Changing kitchen counter tops is likely one of the most transformative elements of any kitchen transform. However with numerous choices, the choice can really feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve executed a number of the homework for you. Right here’s our fast information to 10 of the most well-liked kitchen countertop supplies. Be aware that prices per sq. foot can vary from as little as $15-$20 for tiles and laminates to greater than $200 for higher-end supplies.
1. Wooden
Typically featured in conventional and rustic kitchens, pure wooden counter tops supply enduring heat and homey appeal. Wooden wants some TLC, however common oiling and resealing ought to hold it in good condition. And though wooden is susceptible to water harm, scratches, cracks and stains, sanding and resealing can restore its unique look.
Wooden at a look:
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Price: Sometimes average.
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Upkeep: Requires oiling and resealing twice yearly.
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Sturdiness: Sturdy with correct care.
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Resale worth: Unlikely to extend worth.
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Wow issue: Reclaimed wooden may be very eco-friendly and will even qualify you for a particular tax break.
» MORE: What a kitchen transform prices
2. Ceramic tile
Colourful tile may be very type to budgets, and it’s DIY-friendly as nicely. Out there in a spread of shapes and colours (together with some that appear like marble or wooden), tiles are extraordinarily immune to warmth and cuts, and so they clear up simply. Particular person chipped tiles may be changed, however the grout traces between them typically develop cussed stains. It’s additionally essential to grasp that tile counter tops aren’t easy. Cups and plates might wobble, and you may’t roll out dough.
Ceramic at a look:
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Price: Low to average.
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Upkeep: Grout must be resealed frequently.
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Sturdiness: Sturdy, however can chip.
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Resale worth: Unlikely to extend worth.
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Wow issue: Tiles may be set in one-of-a-kind mosaic designs.
3. Concrete
At present’s concrete isn’t only for sidewalks. When stamped, stained, etched, polished and sealed, eco-friendly concrete creates refined counter tops that vary from farmhouse stylish to trendy industrial.
Concrete counter tops are sturdy; they’re immune to scratches and warmth, however susceptible to cracks and stains. This high-end materials may be costly although, and it’s laborious sufficient to be robust on dinnerware. Bear in mind that concrete counter tops have to be resealed yearly, and their weight can put a pressure on cupboards and flooring.
Concrete at a look:
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Price: Reasonable to excessive.
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Upkeep: Requires annual resealing.
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Sturdiness: Warmth- and scratch-resistant, however might crack and stain.
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Resale worth: Ought to improve worth.
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Wow issue: Embedded glass, stones, seashells and fiber optics could make concrete counter tops into true artworks.
4. Granite
Elegant granite brings luxurious to even the only kitchens, and its high-end enchantment is more likely to appeal to patrons and improve resale worth. It resists warmth, chips, scratches and stains and it’s so laborious it may uninteresting your knives. Out there in 1000’s of colours with distinctive flecks and patterns, granite may be minimize in quite a lot of edge profiles, from fundamental (suppose straight, rounded and beveled) to extra premium and customized variations, some fairly ornate.
Granite is porous, so it requires annual resealing. And since it’s so heavy, your cupboards might have further structural assist.
Granite at a look:
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Price: Sometimes excessive (selecting a thinner slab can cut back value).
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Upkeep: Wants annual resealing.
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Sturdiness: Sturdy when correctly maintained.
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Resale worth: Ought to improve worth.
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Wow issue: The Nationwide Affiliation of Realtors names granite as one of the crucial desired kitchen countertop supplies amongst dwelling patrons.
5. Laminates
Laminates similar to Formica are an artificial choice that works in each retro and trendy kitchens. As a result of they will mimic the look of costlier supplies like stone or wooden, laminates create placing counter tops that received’t pressure your finances.
Straightforward to scrub and maintenance-free, laminates are additionally non-porous and pretty easy to put in for DIY fans. There are some downsides although, like seen seams. Laminates are additionally susceptible to burns, scratches and chips, and as soon as broken, they’re virtually unattainable to restore. This selection is taken into account bizarre (and even undesirable) by most dwelling patrons, so it received’t improve resale worth.
Laminates at a look:
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Price: Low.
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Upkeep: None required.
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Sturdiness: Scratches, chips and burns simply.
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Resale worth: Unlikely to extend worth.
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Wow issue: A really budget-friendly method to create eye-popping kitchens.
6. Marble
Prized for his or her timeless magnificence and distinctive veining patterns, marble counter tops add to virtually any dwelling’s worth. As the peak of kitchen luxurious (with a price ticket to match), polished marble is thought for its refined hues, generally embedded with mineral deposits.
Marble is of course heat-proof however is susceptible to scratches that may be tough to restore. And because it’s porous, frequent spills will grow to be everlasting stains except the countertop is resealed yearly.
Marble at a look:
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Price: Excessive.
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Upkeep: Requires annual resealing.
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Sturdiness: Sturdy. Resists warmth however not scratches.
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Resale worth: Ought to improve worth.
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Wow issue: Every marble slab is like no different for a singular adorning assertion.
» MORE: 5 kitchen transform loans
7. Quartz (engineered stone)
The countertop materials described as quartz is definitely an engineered stone manufactured from principally quartz together with different minerals. It is available in quite a lot of colours and might mimic the look of high-end stones like marble or granite.
Reasonably priced engineered quartz has an a variety of benefits. Every slab is uniform high quality, sturdy, nonporous, and intensely immune to stains, micro organism, chips, cracks and scratches. Maybe better of all, engineered quartz doesn’t require any upkeep.
Quartz at a look:
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Price: Reasonable to excessive.
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Upkeep: None required.
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Sturdiness: Very sturdy.
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Resale worth: Ought to improve worth.
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Wow issue: Made out of as a lot as 90% quarry waste, it’s a really eco-friendly selection.
8. Soapstone
Soapstone is frequent in historic kitchens, however this versatile materials works equally nicely with trendy designs. Recognized for its deep grey shade, it’s additionally obtainable with blue or inexperienced undertones. Whereas soapstone resists stains and micro organism, it’s susceptible to scratches and dents. Over time these create a signature patina that doesn’t essentially detract.
Eco-friendly soapstone is extremely heat-resistant, and harm may be sanded out. It doesn’t require sealants however wants common mineral oil rubdowns.
Soapstone a look:
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Price: Reasonable.
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Upkeep: Wants common mineral oil remedies.
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Sturdiness: Sturdy and warmth resistant; susceptible to scratches.
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Resale worth: Ought to improve worth.
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Wow issue: Soapstone appears to be like even higher with age.
9. Stable-surface
As soon as hailed as a space-age luxurious, solid-surface counter tops similar to Corian have grow to be mid-range kitchen staples. Whereas not as fashionable as pure stone, they might nonetheless add to your house’s worth.
Stable-surface counter tops are maintenance-free and resist stains however are susceptible to scratches and warmth. If harm does happen, it may often be sanded out, however this easy-care materials isn’t a “inexperienced” selection.
Stable-surface at a look:
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Price: Low to average.
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Upkeep: None required.
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Sturdiness: Resists stains. Dents, scratches and scorches simply.
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Resale worth: Could improve worth.
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Wow issue: Will be customized molded to incorporate sink basins and backsplashes.
10. Chrome steel
For the modern look of knowledgeable kitchen, nothing beats chrome steel. Seam-free, extremely sturdy and resistant to warmth, these counter tops are additionally nonporous, maintenance-free and fashionable with dwelling patrons. Chrome steel counter tops can final so long as your house, but when a change is ever desired, this inexperienced materials is recyclable.
There are just a few drawbacks, nonetheless. Chrome steel is noisy, reveals fingerprints, and except you go for the best grade of metal, can scratch and dent simply.
Chrome steel at a look:
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Price: Reasonable to excessive.
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Upkeep: None required.
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Sturdiness: Very sturdy however does scratch and dent.
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Resale worth: Ought to improve worth.
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Wow issue: Choosing a brushed end helps camouflage scratches and dings.
Your closing selection
So which countertop materials is greatest? Your reply will in the end depend upon particular person elements like finances, life-style and style. However taking the time to grow to be accustomed to all of your choices goes a great distance towards making your selection simpler. And in the long run you'll have a new-look kitchen to take pleasure in — one that would additionally add to the worth of your house.
