There are many kitchen countertop options to choose from. But not all of them are created equal. Choosing one that is right for you can be difficult unless you take the time to evaluate your own needs and preferences. Here are a few pros and cons for each counter-top type. Various unique Kitchen Island Ideas are offered in feelswarm.com so you should definitely drop by!
Non-Porus
Considered one of the best kitchen countertop options on the market today. Quartz is made up of pure quartz crystals, which means no pores or cracks present on the surface. This makes it one of the most stain-resistant and easy to clean countertops available.
However, quartz countertops can be slightly more expensive than some other types of material due to their durability and resistance to staining.
Marble/Ceramic
One of the most popular countertop options for use in kitchen remodeling because of its beauty, durability, and resistance to staining. Available in a wide array of designs and colors, marble/ceramic countertops are easy to maintain.
However, they do not hold up as well to high temperatures or acidic foods and liquids, making this an undesirable choice for many people who are looking for easy-to-clean, low-maintenance countertops. Marble counters can also be very costly, making them a poor choice for remodeling.
Natural Stone
Popular because of its beauty and durability, natural stone kitchen countertop options are among the most popular. Marble, granite, limestone, and slate are among the more common materials used in countertop applications. They are popular because of the elegance they add to any kitchen.
But, like granite and marble, natural stone countertop applications require regular maintenance to keep them looking fresh and new. Plus, they do not hold up well to high heat, acidic foods, or liquids, and must be regularly cleaned to prevent staining and possible etching.
Epoxy Resin
One of the most durable kitchen countertop options, epoxy resins are a great option if you don’t mind paying a little extra for stain-resistant properties. Available in many different colors, epoxy resins are sealed between two sheets of resin, which makes it nearly impossible to stain the surface.
Epoxy resins also are sealed with a high-pressure release system that seals the pores of the resin sheets to prevent staining from happening. However, unlike granite and marble countertops, epoxy resins do not hold up well to high heat, acidic foods, or liquids, and must be regularly resealed to prevent etching. Epoxy resins are also very expensive.
Granite
Often considered one of the best-selling countertops for homeowners marble countertops can add a touch of class and luxury to your kitchen. Unfortunately, because of their durability and resistance to heat, granite countertops are not widely available on the commercial market.
For this reason, it is important that you verify the quality of the marble countertop installation process before purchasing it. Although there are many cons associated with granite countertops, including their high maintenance costs, they are still some of the most durable countertops available, making them worth every penny spent.
Considered one of the best options in terms of natural stone variety, granite countertops are very expensive but offer unmatched durability and quality. The downside to granite is the difficulty in cleaning and staining, as well as the need for periodic sealant or staining.
In addition to these challenges, most granite countertops will require replacement due to wear and tear over the years. If properly sealed and maintained, marble countertops can last for decades and save you thousands of dollars in countertop replacement costs.
Stainless Steel
Considered to be one of the easiest and most durable countertops, stainless steel is typically only available in natural colors. Natural stainless steel has low maintenance costs and an unmatched polish. The downside to stainless steel is that it is also the most expensive countertop option available, often costing hundreds of dollars per square foot.
Although stainless steel is very easy to maintain, it is not as easy to stain or otherwise mark the surface. It is important to periodically seal the surface of stainless steel to prevent staining. Although, compared to granite countertop cost, stainless steel is a solid option to consider.
