Best Kitchen Countertop Materials

Decades ago, the primary materials used to make countertops were stone and wood. Then laminate became the material of choice. Today, a wide array of materials make the best kitchen countertop. Some of these may surprise you, such as concrete, metal, tile, recycled glass, quartz and acrylic. 

Choosing the kind of material you want for your kitchen countertops depends on a variety of factors. Where your countertops will be located is one of the things you need to consider. If your countertops are going to be in your kitchen, you’ll probably use them differently than the countertops in your bathroom, for example. For this reason, use a different material for your kitchen countertops than what’s used in your bathroom.

Here are a few other things to think about, as well. 

• Your budget
• The maintenance a given kind of countertop requires
• How durable the material is
• The material’s appeal and versatility

Wood for a Kitchen Countertop

Many people will find that their final choice will be between wood, granite and marble. People view wood as the original solid surface countertop material. Wood is immensely popular for several reasons, not the least of which is that dings can easily be repaired by sanding and recoating the countertop.

Most wood countertops are made by gluing together 1 ½-inch strips of maple. End-grain maple countertops, which are often referred to as “butcher block” tops, are at least four times as thick as standard maple countertops, and they cost more as a result.

If you’re going to have wood countertops in your kitchen, it’s typically wise to treat them with a penetrating oil finish. Homeowners who’ll use their wood countertops predominantly for eating can order them with a varnish finish instead.

Granite for a Kitchen Countertop

It wasn’t too long ago that homeowners considered using granite for countertops extravagant. Today, granite countertops are more mainstream. Why? Because granite is more affordable and readily accessible than it used to be.

Granite is a natural material, which means every granite countertop is truly one-of-a-kind. Granite is available in a seemingly never-ending variety of colors and depths. You can also find granite with many different, breathtaking patterns.

Granite naturally resists stains, and its stain resistance can be further enhanced when the material is sealed. Granite is incredibly versatile and you can rest hot pots, pans and baking racks right on its surface without damaging the material.

Marble for a Kitchen Countertop

Like granite, marble is a natural material that can be used to make countertops. Marble is a rock that’s formed from recrystallized carbon over many years. Also similar to granite, marble is porous so it will need to be sealed when used as a countertop in areas where water is present, such as a kitchen or bathroom.

If you don’t seal your marble countertops every one or two years, they will be susceptible to stains by liquids like cooking oils or juice. Marble is particularly vulnerable to stains from foods and liquids that have a high acid content, so cleaning up spills immediately is necessary to maintain marble countertops in good condition.

Kitchen Design from Craig Allen

No matter what kind of vision you have for your countertops, Craig Allen Designs will make your dreams a reality. As you look through our portfolio, you’ll see we’ve used countertops made with a wide variety of materials in many kitchen and bathroom remodels.

If you’re unsure about what material is best for your countertops, we’ll help you figure it out. We’ll talk to you about your lifestyle, the things you use your countertops for most often and your future plans for your home. Based on your input and our expertise, we’ll identify the countertops that will be the best for your space.

Contact Craig Allen Designs to schedule a consultation today.