What type of kitchen counter is best

There are lots of countertop options on the market for kitchen countertops, but 10 materials comprise the majority of countertops in residential kitchens. They include granite, marble, quartz, and more. Each material has its positive and negative aspects. For instance, some are very strong while others can be scratched or marred.

And some materials cost a lot more than others. Here are the pros and cons of 10 types of kitchen countertops. For some time, granite has been the countertop material of choice when there were no cost issues to consider.

Granite defines elegance in a kitchen. Even modest kitchens seem like luxury spaces when flavored by the beauty of granite countertops. Historically, granite has been an expensive material, but its cost has come down somewhat as supplies have increased and engineered stone has become more common.

Soapstone is another natural stone, usually dark gray in color with a smooth, silky feel. It has seen a recent resurgence as an alternative to granite. Soapstone is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material. Over time, soapstone takes on an antique-like patina that can be very attractive in certain kitchen styles. Contrary to expectations, the architectural soapstone used for countertops is actually quite hard and resistant to stain.

However, it will scratch over time, although this can add to the antique patina of the stone. Another natural stone commonly used in kitchen countertops is marble.

Because no two sheets of marble are exactly the same, each marble countertop will be entirely unique. Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the entire expanse of countertops of most kitchens. More often, its luxurious look is limited to use on an island or section of countertop reserved as a baking center. Although highly prized, marble may not be the best choice for kitchens due to its penchant for staining and scratching. As a result, there are fewer countertops covered with ceramic or porcelain tile.

Just be sure to use tiles rated for use on floors or countertops. Never use wall tile on a counter. Tile is often applied to a plywood substrate or directly over existing plastic laminate countertops. Pros: Affordable, lots of choices, ceramic tile is non-porous Cons: Regular grout resealing needed.

Wood countertops are a great choice for a work surface. In fact, according to a University of Wisconsin study in which microbiologists intentionally contaminated wooden cutting boards during testing, The study found that wood cutting boards are safer, bacteria-wise, than plastic ones.

Wood counters are typically made from maple, an extremely dense, blond hardwood, but teak, walnut, cherry, birch and oak are also used. There are three ways that wood countertops are fabricated: edge grain, end grain, and wide plank. Edge-grain counters are made up of long, thick strips of wood that are glued together with the edge grain facing up.

End-grain counters a. These counters are usually 4 to 12 inches thick. Wide-plank counters are made by edge-gluing together wide boards. Pros: warm wood grain, durable, renewable, ideal work surface, somewhat heat resistant Cons: medium amount of maintenance required, will show knife marks. Type keyword s to search.

Today's Top Stories. BanksPhotos Getty Images. Natural Stone. Related Story. Consider the trends of the past and think about the overall aesthetic of your home — this detail will help you form the best opinion when choosing the perfect edge. Pro Tip! The usual depth of countertops is inches including the overhang. A counter depth refrigerator has a inches deep main box. However, this can vary based on design.

Crossing a large span such as a long kitchen island, working around imperfect base cabinets require expertise. Choosing a reputable stone supplier is the best way to prevent any potential mishaps. Recently, thicker countertops have come into popularity, especially in minimalist, modern kitchens where their texture and style stand out.

Thicker slabs usually have more choices in terms of darker colors, especially in natural stone. Perfecting the seam will also affect how your sink and appliances fit in.

You want to make sure that all of your appliances, sinks, and faucets sit on an area of smooth, uninterrupted stone. Sinks - Farmhouse, drop-in, undermount When designing for your countertops think of your sink selection.

Do you like the look of a farmhouse sink with an apron that is visible? Or you would prefer a smooth, hidden look of an undermount sink? Alternatively, you may want to reveal the thick edges of your sink over the countertop. In that case, a drop-in sink might be your best choice. Ranges are a popular choice in modern kitchens. You will get a cooktop and a stove all in one appliance. However, the range causes a break in the countertop lines. If the seamless look is the ultimate design goal you may want to consider a cooktop.

As an example, the smooth glasstop induction cooktop not only blends well with your countertop but also allows for an easy clean. Everything you own experiences wear and tear, and your kitchen countertops are no exception. How often this point in time occurs, though, depends on the type of material you choose for your kitchen countertops.

While all kitchen countertops require maintenance such as regular cleaning, some, such as natural stones, require more — especially porous materials like granite countertops. Also, you should act quick to remove stains from your countertops before the marks become permanent. You may be familiar with the process of sealing already. Limestone and marble also have those drawbacks, and heat damaged our marble. Laminate Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install, and so much better-looking than you probably remember, thanks to new printing technology and decorative edges.

Cons: Cutting directly on it easily and permanently damages laminate, so use a cutting board. Solid Surfacing Pros: Available in a variety of colors and patterns, it can be used for the counters, sink, and backsplash, creating a seamless look because joints are almost invisible.

Solid surfacing is resistant to most stains, and small nicks and scratches can be repaired. Cons: It scratches and cuts easily, so a cutting board is a must. Recycled Glass Pros: Large shards give it a fun, contemporary look; finely ground glass makes it less busy. Most glass counters we tested resisted stains, cuts, scratches, and heat.

Butcher Block Pros: It adds warmth and is easy to install and repair, but the finish makes a difference. Varnish improved stain resistance, but penetrating oils diminished it. Cons: Nicks and scratches can easily happen, though they can be sanded out.