Kitchen Countertops

Countertops

Countertops are prep surfaces for cooking and are a significant feature of your kitchen. Countertops need to be both durable and attractive. Keep in mind how many linear feet you’ll need, so you can roughly estimate cost as you browse different materials since you’ll encounter a wide range of prices.

Kitchen Countertop Options

Natural Stone

Natural stone, such as marble, granite, soapstone, and quartzite, is beautiful but tends to be expensive and porous; it must be sealed and maintained. You can’t beat marble for a classic look, but it’s softer than granite and can easily be etched, stained, or damaged.

Natural stone is also heavy, so you’ll need sturdy, well-constructed lower cabinet boxes to support the weight.

Man-Made Materials

Solid surface countertops, such as Corian come in a wide range of colors and are easy to maintain. Engineered quartz, which is a mixture of ground quartz and resin, can be made to resemble higher-end marbles, and it’s virtually indestructible.

Butcher Block

Butcher block lends warmth and cottage style to any kitchen but needs to be oiled regularly and shouldn’t be installed near wet areas.

Concrete

Concrete countertops have become increasingly popular for their durability, but they are porous and must be sealed on installation. They can show oil, coffee, or wine spills even when sealed.

Laminate

Laminate is one of the most affordable options. Made of pressed wood or plywood covered in veneer, it’s lightweight and can be made to look like other materials, such as marble or granite, but it’s prone to burns, scratches, and peeling when exposed to moisture.

Read about other inspirational ideas on kitchen design by visiting the Delmarva Kitchen Design Blog.