Your kitchen countertops are where most of the kitchen activity happens. From cutting your vegetables and displaying your fruits to setting up a coffee station and storing spices, the right countertops are the secret to a truly functional kitchen.
And so, countertop material is an important decision to make, whether you’re building a new kitchen or simply renovating your old one. In this article, we’ll shed light on how to choose the right kitchen countertop material, so you can choose the option most suitable for your needs — ensuring your investment pays off in the end!
Understand The Types Of Kitchen Countertops
Understanding the different types of kitchen counters is essential before choosing the one that suits you best. Here is a quick overview of the top 5 types of countertops:
Butcher Block
Butcher block countertops offer the natural colour and grain of wood. They can take on many looks; install them unfinished for a raw feel or seal them with oil for a warm, refined look.
Credit: Etsy
Quartz
Quartz is extremely durable, does not require sealing, and has a marble-like appearance. It is also called engineered stone, and is more resistant to household chemicals and cleaning supplies than other varieties.
Laminate
Laminate is a non-porous acrylic that comes in a variety of colours and patterns. It is a tough material resistant to scratches and stains. But it doesn’t work well with heat, so don’t place hot pans directly on the surface.
Credit: IKEA
Tiles
Whilst tiles are great for backsplashes, they’re also a fantastic option to use for your countertops, too. They are heat and stain-resistant, but may be prone to cracking.
Credit: Tile Mountain
Marble
Marble is one of the most luxurious countertop materials to use. It adds to the value of your home and comes in many varieties — here is our compilation of the top 8 marble types to consider for your home!
Consider Your Lifestyle
Think about your lifestyle and the way you will be using your kitchen countertops.
If you’re fond of baking, you may want to opt for marble countertops. These have a naturally low temperature and are ideal for working with dough. On the other hand, if you cook often — and chop items frequently — a butcher block countertop would suit your lifestyle.
But what if you’re both a devoted chef and baker? Mixing and matching is the trick! Incorporate a section of butcher block for a built-in chopping board and use marble elsewhere.
Credit: Decor Pad
Keep Your Budget In Mind
Different countertops come at different prices. If you’re working around a budget, the man-made material of laminate is a good choice. Tiles are also one of the affordable options available.
For folks willing to make an investment — and create a statement — high-end marbles are the answer. If you’re looking for the effect of marble but at a more reasonable price, you can consider quartz.
As a rule of thumb, you should invest 15 to 30 percent of your total kitchen renovation budget on the countertops. They’re an integral component of kitchens in terms of functionality and aesthetics, so they deserve a considerable chunk of investment.
Credit: Formica
Decide The Style You Wish To Achieve
Do you want to keep it minimalist with white marble or go bold with blue laminate? The options are endless when it comes to choosing the design style you wish to achieve, so you want to be clear about the aesthetic you want, in order to land the right material.
Marble is ideal for luxury kitchens (see below), tiles create a retro look, whilst the diverse options in laminate mean you can achieve any look with its use.
Credit: il Granito
Be Mindful Of Maintenance Levels
Bear in mind the maintenance required for your preferred kitchen countertop material before making your final decision. Here are a few points to remember:
Quartz, tiles, and laminate require a simple wipe-down with a mild soapy solution.
Marble and granite require oiling at least once a year.
Butcher block requires regular sealing to withstand frequent chopping.
Consider the amount of effort you’re willing to put in and choose your countertop material accordingly.
Final Words
Your kitchen countertops are there for you when you need to do chopping, baking, organising (even storing), and more. In return, you should be there for them and give them an upgrade when needed! If you’re in the market for a new countertop, this article lists all the factors to keep in mind to make the right selection.
After all, choosing the right kitchen countertop material means it’ll last you for a good few years before requiring replacement — and may also add to the resale value of your home!
Need help with deciding the right type of kitchen countertop material for your style and lifestyle needs? Just book one of our Interior Design Gurus here! They can look at your space over video chat and give you tips, ideas and guidance on how to achieve an interior that you love.