Kitchen Countertops Explained
I’m currently working on a kitchen remodel for a client and surprise, surprise, the topic of kitchen countertops came up. It seems like there are about a million options for kitchen countertops. While I was brainstorming for this post, I quickly rattled off about 10-15 different types of kitchen countertops. And that’s just the beginning! For the sake of brevity, I figured I would stick with the most popular options out there.
So much of what will determine the right material for your home is how you live. Do you have kids that love to work on art projects on the kitchen island? Are you diligent about using trivets before placing a pot on the counter, or do you want to be able to drop a hot cookie sheet wherever you want? Do you rarely cook, but love a high end look? Do you want a retro feel, or do you love sleek and modern? Is your home a Craftsman cottage from the 1920’s, or do you live in a grand Victorian manor? This will all factor into what the right decision for you, in your home, with your family.
Now, the fun part: budget. Each of these materials vary wildly in price. And to make things even more complicated, different types, colors or finishes of the same material will vary wildly in price. People often ask, “How much will marble (or granite or quartz) cost for my kitchen?” Unfortunately, there is no great answer. It depends on so many factors: where you’re sourcing it from, the finish, the color, the layout of your kitchen, what city you’re in, etc. I can give you an idea of what the most expensive and least expensive options are. But it’s important to remember that the kitchen is the most hardworking room in the house for most people. So while laminate or tile may be the most cost-effective, you might end up wishing you had made a different choice. You always have to balance the cost against the longevity and ease of use. And on the flip side, the most expensive option might not make the statement that you want, or have some qualities you find annoying.
Now, this list is not exhaustive. Like I said, there are many, many more kitchen countertop materials (tile, laminate, polished concrete, Corian, stainless steel, the list goes on and on). But these are the materials I get asked about most often. Each one has a distinctive look, and pros and cons. Countertops are often one of the biggest ticket items in a kitchen remodel and it’s important to make the right decision. That’s why it’s so valuable to consult with someone that can help you achieve the aesthetic you want within your budget.
Granite
Granite is probably the most common kitchen countertop material because it is so dang durable. It rarely chips or scratches, and very heat-resistant. Granite is a natural stone that is mined from the earth, then cut into slabs for countertops. I have had granite in a lot of kitchens we have lived in and it works great! Granite does have a lot of speckles, and usually has a lot of color in it. There are some very cool granites out there that really make a statement, but if you’re wanting something less busy this may not be the fit for you. Granite comes in either honed (not shiny) or polished (shiny) finishes.
Marble
Just like granite, marble is a natural stone that comes from the earth. I’m sure most of you are aware of what marble looks like. White and grey are the most common, but there are lots of colorful types too! Marble is a showstopper. There is no denying that. But, marble can be very temperamental. Marble stains and etches if anything acidic is left on it. Some people don’t mind the look of these imperfections, but it is definitely something to consider. You can have marble sealed with a shellac-type material to prevent these stains and etches, but that comes with a price tag. If you have your heart set on stunning marble countertops, but want to make sure they stay pristine, this may be a great option for you. Oftentimes when people say they want marble countertops, what they mean is they want the distinctive white and grey look of marble countertops, but in a more durable material like a quartz.
Quartz
Quart is in the prime of its life. It is insanely popular lately because there are so many variations. You can get almost any color imaginable, with any movement you want. People often mistakenly think that quartz is also a natural stone. Quartz countertops are actually man-made. They are manufactured by combining pulverized natural stone and resin (a type of plastic). It is then heated and shaped into slabs for countertops. Now, just because quartz is man-made does not mean it is an inherently inferior material. It just depends on your needs and budget. We have quartz countertops in our kitchen right now, and they’re great! I have found them to be very durable, but you do have to be careful about placing super hot pots and pans on them since they have plastic in its composition. I also love that you can get quartz in either a honed or polished finish, depending on the look you want to achieve. Quartz tends to be cheaper than marble, and about the same or a bit more expensive than granite. (Keep in mind, this depends entirely on the type of quartz, your location, etc.)
Quartzite
People often think that quartzite is the same thing as quartz. I’m sorry, friends, it’s not. Quartzite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth. It’s originally sandstone that undergoes heat and pressure to become quartzite. The big pro of quartzite is that is a super hard stone and it is stunning. It is very resistant to chips and heat, but because it is more porous than granite it can stain. Quartzite needs to be sealed before it’s installed. Keep in mind that because quartzite is a natural stone, there are variations in durability and stain-resistance. Quartzite is one of the more expensive options on this list, along the lines of the cost of marble.
Butcher block
I’m going to make a bold statement: I think butcher block countertops are one of the most underrated kitchen countertop materials. Butcher block is strips of wood that are basically glued together and trimmed to size. This material is long-lasting and feels so charming. The big cons of butcher block countertops are that they are sensitive to moisture and dings. Again, you have to weigh the cost against your habits. This may not be the material for you if you tend to leave water pooled around your sink or let your dishes air-dry on the counter. Whenever someone says they’re on a tight budget for a kitchen remodel, I suggest butcher block countertops for at least a portion of the kitchen. I’m doing a kitchen where we decided to do quartz on the perimeter of the kitchen, where the oven and sink are located. Then we chose butcher block just for the island. It adds charm and warmth to the space, while saving the client a couple thousand dollars.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a dark grey natural stone that can have a delicate or bold veining. I LOVE the look of soapstone: it has high drama, feels classic and looks great in lots of spaces. Soapstone is very resistant to staining, which is nice compared to the temperamental nature of marble. However, because it’s a softer stone it can be easily scratched. Since soapstone is softer, however, your fabricator can carve sinks out of it for a seamless look, which I love. In terms of cost, soapstone is usually comparable in price to marble. There are so many pros and cons, but soapstone countertops are definitely an obsession of mine lately.
