10 Kitchen Countertops: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet
Kitchen countertops shouldn`t be taken for granted. They involve important decisions regarding kitchen remodeling costs and materials’ longevity.
At Epic Wood Work, we selected some kitchen countertops materials and made a list that you will love. Check the pros and cons of each kitchen countertop, and decide which one is the best option for you.
The Secrets, the Pros, and Cons of Kitchen Countertops
1. SLAB GRANITE
Slab granite is the most highly valued type of granite. Counter material of this kind increases your kitchen’s value exponentially. Although slab granite might be very expensive, it’s an excellent alternative if you’re considering selling later on.
Pros:
- Increase kitchen’s value (Proven by research).
- Few seams.
Cons:
- Costly.
- Radon danger.
2. MODULAR GRANITE
This option can be DIY-installed, BUT it’s challenging to install. Modular granite is inexpensive, but supplies for this type of kitchen countertop are limited. Some brand names for modular granite are Artisan Granite and Pedra.
Pros:
- Can be installed by a homeowner.
- Cheap.
Cons:
- Seams can be found.
3. TILE GRANITE
It comes in small and manageable tiles to DIY-install. Nevertheless, they’re not a smart idea. Tile granite counters are known as the cheapest and easiest kitchen countertop option to install. On the contrary, it’s considered an inferior countertop material.
Pros:
- Can be installed by the homeowner.
- Installation can last one or two weeks.
- Cheap.
Cons:
- Seams may impede your cooking preparation.
- Granite tiles are thinner than slab or modular tiles.
- Supplies for this type of kitchen countertop are limited.
4. QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Quartz countertops are beautiful and a brilliant home decoration idea. They combine natural attributes (like granite) with the predictability of solid surface (like Corian). Some of the brand names for quartz countertops are Cambria, DuPont Zodiaq, and Silestone Quartz.
Pros:
- Beautiful due to the inclusion of quartz crystals.
- High resale value.
- More 3D and rich than solid surface counters.
Cons:
- Exceedingly heavy.
- Expensive.
- Must be installed only by experienced kitchen contractors, so it isn’t a DIY option.
5. SOLID SURFACE
It’s a mostly acrylic polymer-based countertop material. A solid surface is a brilliant decision for your kitchen countertop. It is durable, cost-effective, and it looks perfect all the time. Some of the brand names for solid surface countertops are Avonite, Corian, Hanex, and Silestone.
Pros:
- Cheaper than quartz or granite.
- Minor scratches are easy to sand.
Cons:
- Prone to scorching and scratching.
6. LAMINATE COUNTERS
This option is considered the black sheep of the countertop industry. If you’re a very creative homeowner, you can make laminate counters from scratch by laminating the material on particle board and routing off the waste. Some of the brands for this type of counters are Formica and WilsonArt.
Pros:
- Cheap.
- Easy to install.
Cons:
- Laminate countertops don’t have the de solid feel of solid surfaces or natural stone.
- Can peel up, chip, and scorch easily.
7. CERAMIC TILE COUNTERS
It’s the cheapest kitchen countertop option available. Ceramic tiles are also very easy to install if you want to do it as a DIY project.
Pros:
- Extremely cheap.
- Easy to install yourself.
Cons:
- Prone to cracking.
- Grout gets dirty.
8. CONCRETE COUNTERS
Concrete counters are chic and trendy. They’re very functional because they can be shaped to fit any size. Nevertheless, this type of kitchen counters is expensive and requires a lot of maintenance.
Pros:
- Everyone who visits your home will love the piece and talk about it.
Cons:
- Heavy materials require special bracing.
- Expensive custom work.
9. PAPER COMPOSITE
Paper countertops are, in fact, composite countertops. They are made of paper impregnated with resins. As a unique order item, its price is high, and it has limited supplies. Paper countertops are some of the “greenest” eco-friendly alternative for your kitchen countertop. The most popular brand names are EcoTop, PaperStone, Richlite, and ShetkaSTONE.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- It requires a special order.
10. RECYCLED GLASS SLAB COUNTER
Are you one of those who believes that glass slab counters always look transparent? Some slabs may look translucent but not all of them. In most of the cases, glass slabs have a natural stone look. Why not get quartz, engineered stone or some other type of crystal counters then? One possible reason is that recycled glass is super green. Being eco-friendly is the current trend. Unfortunately, just a few companies know how to fabricate glass slab counters, and it’s a very costly option. Some of the brand’s names include and Bottlestone, Enviroglass, TorZo, Vetrazzo.
Pros:
- It uses recycled glass.
- Hard and non-absorbent.
- Unique colors.
Cons:
- Difficult to get.
- Few companies know how to fabricate it.
- Expensive.
So here you are! These are some of the most common kitchen countertops materials options. Are you thinking of getting a new kitchen countertop in Dallas? Why don’t you redesign your kitchen concept from scratch?
Don’t wait any longer! Your kitchen deserves a look change. Renew your kitchen countertop!
At Epic Wood Work, our kitchen contractors team we will be pleased to be part of that long-awaited remodeling project for your home. Contact us!
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