When you undertake a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the most important decisions is selecting the material for your countertops. With natural and engineered surfaces in a range of colors and patterns, there are nearly endless options on the market.
Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern transformation or a cozy rustic remodel, the right countertop can make all the difference. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect countertop material for your next renovation.
What should I consider when selecting a countertop material?
There are several factors to consider when selecting the material for kitchen or bathroom countertops. First, how durable does it need to be? For high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen, a heat, stain, and scratch-resistant material is crucial. For bathrooms, a moisture-resistant material is key, Additionally, consider how much maintenance you are willing to put into your counter’s upkeep. Materials such as granite and marble, for example, require a simple resealing to preserve their appearance and durability.
Another important consideration is your remodeling vision. Each material offers a different set of colors and designs with some allowing for greater customization. First, select the focal point of your space, then design around it. You won’t want, for example, a busy countertop if your focal feature is the tile backsplash.
When selecting countertops, also consider your budget as materials vary significantly in price. Laminate countertops are more affordable while granite, quartz, and marble tend to be more costly.
Ultimately, the countertop materials you pick should fit with the style, budget, and needs of your kitchen or bathroom. Here are some of the pros and cons of the most popular materials.
Granite Countertops
Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials on the market due to its unique textured appearance, wide range of patterns, and resistance to chipping.
Features of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are durable. They are heat- and spill-resistant, making them an ideal option for kitchens and other high-traffic spaces. When sealed, granite is also resistant to moisture and stains, making them a great fit for bathrooms, too. These surfaces are also stylistically versatile, featuring a unique pattern on each stone. You can choose between shiny and matte finishes, as well as solid, marbled, and speckled patterns.
While granite countertops are beautiful and durable, they do require annual resealing to prevent bacterial growth and stains. This process is very simple and most sealers can simply be sprayed on and then wiped off to preserve the surface. If you choose granite, you also have slightly less control over the final appearance of your counters. Granite is a natural stone so each slab varies slightly, which can make it difficult to create a uniform surface. Additionally, these stones tend towards darker hues and there are no white options.
Granite is a classic, durable, and beautiful material for countertops in your home. Homeowners seeking a wow factor may choose granite for its unique colors and veining.
Cost of Granite Countertops
The price for granite countertops ranges from $40 to $100 per square foot.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular material created by combining crushed quartz crystals with resins and pigments. Because quartz countertops are man-made, you can choose from a nearly endless selection of patterns and colors to fit your style and design.
Features of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are a beautiful and versatile material with options that mimic porcelain, granite, marble, and other stones. You can choose between light, simple patterns, and more complex designs to fit the style of your space. These surfaces are also durable and resistant to stains and bacteria, making them an excellent choice for both kitchens and bathrooms..
While quartz countertops have several advantages, they are more vulnerable to damage from direct heat, which can happen when a hot pan is placed directly on a kitchen countertop. Quartz can also be more difficult to repair since it cannot be filled and polished.
With so many options, quartz countertops are an excellent option for both modern to traditional designs – and everything in between.
Cost of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are one of the pricier options with materials typically costing $80 to $150 per square foot.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite countertops are created by joining natural stone slabs and then coating them with a sealant. Since quartzite is formed from sandstone exposed to heat and pressure, the material is extremely hard and durable.
Features of Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite countertops are resistant to heat, scratches, and chipping. Additionally, these surfaces require minimal maintenance and are easy to clean. They stand out for their natural appearance and elegant patterns.
Quartzite is susceptible to etching and cracks from acidic cleaners or heavy impacts. Like granite, quartzite slabs vary from one to the next, making it difficult to create a completely uniform surface. Be sure to physically inspect and select your slabs in a dedicated design studio.
Many homeowners gravitate to quartzite countertops for their elegant beauty and durability.
Cost of Quartzite Countertops
The average cost of quartzite countertops is $80 to $120 per square foot.
Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are created by cutting and polishing large blocks of marble to achieve a timeless, elegant surface.
Features of Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are known for their iconic veined patterns and range of colors including white, black, green, gray, yellow, and rose. They are also relatively durable and resistant to heat and moisture.
While marble countertops have many stylistic and functional benefits, they have several limitations. Marble countertops do require resealing to maintain their strength and are susceptible to water damage, staining, and scratches.
Because of their range of designs, marble countertops are an excellent fit for minimalist and traditional designs.
Cost of Marble Countertops
Marble countertops typically cost $40 to $100 per square foot.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are created by compressing resin-soaked craft paper under extreme heat, then topped with decorative paper.
Features of Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops can be designed with an extensive range of colors, patterns, and textures to mimic more expensive materials. These versatile surfaces are easy to maintain with household cleaners, soap, and water.
However, laminate countertops are a less popular material, because they are susceptible to damage from heat, moisture, and heavy impact. Additionally, these countertops are more difficult to repair, particularly if water enters cracks and further erodes the material.
Homeowners with tight remodeling budgets may choose laminate countertops for a low-traffic room where heat and moisture are not a concern.
Cost of Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are one of the more affordable options, typically costing $10 to $40 per square foot.
Wood (Butcher Block) Countertop
Wood butcher block countertops are constructed from hardwood with a unique end grain style that allows for cutting without showing knife marks.
Features of Wood Countertops
Butcher block countertops are created using various hardwoods such as oak, maple, and cherry to create a functional space for food prep. There are several pros and cons of butcher block countertops. Because they are made from hardwood, these countertops invoke a warm, rustic ambiance for any space. These surfaces are food-safe and naturally kill bacteria.
These wood countertops are susceptible to damage from water, heat, and scratches. They should be regularly re-oiled and only used in dry spaces. Due to their unique functionality, many homeowners opt to use wood countertops in select sections of the kitchen.
Butcher block countertops are excellent for avid chefs who appreciate the natural beauty and function of wood in the kitchen
Cost of Butcher Wood Countertops
Butcher block countertops are as affordable as several other materials, costing anywhere from $30 to $100 per square foot.
Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops are created by heating kaolinite (China Clay), feldspar, metal oxides, and other minerals to form a dense, durable surface.
Features of Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops offer a tremendous range of colors, designs, and patterns with options that mimic marble and other minerals, lending to a modern look. These materials are now available in large slabs like granite and quartz. Porcelain counters are non-porous, so they resist stains and water damage. Unlike granite and butcher block materials, porcelain doesn’t require regular maintenance and is easier to clean than other countertop materials due to the heat-glazing process.
Porcelain is, however, susceptible to scratches and cracks, which can be difficult to repair.
Homeowners choose porcelain counters for their modern look and durability. They are an ideal choice for kitchen remodels, as they withstand high heat and UV rays.
Cost of Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops typically cost $50 to $100 per square foot.
Explore the Possibilities During a Free Remodeling Consultation
Wherever you are in the kitchen and bathroom remodeling process, House to Home Solutions is here to help with all of your design questions. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or visit our design studio in Rockville.
