Countertop Styles | Types of Kitchen Countertops

Meta Description: Read on to learn about the different types of kitchen countertop styles and their pros and cons. Contact a reputable home builder today for more information!

H1: Types of Countertops To Consider for Your Next Kitchen Remodel

When designing a functional kitchen, one of the most important things to consider is the type of material you will use for your countertop. More than just a functional element of the kitchen, countertops complete the aesthetic and design of your house. Therefore, they must be beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain.

There are different types of countertops to choose from. In this post, we’ll discuss some popular countertop styles and their pros and cons to help you make your pick.

1. Granite

Granite is one of the most elegant, richest countertops in the market. Even a simple kitchen can have a luxurious look with this material. It has a variety of hues, including white, black, blue, and even gold. Granite also comes with patterns ranging from solid, marbled, and speckled.

Pros

• Heat-resistant
• Low maintenance
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Extremely durable
• Adds real estate value to a home

Cons

• Expensive
• Requires regular sealing  
• Requires professional installation
• Possibility of staining or discoloration 
• Prone to cracks and chips

2. Soapstone 

Soapstone is a beautiful natural stone, available in gray or black colors with beautiful veining. It is made from steatite stone with a high percentage of naturally occurring talc, making the surface soft.

This countertop material used to be popular in historic houses but gradually became a part of modern homes. With its antique-like look, soapstone complements most types of kitchen designs. 

Pros

• Stain resistant
• Deep, rich color
• Low maintenance
• Fairly impervious to heat

Cons

• May darken over time
• Limited colors available
• Easily scratched and chipped
• Must be professionally installed

3. Marble

No kitchen countertop style may be more elegant than marble, a natural stone that complements many high-end kitchens. It is available in different hues, including white, gray, and green. 

Due to its distinctive sparkle, intricate veining, and unique color combinations, this metamorphic rock has long been a favorite for upscale kitchens. However, because this product is quite expensive, it is rarely used in the whole kitchen; it is frequently confined to the island area for a more luxurious effect.

Pros

• Luxurious look 
• Wide variety of styles
• Adds to homes’ values
• Water and heat-resistant

Cons

• Expensive
• High maintenance
• Requires annual sealing 
• Must be professionally installed
• Prone to etching and scratches  

4. Quartz

If durability and style are top considerations, quartz may be the right choice. This natural mineral is made of silicon and oxygen, which give it its signature glassy sheen and hardness. It also has a nonporous surface that resists both rasps and stains. These benefits do come at a steeper price compared to other countertop materials. 

Quartz is often seen as a great alternative to other replicated natural stones. Unlike granite, it offers a much more extensive range of colors, from crisp white to deep black. It is also more durable than marble. Additionally, quartz does not require regular sealing as other countertops do. 

Pros

• DIY-friendly
• Low maintenance
• Doesn’t chip or crack easily
• Can be custom-fabricated 

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive
• Vulnerable to heat

5. Solid-Surface Material

You should consider solid surface material if your kitchen calls for high-performing and stylish countertops. It is an excellent option if you want the look of stone for your kitchen but not the price of one. If you have ample kitchen space and think marble or laminate will cost too much, you can replace it with solid surface countertops.

Pros

• Resists staining
• Seamless
• Has integrated countertop units

Cons

• Not heat-resistant
• Requires professional installation
• Vulnerable to scratches, dents, and stains
• Sensitive to chemical cleaners and acids

6. Laminate

Another material with a wide range of shades and patterns is laminate. It is a nonporous plastic-coated matter with a sleek and beautiful surface. This countertop is easy to clean and won’t be stained by wine or oil spills. Laminate works in any type of kitchen, whether mid-century or modern.

Laminate countertops are also a great option if you are working on a tight budget. However, they may not be as durable as other materials since high-pressure laminates (HPLs) may not provide the same prestige as natural stone countertops.

Pros

• Affordable
• DIY-friendly
• Easy to maintain
• Thousands of options available

Cons

• Short lifespan 
• Visible seams
• Difficult to repair
• Doesn’t increase a home’s value

Choose the Countertop Styles That Works Best for You!

We hope the information above helped you identify which countertop material will work best for your kitchen. If you need professional assistance with your remodeling project, contact a reputable home builder! They can help you with anything you need, from choosing the materials to creating a custom plan.