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The Pros and Cons of Different Kitchen Countertop Materials

Home School Care & Maintenance Design & Decor

Selecting the type of kitchen countertop you want can be tricky. Every homeowner has to find the perfect balance between quality, price, and, of course, personal taste. Since everyone’s needs are different, we’ve put together a guide of the most popular kitchen countertop materials.

Quartz

Quartz

Quartz countertops are actually engineered stone that is 93-95% quartz, with the remaining material made up of polymer resins. Because it is engineered, the countertops are produced to fit the exact size and specifications of a space. This is one of quartz’s greatest advantages. You don’t have to buy a full slab of rock and cut it down to size - just buy what you need. It’s also easy to maintain since it doesn’t require regular sealing and is highly resistant to heat.

Quartz can be quite expensive though, coming in at a price tag of $100-$200 per square foot including installation.



Marble

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic stone, which is a type of rock that is formed when sediment crystallizes under heat or pressure. No two stones are the same, so marble countertops are unique to each home. It’s also appealing because marble often displays a wonderful array of colours which can look luxurious and elegant. If it’s well maintained, marble countertops may increase the resale value of your home.

The downside of marble is that it is porous, so it is susceptible to staining and etching. Since these imperfections are difficult to repair, the stone is often installed in lower-impact areas in the kitchen that aren’t frequently used for food preparation.



Wood

Wood

Wood countertops are often made of hardwoods like maple and oak, and the varieties of colour and grain give your kitchen a beautiful, warm look. It’s relatively easy to care for, requiring just a wipe with a sponge and some mild dish detergent. There is also an increasing number of options using reclaimed wood, which is great for those who are eco-minded.

While wood can be easily scratched, it can be sanded and returned to a pristine condition. However, it should be noted that wood countertops need to be sealed monthly to keep bacteria at bay and prevent water damage. If you go too long without sealing, the wood can crack and become more difficult to sand and reseal.



Granite

Granite

Granite has been the go-to countertop material for many years. Like marble, it is quarried as a slab of stone, though it is harder and more durable. Granite comes in a huge variety of colours, so you’ll always find something that suits your taste. It is also heat resistant, and requires very little maintenance when treated with sealant.

However, while the cost has come down, it is still expensive relative to other countertop materials. It can also stain if not sealed regularly and may have imperfections from the quarrying process.



Tile

Tile

Ceramic tile is making a comeback because of the near-infinite number of colours and styles available. It’s durable, easy to clean, and considerably less expensive than quartz or natural stone. It’s also heat resistant and easily customizable.

The downside of tile is that it can crack under impact although one tile is much easier to replace than a whole countertop. The grout in between the tiles can also be a pain to clean if not done on a regular basis.



Laminate

Laminate

Laminate is a plastic-coated synthetic material that is a relatively inexpensive countertop option. There are thousands of colour, style, and durability options suit any budget. The material took a backseat to stone countertops for a few years, but because of the improvement in quality and ability to personalize choice, there has been a resurgence in its use. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain, requiring nothing more than a wipe of cloth.

One of the downfalls of laminate is you can alway see the seams, though this can be minimized with professional installation that places the seams in strategic places. It can also be easily scratched, and is not heat resistant, so be careful not to put a hot pan on top - it will most likely leave a permanent burn mark!



Choosing the perfect material for your kitchen counters can be difficult with all of the different options available. However, with careful consideration of your lifestyle and budget, and this helpful guide, you’ll be well on your way to making the right decision.