchen Countertop Material?
A family’s kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in their home. There’s no doubt that they go through their fair share of wear and tear, so it’s important to have the best kitchen countertops for your needs. Whether you’re building a new home or planning a kitchen remodel, the best kitchen countertop material for you will depend on many factors. Color, design, and level of upkeep are but a few qualities which homeowners have to consider before making a decision, and the following are some of our top recommendations.
Granite
One of the most highly prized building materials, granite is a distinctive, 100% natural mineral. It is elegant, durable, and comes in hundreds of shades and colors. Granite is mined in large slabs and its characteristic patterns are determined by its chemical composition. Because of this, no two slabs are exactly alike, making granite an ideal choice for those wishing to add value and make their kitchen truly impressive to behold. Homeowners who choose this tough material for their countertops will benefit from its physical strength and significant resistance to heat, light, and scratches. When professionally sealed, granite countertops will also become incredibly stain-resistant for many years. This material is a great choice for families who use their kitchens often but wish to maintain a luxurious atmosphere over time.
Quartz
Another desirable countertop material is commonly known as quartz, despite being a man-made product. These products contain at least 90% ground quartz particles bound together with pigments and synthetic resins, allowing them to be highly customized. Because it is manufactured, this material comes in an endless array of sizes, colors, and patterns, and can even mimic the appearance of natural stone. Quartz countertops are generally stronger and less brittle than granite, plus their non-porous nature makes them stain-resistant and easy to clean. Homeowners looking for greater design flexibility and visual consistency will find this material appealing. However, it is possible for heat to burn the resin which binds quartz together, so remember to use pads or trivets when serving from hot pots and dishes.
Marble
Luxury kitchen countertops are sometimes made of marble. While softer than granite, this natural stone is also quite durable and visually stunning. Marble is composed of a variety of minerals, and its unique patterns are largely determined by its country of origin. Well-known for its heat-resistance, marble surfaces remain cool during extended use, making them ideal for making pasta and pastries, or tempering chocolate. Those wishing to design a remarkable home bar, create a designated baking area, or build a kitchen island that will last for decades may appreciate the benefits of this material over others. Unfortunately, marble scratches and etches easily compared to granite or quartz, and it requires sealing about every six months to become stain resistant. A simple spill of an acidic liquid can also result in damage to the stone.
Soapstone
When considering different options for kitchen countertops, you’ll likely come across soapstone. This all-natural material is much softer than granite, quartz, and marble, but it is also non-porous, heat-resistant, and highly resilient to stains. Soapstone countertops generally range from pure white or gray to bluish green and black, and often include slight veins or rich marbling. This material tends to scratch easily due to its high talc content, so it may not be the best choice for busy families or those with children. While soapstone doesn’t require much maintenance, damage to its surface is fairly common and must be sanded out and oiled away frequently. Bakers often brag about the qualities of soapstone, because it absorbs oils and repels water.
There are a lot of factors to bear in mind when considering kitchen countertop materials. With countless colors, patterns, and varieties now available to most homeowners, it may be difficult to make a decision with confidence. We’ve supported plenty of families in Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding communities in their search for the perfect materials for their unique needs, and we can help you, too. If you’re in the process of building or renovating your kitchen, we’d love to sit down together and discuss your goals today.
