If you have finally made the decision to remodel your outdated Southern Colorado kitchen, one of the most significant choices you face is selecting the best countertop material for you and your family. While it’s tempting to pick a countertop based on looks alone, other factors need to be considered - like functionality, durability, maintenance and even cost. And with the many choices out there it may seem like an overwhelming decision. Here are some tips for selecting the right countertop material for your kitchen remodel, and an overview of the different options.
Tips For Choosing The Best Countertop Material
As stated earlier, it is easy to be lured into making a decision for your kitchen countertop material based solely on either appearance or cost. But, before making the investment in kitchen countertops or falling in love with a material, keep in mind these considerations:
- Size and shape of the materials, including the length, thickness, and edging options
- Color and design
- Is the material suitable for use on a kitchen island?
- Functionality
- Durability
- Maintenance Integration with your planned or existing backsplash
- Total cost, to include not only the initial costs of materials and installation but also the costs of any routine maintenance required
With these considerations in mind, you can begin weighing your kitchen countertop options.
You Might Like: Kitchen Design Trends For 2022
Trending Options for Countertop Materials
When choosing the best countertop material for your kitchen remodel, here are some popular options to put on your list:
Porcelain
Porcelain is made from heating a mixture of white china clay and powdered china stone. When porcelain slabs are created for countertop applications, they are coated with a glaze that gives them a look similar to marble or natural stone. Porcelain is a trending countertop material because it is not only beautiful, but heat-resistant, durable, and non-porous as well. But there are drawbacks to porcelain - the material is subject to cracking, and for many homeowners, porcelain is cost-prohibitive.
Granite
Granite has become a staple in many Colorado Springs homes, and for good reason. If you’re struggling with choosing the best countertop materials, you can’t go wrong with natural stone. Beautiful, unique, and durable, granite is also stain- and heat-resistant, making it an ideal choice for kitchen counter surfaces.
Leathered Granite
Leathered granite is another form of granite countertops that has become increasingly popular over the past several years. Instead of the polished appearance of traditional granite, leathered granite lives up to its name with a matted, or leathery, appearance. Leathered granite can give your kitchen a unique look, and the material is stain-resistant.
Did You Know? Designer Kitchens has stocked our Colorado Springs showroom with full-scale models of these popular countertop materials. Stop by today!
Quartz
Quartz countertops are made by combining quartz particles with polymers and resins to create an incredibly durable surface that looks like natural stone. But while quartz may look like marble, it will stand up to wear and tear longer. However, quartz countertops can be damaged with direct heat, like pots and pans, which is a downside for some Colorado Springs foodies.
Quartzite
Not to be confused with quartz, quartzite is a natural stone surface that looks similar to onyx or marble. Quartzite is a popular choice for many Colorado Springs homeowners of the scratch and heat-resistant properties of the natural stone countertops. Remember though, that while this countertop material may sound ideal for your kitchen remodel, quartzite is a porous stone that requires careful sealing for long-term protection.
Soapstone
Soapstone is gaining popularity with homeowners who want a unique, rich appearance in their kitchens. A natural quarried stone, soapstone is non-porous and available in a range of light to dark gray tones. These pewter-toned countertops tend to darken over time and may require minor maintenance, and can be susceptible to minor scratching.
Solid Wood
If you enjoy the character and warmth of wood, solid wood countertops might be the ideal choice for your kitchen remodel. Wood is one of nature’s strongest materials, and every piece is unique. While wood countertops can be a focal point of your kitchen, they can also be easily scratched. If you choose this countertop material, you will need to exercise extra caution and care.
FAQ: Where Can I See These Countertop Materials In Action?
Say goodbye to making this important decision based on a 2” x 2” square sample! At Designer Kitchens, we understand that choosing the right countertop material has a significant impact on the functionality and appearance of your remodeled kitchen. That is why we have stocked our Colorado Springs showroom with actual, full-scale models of the most popular kitchen countertops available today.
Our knowledgeable and experienced Certified Kitchen Designers (CKD) are on-site, ready to answer all of your questions, and assist you in selecting the best countertop material for your kitchen remodel. Contact us or stop by our showroom today, and put our 30+ years of kitchen design experience to work for you!
More From Our Southern Colorado Kitchen Remodeling Blog:
Why Remodeling Your Kitchen Is Always Worth It
Reasons to Replace Kitchen Cabinets Instead of Refacing
Choosing A Timeless Cabinet Style For Your Custom Kitchen Remodel