30
Jan

Top 10 Kitchen Countertop Materials for 2018

There are lots of kitchen countertop materials available on the market. At Epic Wood Work we’ve compiled a list of ten kitchen countertop materials. Review all the pros and cons of each and choose the option that works best for your home. This post will help you make the right decision before remodeling the favorite space of your home: YOUR KITCHEN.

 

The Best Kitchen Countertop Materials this 2018

1. CERAMIC TILE

Ceramic tile is inexpensive and extremely durable. It’s an excellent choice for the average home. This material is easy-to-clean so, if it’s installed a section at a time, a homeowner can do the task as a DIY project.

Pros:

  • Easy to clean.
  • Can resist hot pans.
  • A wide range of prices, colors, textures, and designs.

Cons:

  • Counter surface is uneven.
  • Custom-designed tiles are very expensive.
  • Grout lines become stained.
  • Tiles can easily chip or crack.

 

2. CONCRETE COUNTERS

Concrete is the perfect choice if you have countertops in unusual shapes. Concrete counters are often cast right in your kitchen.

Pros:

  • Additives reduce porosity.
  • Can be color-tinted.
  • Exotic and unusual look.
  • Heat and scratch resistant.
  • New treatments eliminate cracking.

Cons:

  • Can look somewhat industrial.
  • Cracking is possible.
  • Mid to high range in cost due to custom work.
  • Porous but can be sealed.

 

3. ENGINEERED STONE

The composition of engineered stone is 93% quartz particles. It’s available in a broader range of colors than other materials such as granite. The most popular brands on the market are Cambria Quartz, DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, and Silestone®.

Pros:

  • Easy to maintain.
  • Resistant to stain and acid.
  • The surface is nonporous and resists scratches.

 Cons:

  • Expensive

 

4. GRANITE COUNTERS

Granite is chic and elegant. The beauty of this stone increases the elegance of any kitchen. Recently, the use of granite has gained popularity. Thus, its price has been going down.

Pros:

  • Granite is the second highest hardness rating after diamonds.
  • High value to home buyers.
  • It comes in almost 3,000 colors.
  • It resists heat.
  • It’ll last a lifetime.
  • New sealers are almost maintenance-free.

Cons:

  • Can crack if stressed or improperly installed.
  • Expensive, but becoming more affordable.
  • It requires some maintenance.
  • Some stones absorb stains if not sealed properly.

 

5. LAMINATES

Laminate countertops are made of plastic-coated synthetics. They have a smooth surface that’s easy to clean. Some of the best-known brands commercializing this material are Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart.

Pros:

  • Durable.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Inexpensive.
  • It comes in many colors.

Cons:

  • End finishing and front edge choices can be expensive.
  • Scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair.
  • Seams show.

 

6. MARBLE

It’s less frequently to see this luxury material on kitchen countertops because of its extremely high price tag. Marble stains easily and requires constant maintenance.

Pros:

  • Beautiful.
  • Heatproof.
  • Waterproof.

Cons:

  • Can scratch.
  • Expensive.
  • May need resealing periodically.
  • Porous.
  • Stains easily unless professionally sealed.

 

7. SOAPSTONE COUNTERS

Soapstone has a smooth feel. It comes in a dark gray color. Soapstone is more common for historic homes decoration, but nowadays it is getting used in modern kitchens.

Pros:

  • Rich and deep color.
  • Smooth texture.
  • Stain resistant.

Cons:

  • It needs regular maintenance.
  • May crack and darken over time.

 

8. SOLID SURFACE

This type of kitchen countertop is custom-made to your specifications. Some of the brands out there are Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.

Pros:

  • It comes in a rainbow of patterns and colors.
  • Seamless.
  • Stain resistant.

Cons:

  • Can be moderately expensive.
  • Vulnerable to hot pans and stains.

 

9. STAINLESS STEEL COUNTERS

It’s the perfect choice to provide a contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen. Stainless steel is heat resistant and durable.

Pros:

  • Holds hot pans.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Constructed to your specifications.

Cons:

  • Expensive.
  • Noisy.
  • May dent.
  • Fabrication is expensive.
  • You can’t cut on it.

 

10. WOOD OR BUTCHER BLOCK

If you want a beautiful warm look, choose this material. Wood countertops are available in a wide range of finishes and colors. Hardwoods like oak or maple are the most popular for kitchen countertops.

Pros:

  • Can be sanded and resealed as needed.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Smooth.

Cons:

  • Can be damaged by water and stains.

 

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So there you go! These are the trendiest kitchen countertop materials for 2018. Are you thinking of getting a new kitchen countertop in the Dallas Fort Worth area? Your kitchen deserves a new look. Renew your kitchen countertop now!

At Epic Wood Work, we will be happy helping to build your dream kitchen. Contact us!

 

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/top-kitchen-countertops-1977143