What is the Best Kitchen Countertop Material?

06/09/2022

Anyone thinking about installing new countertops is likely considering a number of different materials. Each one has its own advantage, but some of them should be avoided altogether. There are a few questions you can ask yourself to find out what the best material would be for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Form over Function

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Form over Function?

If you’re the type of person who doesn’t cook or prepare meals that often, you might be able to save some money by going cheap. You can get basic, custom cut laminates for relatively cheap. Particle board counters are even cheaper, but they are extremely fragile. These wooden counters are often coated with beautifully patterned designs, but they are susceptible to chipping and cracking. These aren’t a good option for someone that actually uses their kitchen.

If you’re the type of person that cooks, then you’ll want a high-quality counter surface. You should consider its durability, cleanability, and functionality. Some types are easier to clean than others; some are designed to last a lifetime. Continue reading to discover the best materials are for the top of a counter.

The Best Countertop Material

The best countertop for one person isn’t always going to be the best for others. Below are the best countertop materials for different types of people.

Quartz for Lots of Kitchen Use

Quartz is without a doubt the preferred type of countertop for chefs and other people who practically live beside the stove.

Quartz counters are a bit of a misnomer. They’re not actually made entirely of quartz; they’re made of a custom engineered stone. It does include real quartz, but it’s also made up of a special resin binder that strengthens and supports the quartz.

The main selling point of quartz is its non-porous surface. Granite and other stone materials will be rough to the touch. This also makes spills harder to clean. Liquids can get trapped in the porous material, making it a hassle to get completely clean.

Simply put, quartz is the ideal counter surface for cooking enthusiasts because it is durable and easy to clean.

Pros

Holds up against knives
No chipping
Easy to clean
Burn resistant

Cons

Extremely expensive
Hard to repair if it does break
Seams are very visible

Granite for the Average Joe

Granite is one of the most popular types of counters for a reason. It’s almost as durable as quartz; however, it is more susceptible to chipping. Like quartz, it’s pretty resistance to scratching.

A granite counter will require a little bit of maintenance to get the most out of it though. They are only stain resistant if they have been properly polished. This makes them a breeze to clean.

Granite is also surprisingly variant when it comes to looks too. It comes a large variety of different colors and patterns. It’s also easy to find a reputable granite installer almost everywhere.

Pros

Somewhat stain resistant
Heat resistant
Scratch resistant
Variety of colors

Cons

Susceptible to chipping
Requires polishing
Hard to hide seams

Marble for Style

Marble is considered one of the most beautiful types of counters. Marble has a long, storied history when it comes to infrastructure. Some ancient civilizations thrived to put marble in as many places as possible. It’s been one of the most sought-after stones for hundreds of years.

Marble holds up well as a productive countertop, but it’s not nearly as resilient at granite and quartz. It’s not as delicate as a simple laminate, but it won’t hold up forever either. This makes it an excellent choice for someone who cooks on occasion and values beauty over functionality.

Unlike granite and quartz, marble is also very porous. This makes it a safe haven for stones and oil spills. While marble is beautiful and can add a certain elegance to the kitchen, it’s also very high maintenance. You’ll have to polish and seal the counter on a regular basis.

Corian Keeps it Simple

Corian is a man-made product, making it more versatile and more affordable than other options. Unlike natural stone, it can be heated up and shaped to exact specifications. This makes it the ideal type of counter for many people.

Corian is a great choice, but it does have some downfalls. It’s not as resistant to scratching, and it can become discolored if exposed to hot temperatures.

Corian is an excellent choice for people that need a surface type that doesn’t cost a fortune while maintaining some level of durability and resilience.

Pros