Modern kitchen countertops are long-lasting, beautiful and functional. Some materials are resilient, such as natural stone, while others require less sealing. If you or a child tend to put hot pots down on the countertop, something like natural stone is a better option than wood, which is likely to be damaged with high heat.
Choosing affordable kitchen countertops can be challenging if you don’t know some of the many materials available. Understanding the types of countertops that are available will make your decision easier.
Types of Kitchen Countertops to Choose From
Quartzite
Quartzite kitchen countertops are very popular, and this is considered an engineered stone. These custom quartzite countertops are made from quartz and resin. They offer exceptional value with a few cons.
Pros
· Heat and stain resistant
· Requires less maintenance than natural stone
· No sealing is required because the stone is not porous
· Provides beautiful, visual depth
· Long-lasting material
Cons
· Heavy, with a weight similar to natural stone
· Durable but can chip or crack in extreme cases
Quartzite is durable, beautiful and requires minimal maintenance. However, the one downside is that it is heavy and may chip or crack in extreme cases. With that said, these countertops will last a long time under normal conditions.
Ceramics / Tiles
Many homeowners have moved away from ceramic or tile countertops, but they’re still an option if you like the look and style. Plus, this material has a lot of perks. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, too.
Pros
· High affordability
· Resistant to heat and water damage
· Tiles and ceramic are non-porous
Cons
· Break and crack easily
· Countertops are not 100% even
· Grout stains easily and discolors
Ceramic and tile are not the best options if you’re worried about longevity. Unfortunately, the material cracks easily and will require you to have extra tiles on hand. In addition, manufacturers often discontinue some tiles, so finding new ones can be challenging or expensive.
Granite
Granite is one of the most common countertop types and is known for being durable, semi-affordable and relatively low maintenance. However, the material is heavy, so you may need to reinforce your existing space if you’re replacing countertops.
A few pros and cons of granite are:
Pros
· High heat resistance allows hot pans to be put directly onto the countertop
· Very resistant to water damage
· Looks amazing in any home
· Boosts a home’s value
Cons
· Requires reinforcing supports
· Needs to be resealed often
· Can crack and chip
Granite is always a desirable option for homes and increases the value of your property. However, you will need to maintain it and seal it to ensure it doesn’t stain or get damaged. If you don’t seal the granite often, it may lead to discoloring.
Marble
Marble is another natural stone common in homes, and it’s one of the nicest-looking countertop options available. However, there are a few things that you need to consider when purchasing marble countertops.
Pros
· Comes in a variety of color options
· Beautiful, natural grains
· Extremely durable and heat resistant
· Sustainable material
Cons
· Extremely heavy and requires additional supports
· Requires sealing to maintain integrity
· Dents and scratches
Marble is strong, but it doesn’t have the same durability of granite or similar options. The marble can dent or scratch easily, so you need to be careful when putting down pots or other items that may damage the material.
You’ll also need to seal the marble to protect it, but sealing is rather common when choosing natural stone for a countertop.
Wood
Wood is a versatile and affordable option for a countertop. In a modern home, the material is both beautiful and timeless. However, there are a few things to consider if you plan to have wood countertops.
Pros
· Wood is relatively inexpensive, but prices have risen in recent months
· The material is sustainable
· Lasts for a long time with the proper care
· Provides visual depth
Cons
· Susceptible to wood damage
· Requires regular oiling
· Heat and knife damage risks
Wooden countertops come in a wide variety of finishes and styles, allowing you to choose wood or butcher block countertops for virtually any home. However, wood is easily damaged by heat, knives and water, too.
Now that you know the many different types of kitchen countertops, you can choose one that best fits the function you need in your home. You’ll find a lot of great affordable options that will look wonderful in new and old homes alike.