Selecting the right countertop for your kitchen comes down to a combination of budget and preference. We all want to perfectly balance price with ideal look and function. Keep reading for some help finding the best choice for your kitchen remodeling project.
Choosing the right countertop for a kitchen remodel
Check out answers to common questions clients have about picking new counters. Once you start viewing your options in person, you’ll have some foundational knowledge about what you’re looking at.
How does your lifestyle impact your choice of kitchen countertop?
Everything from sunlight and humidity to the size of your household affects your choice. Higher-than-normal UV exposure can fade an engineered product. Multiple cooks can add extra wear to a natural surface. How often you clean and the type of activity in your kitchen also affect the counter’s longevity.
Read more about choosing the best countertop for your lifestyle.
What type of countertop doesn’t need resealing?
Engineered countertops like quartz require the least amount of maintenance and don’t need any resealing. Other manufactured countertops, like solid surface and laminate, don’t require it either. However, they aren’t nearly as durable or valuable as quartz.
Granite, quartzite, and marble all require periodic resealing.
What are the most durable kitchen countertop materials?
Quartz and granite are the most durable materials in wide use. Granite is exceptionally heat-resistant, and quartz is very scratch-resistant. Read our in-depth comparison of granite and quartz to get a more complete view.
What is the best budget kitchen countertop?
Butcher block countertops typically cost about half as much as quartz or granite. However, they’re not nearly as durable and have extensive maintenance requirements.
Natural wood countertops can be a gorgeous and budget-friendly selection. But if you’re more interested in cost-effective countertops, quartz or granite are worth the larger initial investment.
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What about solid surface? Solid surface is a popular budget material, but damage is much more difficult to repair than butcher block. Scratches and scorches can often be sanded away on wood. |
Does my island countertop have to be the same as the rest of my countertops?
No, you can find design cohesion with two different countertops. It may also serve your remodeling budget better. Those who do choose the same type of countertop throughout add interest with details like waterfall edges.
What countertops offer the most color and pattern variety?
Natural stone materials like granite offer the widest variety of colors and patterns. Each slab is one of a kind. However, many of those limitless choices haven’t even been mined yet. If it’s design flexibility you’re looking for, engineered quartz is the answer.
Ultimately, it may be easier to ask what kind of design you’re creating. Want near-complete control over the look of a countertop? Going for a clean and modern style? It’s quartz you’re after. If you like unique, warm, lived-in looks, consider granite. Although granite is an in-demand pick for classic and traditional kitchens, finishes and details make it appropriate for trending, earthy designs. Soft-matte honed granite, rounded edges, and more make a big difference.
What are the pros and cons of different countertop materials?
Laminate is cheap to replace but is damaged easily. Quartz is versatile and gorgeous, but expensive. Granite is a hard, durable rock, but pricey to replace if cracked.
We go in-depth on various types throughout the complete guide to kitchen countertop materials.
Get an in-person look at the best kitchen countertop materials.
Your local Designery is the premier one-stop source for countertop selection, design, and installation. From the subtle details in a unique piece of granite to the fine detail of engineered quartz, it’s always best to have an in-person look.
“We worked with the team at the Designery to replace counters, backsplash, and sinks in our kitchen and lower-level bathroom. From the initial design process through installation, everything was seamless from start to finish...When working with contractors, communication is key—and The Designery delivered. Highly recommended!”
Justin, Designery client
We work with local and national fabricators to help design the perfect countertop for you. Find your nearest Designery showroom to start.
