Designing a kitchen today can be extremely overwhelming. With so many styles, and materials to choose from it is easy to get confused. The countertop material in ones kitchen is the foundation of the kitchens decor and can really set the tone to what the rest of the kitchen will look like. Not only that but the countertops are an essential component for the kitchen, it is where all the action takes place and should reflect a person's own personal style. Many find it hard to narrow down their favorite countertop materials, so we came up with this list of the seven most popular kitchen countertop materials.
Starting with the most popular kitchen countertop material, quartz is king. It was introduced as a high end alternative to granite and for years has dominated the kitchen countertop industry. It’s popularity grew because it is non-porous, which means it's stain resistant and one of the most hygienic countertop options for homeowners. Not only that but quartz is extremely strong, which means it’s super durable and one of the most low maintenance countertop materials out there.
Granite has been a go to for kitchen countertops for decades. It is a natural stone so it can have different grains and colors like quartz and marble, but is the most budget friendly out of all the stone materials. While it is more durable compared to other materials (like wood), but it can still stain and may need to get re-sealed every couple years.
This next material is slightly less common, because for some homeowners wood and countertops just don’t mix. But there are a lot of other people who enjoy a nice wood countertop, and with a high quality wood and the right sealer it could make for a warm and long-lasting countertop. It is more budget friendly then some of the other countertop materials, and depending on your style preference it can really make a kitchen come alive.
Stainless steel is a material that is often used in kitchen appliances, and most people already have that kind of material in there kitchen. But some people take it a step further and use it as a countertop material. It can really give a space an industrial feel, if that is the type of design style you are going for. There is a reason why stainless steel is commonly used in professional commercial kitchens, it is completely stain resistant, heat resistant, and it's easy to clean. The stainless steel countertop is becoming a trend in home kitchens and if done right can be a wonderful touch to any kitchen.
Copper is certainly not the most common material but it definitely has a lot of character and can add a unique touch to the style of a kitchen. It is surprisingly easy to clean and maintain, but for many perfectionists the surface of matte browns and greens would be too much to handle. A copper countertop is a ‘living’ surface and can react to certain substances. This is why these types of countertops aren’t for everyone.
While many may scuff at the thought of a plastic laminate surface, this type of material has a serious fan-base. There is a wide range of customization edges and finishes which means it can work with many kitchen designs, and its affordability makes it a contender for a lot of people. That being said, it’s not the most durable of countertops and may not be best for heavy duty cooks.
This next material is not really seen in kitchens as much as the other materials. Soapstone is mostly seen in laboratories because of its resistance to stains, chemicals, and bacteria. It’s durability makes it a natural choice choice for any kitchen, but it is on the expensive side. The good part about this material is that it is going to last a lifetime and is certainly a worthy investment.