Kitchen countertops are as necessary as kitchen faucets. These countertops enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. With various kitchen countertop materials options, homeowners can also customize them according to their needs.
Now, there are various kitchen countertop materials to choose from. Each countertop material brings new freshness and elegance to your kitchen.
This blog post highlights the 8 best kitchen countertop materials along with their pros and cons. So, let us get into it!
Types of Kitchen Countertop Materials
So, here is a list of some of the best kitchen countertop material options. Let us explore it.
1: Granite
Granite countertops are no short of an introduction. That’s because they are quite commonly used. Granite countertops are known for their durability and longer lifespan. If you don’t want to get into the hassle of choosing a fancy countertop material, this material option is for you.
Pros
- Excellent Durability
- Heat and Water Resistant
- Affordable
Cons
- Professional Installation is a must
2: Marble
Next up, we have marble kitchen countertops. Now, marble is also one commonly used material for various home essentials. It is quite durable, and you can also customize it to a good extent.
Note that quality marble countertops can get a bit expensive.
Pros
- Aesthetically Appealing
- Ideal for Modern Kitchen Décor
- Customizable
- Increases homes’ value
Cons
- Must be installed by a professional
- Quite Expensive
3: Tempered Glass
Next up, we have tempered glass countertops. These countertops are arguably the best kitchen countertops homeowners can invest in. That’s because they are durable and also impact resistant.
Unlike other materials, they don’t get scratched easily. Plus, you can customize them in a number of ways. For example, you can choose frosted, tinted, or maybe crackled tempered glass countertops. Their aesthetic appeal and clean looks make them unique.
You can buy customized tempered glass sheets for your kitchen countertop. Glass Genius has quality tempered glass panels available at the best prices. Shop Now!
Pros
- Modern, clean, and elegant looks
- Highly customizable
- Elevates the home value
- Quite Durable
Cons
- A bit expensive
4: Quartz
Quartz isn’t just durable but also an aesthetically pleasing countertop material. It is tough to scratch and break this countertop. This speaks of its durability. Further, its non-porous surface also prevents bacteria or mold from growing.
On the downside, these countertops aren’t made from natural stones. So, these countertops lack that natural touch.
Pros
- Tough To Break, Highly Durable Material
- A Hygienic Material Option
- Easy To Clean and Maintain
Cons
- Lacks that natural stone touch
5: Wood
Wooden countertops may not be that common, but they offer many benefits. Wood is a natural material and can be highly customized. Plus, it is a cheaper material compared to the likes of marble or granite.
Pros
- An Inexpensive Countertop Material
- Suits Most of the Kitchen Décor
- Can Be Customized
Cons
- Durability Is a Bit of a Concern
- No Water Resistance Offered
6: Laminate
For very tight budgeters’, the laminate countertop is a suitable option. Though they aren’t that new and modern, their affordable cost makes them a good contender.
Laminate is a very easygoing material. It’s easy to install and doesn’t require frequent maintenance. But, on the downside, it doesn’t offer any unique characteristics that could help you increase your property’s worth.
Pros
- Dirt Cheap (Compared to the available materials)
- Easy to install
- No fancy maintenance required
Cons
Doesn’t offer any extras
7: Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops offer a sleek, elegant, and clean look. They are suitable for almost all types of kitchens. Stainless steel is easy to clean. Plus, it doesn’t get scuff marks easily.
However, it may lose its color, shine, and overall finish over time. Also, it’s a noisy countertop material because of its surface characteristics.
Pros
- Elegant and shiny looks
- Easy to clean
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Gets dull over time
- Noisy material
- Can get scratched easily
8: Soapstone
Soapstone countertops may look like marble countertops. However, their color tone and finishing are what make them different. Usually available in darker shades (grayish etc.), these countertops have a muted surface.
They don’t offer that glossy finish. On a positive note, these countertops are pretty durable. Plus, they are heat, water, and bacteria resistant.
Pros
- Heat, water, and bacteria resistant
- Longer Lifespan
- Unique Appearance
Cons
- Limited Color Choices
- Expensive
How to Clean Kitchen Countertops?
Regular cleaning and maintenance is a must, no matter which countertop material you choose. Regular cleaning helps you get the most out of these kitchen counter materials.
Here is a brief step-by-step guide on how to clean various kitchen countertops.
Stuff you’ll need:
- A couple of microfiber towels
- Disinfectant wipes
- Soap Dish water Mixture
- A Sealer (for marble or granite countertops)
Step 1: Wipe off Dust particles
First and foremost, you should wipe off all the dirt and dust particles on your countertop. Use any clean microfiber cloth for this purpose.
Step 2: Add Soap Dish Water Mixture
Add some soap dishwater mixture on the countertop. Take a kitchen towel and dip it in warm water. Now, gently wipe down the counter. Ensure that you wipe off every corner for deep and effective cleaning. You may also use any cleaning agent instead of soap dishwater.
Step 3: Dry off the Countertop
Now, dry the microfiber cloth off the countertop’s surface. Ensures that there is no soap-water mixture left. Once done, wipe off the countertop’s surface with a disinfectant wipe to ensure no residue is left out.
Wrap Up!
So, now you know the commonly used kitchen countertop materials. All the materials we have mentioned have their own pros and cons. Some countertops are tough to clean, while some require professional assistance for installation. Out of all these countertop materials, tempered glass countertops really stand out. Their durability, aesthetic appeal, and customization room are something tough to overlook. We recommend buying your desired tempered glass panels from a reliable glass marketplace.
