Best Countertop Options When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Want to know the best countertop options for a kitchen remodel? If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, then this article is for you. You will find this article extremely valuable to help you choose the best material, weigh the pros and cons of each, and determine which is best for your kitchen. At the end of this article, you will be able to figure out the countertop best suited for your kitchen remodel, last forever and be within your budget.

Countertop Options: Why The Countertop Matters for a Kitchen Remodel?

When remodeling your kitchen, it is important you choose a functional countertop that suits your needs and improve your kitchen appearance and functionality. This is very important especially if you plan on selling your home in the future and want to ensure the best resell value. Of course, when you are shopping for a new countertop, you hope not to replace it anytime soon. Thus, getting the right countertops for your kitchen remodel is a must. You need to take your time to consider all the available options and choose the one that works the best for you.

Let’s be honest; choosing the right kitchen countertop can be a bit overwhelming. There are hundreds of beautiful countertops on the market today. You have countertop options from material types to colors and patterns on which to decide. That’s why our experts have combined our many years of experience in completing a wide array of kitchen projects to create this list to save you time on your kitchen remodel project.

Below you will find the best kitchen countertop options and the differences between them. Our selection is focused on quality materials, design capabilities, popularity, and overall performance of the countertop material. Generally speaking, you get the best “value” from these materials as well. Since their quality, performance, and lifespan is significantly better than cheap countertop options.

Most popular countertops include granite countertops, marble countertops, quartz countertops, and quartzite countertops. There are other natural countertop materials like soapstone that are popular just not as common.

Best Countertops for Your Kitchen Remodel: (Not in any particular order)

1. Engineered Quartz Countertops

Quartz is without a doubt, one of the fastest growing countertop material in recent years. Made from about 90-93% ground quartz and 7-10% binding materials, quartz has captured the hearts of many residential and commercial users. Quartz comes in varieties of colors and styles. You can even seea number of quartz options that mimic the look of granite and marble.

Pros

• Easy to Maintain
• Comes in vibrant colors and styles
• Gives your kitchen a sophisticated appearance
• No need to seal, stain resistant

Cons

• Not the most heat resistant, no hot pans on the surface
• Not a natural product
• Lacks the uniqueness of natural stone
• Premium price

2. Granite

Granite is one of the oldest countertop materials. You can see them in many homes across the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, and many places around the world. Granite provides great functionality, looks beautiful, and defines elegance in a kitchen. When done well, granite can make even a modest kitchen look like luxury space.

Pros

• Very strong, durable, and heat resistant to amazing degrees
• Increases real estate value
• Good starting prices
• Easy to maintain
• Over 1000 types and colors available
• Unique work of art from nature

Cons

• Need yearly sealing to prevent stains
• Strong but brittle. Avoid hitting edges with metal objects
• Can have imperfections in surface, patterns, or colors
• Unique colors can be pricey

3. Marble

Marble is another natural stone that is both timeless and beautiful. For years, this countertop material remains the favorite for serious cooks. Marble comes with a luxurious look that will make your kitchen look elegant. This countertop material is for those who prefer the soft look for this material.

Pros

• Exceptionally beautiful natural stone countertop
• Comes with unique veining
• Softer look than granite
• Highly heat resistant
• Great for cooks
• Adds to the real estate value of your home

Cons

• Needs proper sealing and typically more often
• The surface can scratch easily on some colors
• Can be very expensive
• It is porous and can get stained (unless sealed)

4. Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is a natural stone and different from engineered quartz. If you like marble, you will love quartzite. In fact, quartzite has all the qualities of marbles and even more. Unlike marble, quartzite is easier to maintain. It is a great choice when you are looking for an alternative to marble.

Pros

• Looks extremely beautiful
• Unique and not as commonly used
• Boasts of durable surface
• Requires low maintenance
• Highly heat resistant

Cons

• It is strong but not indestructible
• Need sealing like granite
• Cost can vary greatly by company
• Certain colors can be hard to find

5. Soapstone

This natural stone has grown in popularity in recent years as an alternative to granite. Mostly seen in historic homes, Soapstone can be used as both a countertop and sink material. The design style is more specific than other materials and fewer color options. Soapstone will add a soft feel and subtle beauty to your kitchen.

Pros

• Can give your kitchen antique, historic look
• Impervious to heat
• Comes in deep, rich colors, with amazing veining

Cons

• You need to treat it with mineral oil, wax, or special sealer
• The surface can scratch and dent (however, some find this as part of the appeal of this material)
• Fewer color and design options

Where to Buy Your Kitchen Countertops for Your Remodel

Before you start remodeling, it is important that you talk with an experienced fabricator and completer*. A good fabricator will be able to provide you with a countertop that fits perfectly into your lifestyle, design style, and budget. Here at Tampa Bay Marble & Granite, we offer our customers free design consultations and quotes on their kitchen remodel.

Talk to our experts today before you start your kitchen remodeling, click on the link below to get free design advice.