If you are looking to upgrade the look of your kitchen one aspect you want to do may be your countertop. This is a significant decision as it will dictate the overall look of your kitchen and the cost of your remodeling project. With so many options out there we’ve listed the top ten post popular opens and listed the pros and cons of each. We hope this narrows down your options!
1. Laminate
You often find laminate in older homes and apartments because it is a cost-effective option. A thin layer of plastic material is glued to a piece of particleboard or MDF.
| Pros | Cons |
· One of the most affordable options · Installation is fairly easy and can possibly be done as a DIY project. · Endless color and pattern options. | · Can peel, chip, and stain easily · Can look and feel cheaper than other options |
2. Granite
Natural stone is a go-top option for many people wanting a high-end look for their kitchen. They typically come in large slabs so that way color veins are consistent throughout the counter, but you can get them as tiles.
| Pros | Cons |
· No two pieces are alike so your countertop will be one-of-a-kind · Can increase the value of your home because it is considered a premium building material. · Offers great durability · Tiles can be installed as a DIY project if you can handle carrying the heavy tiles | · Fairly expensive · It requires periodic sealing to protect it from stains · Slabs are too heavy and need to be installed by professionals. |
3. Marble
Another natural stone that gives your kitchen a high-end look. They typically come in large slabs so that way color veins are consistent throughout the counter, but you can get them as tiles.
| Pros | Cons |
· The natural veining makes it the most preferred of the natural stones · No two pieces are alike so your countertop will be one-of-a-kind
| · Fairly expensive · It required regular sealing to protect it from stains · Slabs are too heavy and need to be installed by professionals. |
4. Slate
A great natural stone, which is cut into slabs and surface-grinded to a matte finish. It is perfect for someone wanting a durable dark gray or black countertop.
| Pros | Cons |
· It resists stains and bacteria · Really durable so it holds up well. · Less costly than granite and marble | · Doesn’t offer a lot of color options · The gritty, matte texture that isn’t always suited for working in kitchens |
5. Quartz
Composed of pulverized rocks with resins added for hardness and binding, Quartz is a popular option for countertops. This engineered stone option is highly sought after and helps to increase the value of your home.
| Pros | Cons |
· Available in many different colors · More durable and less susceptible to scratching than a solid surface | · Extremely heavy and needs to be installed by professionals · Quite expensive |
6. Concrete
A recent popular option for people wanting an industrial look or a non-traditional option.
| Pros | Cons |
· Can be colored and textured as you wanted · Using a mold, it can be poured to fit any size and shape. | · Extremely heavy and requires special bracing to support the weight · Quite costly and should be installed by professionals |
7. Stainless Steel
Once relegated to commercial kitchens it is now becoming popular in homes.
| Pros | Cons |
· Germ-resistant and sanitary
| · Very expensive · Costly and needs to be installed by professionals. |
8. Reclaimed Wood
Perfect for someone looking for a rustic feel or a non-traditional counter option.
| Pros | Cons |
· Green and eco-friendly option
| · Requires to be sealed · If not properly maintained and sealed, it can harbor germs |
9. Zinc Sheets
Another non-traditional option, Zinc is more commonly used in commercial kitchens. Sheets are applied over a base core material.
| Pros | Cons |
· Scratches can be sanded out · Not very common so you would be one-of-a-kind | · Softer than stainless steel so it isn’t as durable. · They are expensive |
10. Glass
A relatively new option, glass comes in slab and tile or recycled and non-recycled.
| Pros | Cons |
· Recycled glass is a great eco-friendly option · Resistant to stains and easy to clean · Available in a lot of colors and patterns. | · Slabs are specialized material so they can be costly · Tiles are prone to breaking, chipping, and cracking so they tend to be better for backsplashes |