Choosing the type of kitchen countertop for your home not only has an impact on the look and feel of your kitchen, it also has a dramatic effect on the future value of the property. In this article we will look at the most popular types of kitchen countertops and examine the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Quartz

One of the most popular and stylish choices, quartz countertops are actually engineered, unlike marble and granite ones. Quartz makes up approximately 93% of a quartz countertop, with the remaining 7% being binder and colour.

Advantages:

Extremely tough and durable
Non-porous meaning that it is an extremely hygienic surface that is also resistant to staining
Comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, so easy to match with existing styling
Doesn’t need to be sealed (unlike natural stone)
Scratch resistant and far less likely to chip than other stone countertops

Disadvantages:

Not as heat resistant as some surfaces, so users will need to protect the countertop from very hot pots and pans
Are relatively expensive compared to other countertops
Surface will fade if subjected to long term direct sunlight

Granite

Granite kitchen countertops are widely considered the most attractive ones available. They do need sealing properly, and the following assumes that that has been done before use, and if needed during its lifetime.

Advantages:

Extremely elegant and attractive
Very strong and durable
Scratch resistant
Heat resistant
Stain resistant and easy to clean

Disadvantages:

This natural stone does come in several different hues and colours, but the range is limited compared to non-natural surface options
As mentioned, these do need sealing correctly to prevent staining and to ensure they are resistant to bacteria
Can chip if hit by heavy objects

Marble

This elegant material – used on such ancient masterpieces as Michelangelo’s David – is a design classic with a very distinctive look. The colour of marble differs depending on what part of the world it comes from, and also comes in a choice of finishes.

Advantages:

One of the most beautiful countertops available
Each piece of marble is unique
Extremely durable
Heat resistant

Disadvantages:

Like granite, it is porous so needs to be properly sealed and cleaned to avoid staining
Is subject to scratching
Can chip if hit by heavy objects
Acidic materials such as lemon or even tomato juice can etch the surface is left unwashed
Is one of the most expensive surfaces available

Solid Surface

Fairly new on the market, these are made from acrylic, and are an extremely popular choice in re-modelling projects.

Advantages:

Extremely hard and durable
Available in a very wide range of colours and patterns
Non-porous, so easy to clean and maintain
Are not as expensive as the stone countertops

Disadvantages:

Can be scratched, though because they are solid colour, scratches can be sanded out
Not particularly heat resistant, so will need to be protected from hot pots and pans

Butcher Blocks and Wood

Despite the emergence of modern materials, wooden kitchen countertops are still a popular choice and a favourite among chefs and people who love to cook. It is often used in conjunction with other surfaces, for example food preparation areas such as an island would use wood, while areas around a sink or stove would be stone.

Advantages:

Has a very warm and inviting look
Ideal for cooking and baking
Though they are subject to scratches, this often adds to their appeal, and can also be easily repaired
Easy to clean
Do not chip or crack

Disadvantages:

Require sealing after fitting and periodically over their lifetime
Long term exposure to water can damage the countertop, so not ideal use for around sink areas

All new condos purchased directly from developers are provided with high quality kitchen countertops, below are a list of developments that provide top notch fittings and quality finishings,

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A Lowdown on Kitchen Countertops