You’re ready to start your kitchen renovation. What will you be the biggest priority when finding the best countertops? Durability? Kid-friendly? Scratch-resistant? Beautiful?
By definition, a countertop or surface is a raised, firm, flat, and horizontal surface found in (mostly) kitchens or bathrooms. Most manufacturers, like Silestone or Cambria, make a work of art in each piece they produce.
We’ve taken the time to compile a list of the best countertop materials to help you navigate the kitchen remodeling process.
There are many countertop options, and we’ve compiled the pros and cons of some of our favorites below.
The Davis Kitchens Best Materials for Countertops List
- Quartz
- Granite
- Soapstone
- Marble
- Quartzite
Quartz
These are the three main advantages of selecting a quartz countertop:
- Beautiful patterns
- Endurance
- Reduced imperfections
- Tolerates heat better (no fissures to crack)
- It does not need regular sealing
This material is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen. Manufacturers make quartz countertops by grinding quartz into dust, then combining it with polymers, resins, and pigments. It’s also highly competitive against marble and granite for its elegance.
Its top pros are durability, stain resistance, and appearance.
It has a few cons; the first would be the price which ranges between $50 to $150 per square foot. Second, it will never match the natural patterns of marble and granite, making some people think it’s fake or cheap. Third, it’s susceptible to heat damage with hot cookware.
Granite
Granite countertops are the best countertop solution if you’re looking for something that is:
- 100% Kid-friendly! (scratch-resistant)
- Durable
- Elegant feel and aesthetic patterns
People also believe granite is one of the most expensive products, but its cost is directly related to the colors, movement, and availability. So it may not be as expensive as you fear. Also, granite costs keep decreasing a bit thanks to the constant increase in supplies and engineering.
The top advantages of granite are that its solid, durable, and increases home value.
The disadvantages are that slabs may have imperfections and require sealing to avoid stains.
Soapstone
This material is a viable solution for your kitchen project if you’re seeking:
- An environment-friendly material
- Non-porous
- Urban feel
Soapstone countertops are also known as natural countertop materials. It adds a rustic and elegant feel. It’s made from steatite stone that includes dolomite, magnesite, and chlorite. This material is not as popular as granite, but it’s a great choice if you still want to keep style and beauty top of mind.
The main advantages are that it’s environmentally friendly, a non-porous natural stone that avoids stains, and does not crack easily.
The disadvantages are: that they are highly susceptible to scratches, have limited color options, and oily substances will leave marks.
Marble
One of the most popular options for countertops in bathrooms and kitchens is marble due to its naturally beautiful nature. Marble countertops offer:
- Purity & Durability
- Resistance to Shattering
- Naturally Gorgeous Designs
This countertop material competes with granite and quartz in popularity – specifically, white marble. Marble additionally reflects light, so it helps rooms become brighter and more prominent.
Main advantage: almost no other natural product can provide such beautiful patterns.
Main flaw: marble is composed of calcium carbonate, which reacts to acids. So you’ll want to keep things like lemon juice or vinegar away.
Quartzite
Quartzite could be an excellent choice for your home if you’re yearning for a similar look to marble countertops. Additionally, quartzite offers:
- Durability
- Versatility
- Beautiful & unique veining
Quartzite countertops are also highly resistant to heat and are an excellent option for outside kitchens or kitchens with a ton of sunlight, as its UV resistant. While quartzite countertops are durable, they are prone to scratches from sharp objects like knives or scissors.
We hope you found our list of countertop solutions helpful. Please visit our showroom to explore stunning slabs for every design, taste, and budget.
Contact one of our design experts today to help you find the best countertops for your kitchen renovation project.