Remodeling a kitchen is an exciting process. But it can also be overwhelming to figure out what layout, design, and materials you want to use in your new kitchen, especially when considering kitchen countertops. Countertops are a significant part of a kitchen remodel. From style to functionality, discover the pros and cons of different countertop materials below.
1. Ceramic tile – Ceramic tile is an inexpensive countertop material that can provide a lot of design options. The downside of having tile is that the grout in between each tile piece must be cleaned. Ceramic tiles can also be easily broken, which requires occasional repair and replacement.
2. Concrete – Concrete countertops are versatile. It can be colored, textured, polished, or shaped to your preference. The downside of concrete is that these countertops are extremely heavy and require special bracing. Most often, custom craftsmen are required to install concrete countertops.
3. Granite – As a natural stone, granite is one of the most popular options for a kitchen countertop. Granite can come in slabs or tiles. Each piece of granite is unique, so no granite countertop will be exactly the same as another one. In order to keep granite in good condition and prevent stains, it must be sealed periodically.
4. Marble – This natural stone is another popular choice for kitchen countertops. Because of its natural features, each marble countertop is unique. Because it is a natural stone, marble can be very expensive. Additionally, because it is a soft stone, it can also be easily scratched and stained unless sealed regularly.
5. Quartz – Quartz countertops are derived from natural quartz and combined with pulverized rock, glass, or metallic flecks for variety. It also has antibacterial agents and are highly durable, making them much harder to scratch. Unfortunately, quartz is very heavy, expensive, and needs to be installed by experienced installers.
6. Soapstone – Soapstone is commonly found in different tones of whites and greys. It has a warm look, resists stains well, and is easy to clean. On the other hand, it can easily be scratched and needs to be oiled periodically.
7. Stainless steel – This material is becoming a more popular choice in the home. The pros of having steel as your kitchen counter is that it is generally germ-resistant and sanitary. Cons include steep pricing and the necessity of finding specialty workmanship to fabricate it.
For more information regarding kitchen countertops and remodeling, contact our team at Caldwell Construction for a consultation or general questions about our work.