When you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, or you’re starting from scratch, it can be tempting to choose a kitchen countertop based on looks alone.
However, it’s important to consider other qualities such as durability, maintenance, and cost!
Here are Ridgeline Improvements, we’re all about helping you achieve your dreams when it comes to your renovations.
That’s why we put together this guide to help you choose the perfect kitchen countertop for your home.
Let’s get started!
Types of Kitchen Countertops
The first step in choosing from kitchen countertop ideas is to decide what material you want to use!
To get you started, here are some of the best types of kitchen countertops:
Marble Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen marble countertops have become quite popular over the past few years, offering a high-quality countertop material with a beautiful aesthetic.
This natural stone has a clean and contemporary look, and no two marble countertops are alike!
When you think of marble countertops, you probably envision a crisp white material. However, marble comes in a range of colors, from gray, brown, and taupe to bold colors like green.
Unfortunately, marble is not as rugged as other types of kitchen countertops and can easily become scratched or stained if not cared for properly.
If you do opt for marble kitchen countertops, look into having the material sealed, and be sure to clean the surface regularly.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Quartz kitchen countertops are made of a composite stone engineered from natural quartz. It’s combined with a resin binder to provide a natural-looking material that is both beautiful and durable.
Unlike marble, quartz kitchen countertops are non-porous, so they won’t stain, and incredibly tough, so they won’t scratch.
Because quartz kitchen countertops are long-lasting and durable, more and more people are investing in this material for their kitchen renovations.
Granite Kitchen Countertops
Granite countertops have also been a popular choice for kitchen renovations due to their durability and natural stone appearance.
Granite is available in dark and light colors and features unique flecks and variations. It can also be cut with various edge choices, including beveled and ogee (an S-shape).
These types of kitchen countertops require little maintenance and are easy to take care of as long as you stay away from harsh cleaning products.
Granite is also heat-resistant, so you can take pots directly from the stove or oven and place them on your counter.
Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops
If you’re looking for an alternative to stone kitchen countertops, consider installing a butcher block!
This type of kitchen countertop is made from pieces of wood that are bonded together to form a larger slab. Butcher block countertops can be made from all types of wood, such as maple, walnut, oak, teak, and cherry.
You can directly cut on a butcher block countertop (it’s basically a huge cutting board), but it can stain easily because of its porous surface.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops
Another alternative to stone kitchen countertop ideas is stainless steel. This is particularly popular in commercial kitchens but has become a favorite amongst homeowners as well.
It has a stylish look, but it’s also easy to maintain due to its non-porous surface. Just keep in mind that spills and fingerprints need to be cleaned right away, or they become harder to wipe off.
While stainless steel can become dented and scratched, it is overall a very durable kitchen countertop option.
Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Lastly, let’s talk about laminate kitchen countertops.
Back in the day, these countertops were known under the brand name Formica, but this particular material has come a long way since the 80s!
Today’s laminate countertops are stylish and up-to-date, giving the look of experience materials like stone and wood for a fraction of the price.
The surface is also non-porous and won’t absorb germs and bacteria, only requiring cleaning with soap and water.
It can be damaged by heat, however, so you need to be careful never to place hot dishes on its surface.
Choosing the Right Type of Kitchen Countertop
Now that you know what materials are available for kitchen countertops, how do you choose the perfect one for your kitchen?
First, think about the way you live. If you have small children or a large family, consider a kitchen countertop that can stand up to messes and stains.
When it comes to children, you should also look into different countertop edges. While most come with a standard square edge, you can opt for beveled and rounded edges.
If you can’t decide on one material, you can always mix and match! Try using one material on your kitchen island and another on your main countertops.
You can also insert one material into another. For instance, you can install butcher block for chopping within marble, which is perfect for baking.
How to Choose the Right Color for Your Countertop
Because kitchen countertop materials come in a range of colors, it’s important to choose one that fits your home’s decor and aesthetic.
Keep in mind that you may decide to change the color scheme of your kitchen down the road, so while matching a countertop to your paint color can be an impactful design choice, it may not stand the test of time.
Look for undertones in your kitchen, especially in your cabinetry and flooring. For example, if you have cabinets and floors with a yellow undertone, cool blue or gray counters will intensify their color.
Overall, you can always consider installing speckled countertops to pull in multiple colors in your kitchen.
Should you decide to change the color of your walls, many choices will match a neutral countertop!
Call On the Professionals!
Choosing a new kitchen countertop can be a huge undertaking, which is why our professionals at Ridgeline Improvements are here to help!
When you’re looking at the cost of a kitchen renovation, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. Let our experts guide you through the process of choosing the perfect countertop for your kitchen.
Click here to get started with your free quote, or get in touch for more information!
