The Best Countertops for Your kitchen or Bathroom

 

Your kitchen and bathroom countertops play an important role in the appearance of your home. While decor and furnishing create a personal touch, countertops are a leading guide for the direction of the design. How does one go about choosing the best style for their project, though?

Below you will find a list of all the major styles of countertops. We’ve listed out some pros and cons, as well as some general information such as pricing and materials. If you are in the process of picking your countertop and aren’t sure which would be the best, we are here to help.

Natural Stone

There are a variety of types of natural stone, such as marble, granite, slate, soapstone, limestone, and Jerusalem. Each has its own unique qualities to it, and there’s nothing more original than the natural design of stone. It is nature’s work of art since no two slabs are exactly alike.

 

Because of the variety of types of stone, each one also comes with its own need for maintenance as well as their own quirks; good and bad. Let’s look at a couple of the popular selections and see what’s great and what's not-so-great about them.

Marble

Marble is a well-loved choice for the avid baker due to the coolness of the material. For cleaning, you’ll want to use liquid detergent and water, and you will want to seal it at least annually.

Pros:

• Comes in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns
• A great choice for a smooth surface
• Doesn’t dent easily
• Heat resistant

Cons:

• Can be pricey
• Obtains scratches/etches from acidic properties (like coffee, citrus, alcohol, and certain cleaning products)
• Stains

The pricing usually ranges from $125-$250 per square foot.

Granite

Another beautiful and unique choice, granite tends to be stronger and more durable than marble. Keep in mind it still needs to be sealed and resealed at least annually to prevent wear and staining.

 

 

Pros:

• Unique and has a variety of styles and colors
• Doesn’t scratch
• Heat resistant
• Does not absorb liquid and is stain resistant when sealed

Cons:

• Poorly or unsealed countertops will absorb some liquids and create stains near-impossible to remove
• While it is scratch resistant, it will dull blades
• If heavy items are dropped on it or hit it, corners may chip off
• Irregular patterns happen in nature so if you want one uniform pattern or color natural stone may not be best choice

Pricing is generally between $100-$250 per square foot.

Quartz

Quartz is a newer style of manufactured countertops. It has a very modern and contemporary style to it, and blends well in the kitchen or bathroom. While it holds a similar appearance to some natural stone, it does not come with some of the same cons.

Check out Norm's Bargain Barn for further countertop images and types, as well as some interesting information on each type.

Pros:

• More style options than natural stone
• Durable like concrete and granite
• Doesn’t chip or crack easily
• Non-porous so won’t stain easily
• Easily maintainable
• Consistent color throughout

Cons:

• While contemporary style isn’t always a con, some might prefer more natural look
• Pricing (though not always as expensive as natural stone)
• Not as heat-resistant

The price for quartz will usually be between $115-$200 per square foot.

Laminate and Laminate Solicor

Laminate is an inexpensive option for your kitchen or bathroom, and still looks clean and modern. It became popular in the 1950’s and 60’s and has stuck with us since.

Laminate solicor is a ½” thick surface consisting of multiple layers of laminate. It was created to get rid of the visible laminate seam on the edges. It looks more like Quartz or Stone but limited to ½” thickness. invented with a solid-colored core in order to eliminate the brown line created by the seam.

 

Pros:

• Much cheaper than previously mentioned countertops
• Stain-resistant and waterproof
• A lot of style options available (probably the most readily-available style)
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Cannot do undermount sinks with laminate
• May crack or scratch
• Not heat resistant
• May be difficult to repair damage

Laminate quotes are usually between $15-$60 per square foot.

Butcher Block

Wooden countertops are beautiful, natural, and warm. They fit with just about any style, whether you’re going for a more classic appearance or still want a modern kitchen or bathroom. Beauty comes with a price, however.

Pros:

• Appearance (this is the number one reason people choose butcher block)
• Variety of wood types
• Good chopping surface
• Gentle on delicate dishes and glassware

cons:

• Easily damageable (heat, scratches, dents, spills)
• Requires food-safe protective sealer
• Regular maintenance required

Generally $40-$150 per square foot.

Dekton or Porcelain solid surface

A newer style of countertop, Dekton is composed of quartz, porcelain, and glass, and created to be durable and stylish.

Pros:

• Non-porous so it is stain resistant
• Durable material and resistant to scratches and cracks
• Heat-resistant

Cons:

• Availability is slightly limited
• Vulnerable to cracks
• Can’t be repaired
• Pricing is in mid to high end range
• Requires highly professional installers
• Installers and knowledge of product might be limited

Pricing ranges from $40-$130 generally.

Tile

Tile can lend a very elegant and lovely appearance to your space. It is a classic style, and if installed correctly will cause your kitchen or bathroom to shine.

Pros:

• Nearly endless variety of color, style, and size
• Low maintenance and cleaning
• Heat resistant
• Easily repaired

Cons:

• Uneven surface
• Prone to cracks, chipping, and scratches
• grout can stain

Pricing is usually pretty cheap for tile, but can range in a variety depending on the style you go for. Generally you’re looking at as low as $2 per square foot and as high as $150.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a modern and trendy style. Many restaurants use them for their near-indestructibility.

Pros:

• Durability
• Stain and spill proof
• Heat resistant
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• May nick and scratch
• Shows fingerprints and smudges
• Noisy

Pricing range from $100-$300 per square foot on average.

Waterfall Edge

The image below is of a popular trend in kitchens. It's known as the waterfall edge, and can be done with all traditional types of countertop materials.

Whether you are building a house, redoing your counters, or replacing the countertops of a fixer-upper, there are countless varieties of styles out there to choose from. Each style is beautiful and unique, and there is something out there for every type of person.

What is your preference? Did this article help you to decide on a style? Leave us a comment about your favorite style of counter, or feel free to ask us any questions you might have.