When it’s time to design your kitchen, selecting the best material for your countertop is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Depending on your desired style and level of activity in the kitchen, you can choose from a host of materials to best fit your needs. Continue reading for details on the most popular, high-quality, and versatile kitchen countertop materials.
Granite
A classy choice, granite comes in a variety of patterns and colors that gives your kitchen a posh look. This material does particularly well under harsh conditions, such as heat, knife knicks, and other violent tool usages. However, granite is a very heavy material, meaning you’ll need strong cabinets as a foundation to support it. Granite is also subject to stains, so you will likely need to seal it occasionally to prevent permanent damage.
Marble
You can never go wrong with marble; its elegant and striking pattern is timeless and adds a regal flair to your kitchen. Marble is softer than granite, meaning it’s ideal for baking and homemade meals. Unfortunately, it’s also susceptible to stains, may show knife marks, and requires frequent resealing. For this reason, you may want to install marble on a countertop that will see less intense kitchen activity.
Solid Surfacing
Solid surfacing is often made from acrylic, polyester, or a combination of the two. It offers versatility in terms of colors and patterns and is essentially maintenance-free since it doesn’t require special cleaning or resealing. Although ideal for long sections of countertop, this material may show scratches or heat marks more than other surfaces. It can also appear artificial or cheap depending on the color and quality you choose.
Quartz
Although similar maintenance-wise to solid surfacing, quartz has a leg-up in the beauty department. Made of resin and quartz chips, this surface is durable and equally as aesthetic as it is easy to maintain. However, this product appears less natural than granite, and it can be expensive.
Concrete
Whoever said concrete is only for sidewalks? This material offers an industrial style and an extremely durable surface; it can be easily shaped and beautified to your desire. Concrete rarely shows scratches and is resistant to heat, making it ideal for those who do heavy labor in the kitchen. Conversely, stains and cracks can appear over time if frequent sealing isn’t performed.
Conclusion
No longer are you confined to a kitchen countertop of decades-old plastic laminate. Today, homeowners are using every material under the sun to craft their kitchen experience. Weigh the pros and cons of each of these surface options, and determine which one best suits your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle.
From start to finish, this process varies depending on the time of year, type of house, and the company you use for building your custom home. With DDK Construction, we handle every aspect of your custom home in-house, keeping communication open and assuring you the best quality product. Thinking of building a custom home? Contact us today or visit our homepage to browse our work!