While there are tons of options on the market for kitchen countertops, some stand head and shoulders above the rest. Each comes with its own pros and cons, though, so it’s important to learn more about each type before making a decision.
Here are some of the best materials for kitchen counters:
Granite
For quite some time, granite has been the countertop material of choice- it defines elegance in a kitchen, and even a modest one can be transformed into a luxurious space when granite countertops are installed. It’s an expensive material, though the cost has come down as supplies have increased and engineered stone has become more common.
Soapstone
Like granite, soapstone is a natural stone, usually dark gray in color with a smooth, silky feel. It’s often seen in historic homes, but is also used in modern homes as a countertop or as sink material. While it will scratch over time, soapstone is quite hard and resistant to stain.
Marble
While it’s not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens, due to its extremely high price tag, marble is generally limited to use on an island or section of countertop reserved as a baking center. It’s worth noting that because no two sheets of marble are exactly the same, each marble countertop is entirely unique.
Quartz
The countertop material known as “quartz” is actually an engineered stone product, shaped into slabs and bound with resins- these are not solid quartz slabs produced by quarrying. Quartz was created as a more adaptable and better-performing alternative to granite and marble, and with a large range of colors and nonporous surface, it’s becoming increasingly popular.
Solid-Surface Material
Solid-surface material is man-made, consisting of a blend of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into sheets and other shapes. While it’s now considered somewhat mid-tier, solid-surface material is still an excellent choice for mid-range kitchens, and can be a good material in high-end kitchens with a lot of countertop space that would be prohibitively expensive to cover with granite or quartz.
Source: The Spruce