If you want your kitchen to appear upgraded and fresh, replacing the kitchen countertops is a great place to start. The first thing you see when you walk into any kitchen is the material of the surfaces of your prep space.
With so many options from which to choose and such a wide variation in cost, it is a good idea to consider all factors from how much payment they are going to take to your overall kitchen style before you invest.
Tile countertops
Tile countertops are not as popular as other types of countertops, but they can give your kitchen a custom and one-of-a-kind feel. Depending on the brand and material you choose, tile can be highly durable, attractive, and cost-effective.
A tile countertop can give your kitchen depth; and, if you use varying sizes and shapes, it can also give it a whole lot of texture. Since there are so many ways to customize it compared to other countertop options, tiling can be an excellent choice for someone who wants to be unique.
Concrete is the new “it” material
If you are looking for a natural and crisp appearance to your kitchen, concrete is an excellent countertop material choice. Not only is it highly versatile but it is also one of the hardest surfaces you can choose, which means that it can stand up to a whole lot of wear and tear without showing signs of aging. Concrete can be very malleable, with an appearance that is anywhere from contemporary to traditional.
Quartz is the new kid on the block
Engineered quartz is a relatively new material to use on your countertops. The advantages that quartz offers are that it comes in a variety in textures and colors, it looks nearly identical to granite, and it is virtually impenetrable.
Quartz is stain and scratch resistant and can put up with any and all the abuse of a growing family. It is an excellent material to use in any kitchen decor, whether you are going traditional or whimsical.
Marble
Marble is one of the most elegant appearing countertops in which you can invest. It gives your kitchen a high-end feel and a crisp and clean look. Marble, being a natural stone, tends to be on the higher price end of countertop materials.
Since it is a type of stone, it is highly porous; which makes it more likely to stain and scratch. For super busy kitchens or ones that have a lot of little fingers, marble might not be the best choice.
Butcher’s block
An oldie but still a goodie, butcher’s block countertops provide a “woodsy” appearance that offers a “high-end rustic” look. If you seal it correctly, it can be very durable. The luxurious look that wood countertops add to a kitchen is unparalleled.
Use it for the entire kitchen or just as an accent piece on a floating island. The butcher’s block has been around forever and with good reason; it is very resilient, and it can take on whatever style suits you best.
Engineered slabs
If you are looking for something that looks like natural stone or marble, an engineered slab might be your answer. Engineered slabs are much more durable and aren’t likely to scratch or stain like natural stone.
You also don’t have to worry about it chipping or showing its age. Whether you want to go with basic white or jet black, engineered slabs will look just as good after one year as it did the first day you put the countertops down.
One of the most significant upgrades you can add to your kitchen is new countertops. Since they are the first thing you see when you walk into a kitchen space it is well worth making sure you choose which is right for you. Before you commit to a plan of action; know how much maintenance the material you choose is going to require, how much you want to spend, and what overall look you want for your kitchen space.
Whatever material you choose, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s specification to keep them looking new for years to come.