Types of Countertops
One of the most common things I’ve have seen new homeowners do to create a personalized look in their home is change out the countertops. Often times a kitchen already has a good layout, and the cabinets may even be in excellent condition; in these scenarios, replacing countertops can make a kitchen look brand new. Look at the big box stores like Home Depot is great starting place for inspiration and to see a variety of countertop types before you start digging into the details.
Learn about different countertop options, and pros/cons below.
Quartz
A very common misconception about quartz is that it is a natural stone. Quartz is actually a mad-made material that combines crushed pieces of quartz mineral with resin which acts as a glue holding the material together. Quartz counters are probably the most common countertop choice today. They are often less expensive than natural stone, as cost can be kept somewhat lower depending on the slab you select, but there are many designer options available as well which come with a higher price tag, and more unique look. Quartz is easy to maintain, as it is very stain resistant and doesn’t require sealing. There’s certainly good reason for their popularity. They do have one downside: they are not heat resistant- so be sure to place a trivet before setting down a hot pan. When deciding which style to opt for, take a look at the local showrooms- each of the manufacturers has their own showroom, perfect for getting inspiration before you contact an a countertop installer. Check out this guide to popular white countertops.
There are several natural stones used in countertop design. Natural stone is, well, naturally, heat resistant, making natural stone a good choice for some avid cooks.
-The most common natural stone counter, which you’re likely aware of is granite. Although granite is less common today than it was in the early 2000s it is still being installed in many luxury homes. There a wide variety of styles, and is it fairly easy to maintain.
-Marble is likely the next most common you’ve encountered, but it is generally not recommend unless you area natural stone purist who is in love with marble, and ok with the many downsides- marble is very porous, making it easy to stain, easy to etch, easy to scratch and dent, prone to changes in color when exposed to water, and on the pricier side of counters. No doubt, marble is not ideal for most homeowners.
-Thanks to its name, quartzite is often mixed up with quartz. Quartzite is the solid form of the mineral used to manufacture quartz counters. If you are a natural stone purist, but want the benefits touted by quartz, this is the one for you. It is one of the hardest minerals, making it very strong, and is heat resistant. It is very easy to maintain, and comes in many beautiful styles.
-Soapstone is the only commonly used natural stone that doesn’t require sealing, so it is completely chemical free. One of the neat things about soapstone is that it’s softer nature makes it very easy to carve- some designers will elect to have a soapstone sink incorporated into the kitchen making it very seamless. The softness does however mean that it is easier to scratch and dent than other types of countertop. If you want something eco-friendly, one of the neat things is that decades in the future when you remodel again, it can be fully recycled.
Natural Stone
Butcher Block
Butcher block is a charming vintage style that has found popularity again over the last several years. It is surprisingly versatile with today’s available finish selections. There are matte finishes, glossy finishes, water based finishes and oil based finishes. A product we recommend for clients installing new butcher block is Waterlox, because it will prolong the life of your counters in areas that may accumulate water, like around the sink. Butcher block comes in many species of hardwood, from birch to walnut to maple, even acacia. And, today there are also many commercially available wood countertops available in solid slabs instead of the traditional patchwork look of butcher block- you can even find them in live edge varieties if you want a seamless but rustic look. If you are considering butcher block, check out Lumber Liquidators for the traditional patchwork style- you’ll find they have a wide selection of wood species that you can view in person at most of their locations.
Laminate, also known by the brand name Formica, was very common for many decades, but lost popularity with the increased availability and reduced price of natural stone and quartz. But, that doesn’t mean it’s anything to scoff at. It’s still a great option for some homeowners. It is easy to maintain, and inexpensive to install or repair. And, today there are tons of styles available with trims that may surprise you. If you are looking for something more affordable than quartz that is still easy to maintain, laminate is worth a second look.
Laminate
Epoxy
Epoxy countertops range anywhere from simple to trendy to bold and artsy. One of the great things about this option is you can really choose any style you want. We’ve seen epoxy counters that are made to look like common quartz style. We’ve seen plain white epoxy countertops. We’ve even seen epoxy counters with vinyl records. Not only does epoxy provide a lot of flexibility in stylistic choice, but it is a great option for a budget renovation. Epoxy doesn’t require the removal of your old countertops, as it can be done right over the top - no matter what style your current counters are or what style you want. This will save you both on demolition cost and material costs. Like quartz counters, epoxy is not heat resistant, so hot pans cannot be placed on them, but that is the biggest downside- so if you’re already interested in quartz countertops, this might be an alternative you want to consider. Or, if you love the idea of creating a unique and artistic style, epoxy might be right for you. It is often done as a DIY project, but there are many resurfacing companies that will create a seamless experience from design through completion - we recommend Premier Resurfacing.
Your home may include something that’s not on the list above- that doesn’t make it a poor choice by any means. In fact, some of our personal favorites are not on the list. Here’s a shorter rundown on some other options worth considering if you are replacing countertops:
-Dekton: Dekton has only been available for a bout a decade, so it does not yet have the benefit of being time tested. It also requires very skilled installation, because it is easy to break during the installation process, so be sure you interview your installer and are assured of quality guarantee and plenty of experience with the product. But, most homeowners with this counter type love it. Once installed properly, it is practically indestructible and easy to maintain.
-Solid Surface: Also known by the brand name Corian, solid surface counters were the luxury product of yesteryear. They last for decades, and provide the seamless look we have come to associate with quartz. Before quartz become affordable and accessible to the average homeowner, Corian was the go-to in high end homes. It is still available today, and it a great option, but because the cost isn’t that much lower, most homeowners opt for quartz. If your home has solid surface counters, and you are happy with the look, I would highly recommend keeping them.
-Concrete: A very customizable option, concrete is a great option for an organic style, but conrete requires frequent sealing, and can stain easily.
-Microcement: Microcement has been around for a long time, but you probably haven’t seen it in many kitchens outside of magazines. Microcement can be used for a variety of applications, including floors and walls, so it is very popular in minimalistic designs. Like epoxy, it can be installed right over the top of old counters, so demolition is not needed.
-Stainless Steel: More common in commercial kitchens, due to it’s ease of maintenance, and heat resistance, stainless steel is a great option. Some homeowners love the look, but want a warmer feeling in their kitchen, so you may have seen kitchens with a stainless steel island and a different material throughout the rest of the kitchen. This same concept can also be applied to many of the other materials mentioned above for a duo-tone style.
-Glass: Glass may be the least common type on this list, but there was a time in which it was a very popular accent in a kitchen. Contrary to popular belief they are quite durable, and can be very versatile.
-Tile: Tile counters have come in and out of style throughout many eras. Today when they are installed, it is more common to find a larger format tile, as the reduced grout lines make maintenance easier. Many homeowners prefer the minimal style of quartz, but tile is a great option for those looking to create an artistic centerpiece. With many styles and layouts, tile countertops can be real works of art. Depending on the specific type of tile, they can also be very durable and are heat resistant.
