Kitchen Countertop Materials: Pros & Cons
If you are renovating your kitchen, you have a variety of decisions on your mind, from paint colors to flooring. Another crucial decision you will need to make is choosing the best type of countertop material based on how you plan to use them, your budget, the style you want, and how much upkeep you are willing to do.
Stainless Steel Countertops
If you’re looking for a sleek, high-end look or like the commercial kitchen style, then stainless kitchen countertops are a great option! This is one of the less common options, but for some people, it is a staple.
Pro:
Commercial-grade look, reflects light for a brighter kitchen, easy to maintain, resistant to bacteria and staining, heat-resistant, budget-friendly, and durable.
Con:
Not the least expensive option, can be dented or scratched, easily show fingerprints.
Wooden Countertops
If you are looking for a rustic style that is affordable and versatile, wooden countertops are the way to go!
Pro:
Inexpensive, versatile, sustainable, easy to find, offer visual depth like stone, and available in a variety of styles and finishes.
Con:
Can be burnt or gouged, high maintenance, susceptible to water damage such as staining and warping.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate is a great option if you’re on a tight budget for your remodel!
Pro:
Inexpensive, light, low-maintenance, available in a variety of styles and colors.
Con:
Not resistant to heat, easily scratched, visible seams.
Engineered Stone Countertops
If you want the look of stone, consider engineered stone made from quartz crystals that have been joined together with resin.
Pro:
Provides the look of natural stone, less prone to chipping or cracking, stain-resistant, heat resistant, long-lasting, low maintenance, nonporous, available in a variety of styles and colors.
Con:
High cost, could chip or crack, heavy, may have visible seams.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface is a great option for those who want to spend less but want to avoid the lack of durability that comes with laminate.
Pro:
uniform color, no need for sealing, no seams, nonporous, can be easily resurfaced, easy to repair, less expensive than stone.
Con:
Easily scratched and dented, not heat resistant.
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a popular option for many homeowners offering a smooth, beautiful look.
Pro:
No need for sealing, easy to work with, stain-resistant, bacteria-resistant, heat resistant, durable, gets better with age, sustainable.
Con:
Heavy, expensive, easy to dent and scratch, rough texture, requires regular oiling.
Marble Kitchen Countertops
For homeowners who want a lighter look with a stone surface, marble countertops are the way to go.
Pro:
Variety of colors available, soft and easy to work with, beautiful natural grain, heat resistant, durable, great for baking/rolling out dough.
Con:
Easy to dent and scratch, requires sealing, acids in coffee, alcohol, or citrus can damage it, heavy, higher cost.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Quartz provides homeowners with a beautiful and durable countertop option.
Pro:
Stain-resistant, anti-microbial, easy to clean and maintain, resistant to chipping and cracking, environmentally friendly.
Con:
Expensive, not as resistant to heat as other countertop materials, does not provide as unique of a look like marble or granite can.
Granite Kitchen Countertops
Granite provides a beautiful natural look and is a durable, low-maintenance countertop option. Express Cabinet & Granite is poised to fulfill all your needs for
granite countertop installation. Pittsburgh homeowners who are looking for a new countertop, regardless of material should give us a call and check out our competitive pricing.
Pro:
Sleek and high-end look, durable, resistant to heat, water-resistant, low maintenance.
Con:
Heavy, easily cracked or chipped, expensive.
Professional Kitchen Countertop Installation
If you are ready to choose your kitchen countertops, the team at Express Cabinet and Granite is ready to help! With a large selection of granite, quartz, and marble countertops, we have everything you need to create your dream kitchen! Our team specializes in kitchen countertop installation throughout the Pittsburgh area. Contact us today to learn more!
Owner at Express Cabinet & Granite
Owner of Express Cabinets and Granite, Dennis LI brings 10 years of experience with marble, quartz and granite countertops as well as cabinets and other facets of kitchen remodeling.
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