Kitchen Countertops: Choosing the Right Surface

If you’re building a home or remodeling your existing kitchen, the countertops will play an important part in your finished room. Countertops can change the entire look of a room when they are purchased in unique colors or textures and are often the center of kitchen activity when food is being prepared and cooked. A number of surface options are available.

The surface you choose will depend on a number of factors including the size of your kitchen, your budget, and how you will be using your kitchen countertops when they are installed. Here are six options to consider.

Wood or Butcher Block

Wood and butcher block countertops blend in nicely with a warm and open kitchen. They’re very natural-looking and add character to a room that’s often used as central command for busy people. These countertops are very easy to clean and can be sanded to freshen up their look. Be aware that they can become stained over time so they may not be ideal for households with small children.

Granite Countertops

If money is of no concern to you when you’re adding countertops to your kitchen, granite will probably be your top choice for a countertop surface. Granite is actually an igneous rock that contains many different kinds of minerals. The result of all of these minerals is that granite has a speckled appearance. The best thing about granite countertops is that they’re extremely durable. They hold up well under heat and you can usually cut right on the counter without using a cutting board or other protective surface. The two most common problems with granite is that it comes in limited color choices and that they must be sealed every few years for best results.

Ceramic Tile

If you’re concerned about cost, ceramic tile can be a good choice for your kitchen countertops. Ceramic tile is inexpensive and can also be cleaned easily, making this surface ideal for homes with children and pets. Ceramic tile is available in a wide range of colors and textures, which means you can customize the look of your countertops. The biggest drawback about ceramic tile is that the tiles can crack easily.

Stainless Steel

If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen or use your kitchen for a catering or baking business, stainless steel is the ideal choice for your countertops. From a practical standpoint, stainless steel is the ideal surface for cooks because it holds up well to heat from hat pots and dishes. It’s also very easy to clean up, which is important when you’re dealing with food. From a decorative standpoint, stainless steel provides a very contemporary look for any kitchen. The biggest disadvantages to having stainless steel countertops are that you cannot cut directly on the counter surface and stainless steel is rather expensive.

Engineered Stone Countertops

If you like the look of granite, but you’re disappointed in the lack of color choices, engineered stone may be a good alternative for your kitchen. Engineered stone resists scratches because of its porous surface and is very easy to care for. The biggest drawback is that engineered stone is very expensive, so it may not be right for every kitchen.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops can be constructed for your kitchen and come in a wide range of colors and textures. Because the surface is so solid, any blemishes can be repaired with sanding. When you order solid surface countertops, they are made to your specifications so they seamlessly integrate into your kitchen. The drawbacks are that they can be expensive and that they can get stained if you place hot dishes directly on the counter surface.