Today, kitchen countertops take center stage in the home. It’s not only a statement piece, but a real workhorse, and the right countertop is a significant investment that can increase the value and appreciation of your home. Selecting the best countertop for your kitchen remodel depends on your overall design, as well as what functionality you would like as a homeowner.
However, given the variety of choices available today, finding the perfect countertop can be a daunting process. But no worries, you’re not alone. With the help of experienced kitchen countertop installers figuring out your needs and priorities will be easy. Read on to learn more!
Why your kitchen countertops matter
From seamless solid surface to glistening Quartz, variegated granites, and artful laminates — kitchen countertops add beauty, functionality, and personality to your home. Consider the countertop as a reflection of your personal style, including culinary and entertaining preferences.
Whether you are planning a total makeover or simply refreshing your space in DFW and surrounding areas with a new countertop, we’ve put together this quick guide on the best countertop materials to help homeowners, like you, on your remodeling journey.
Certified Granite
Granite is a natural stone material, found deep underground, that is prized for its unique earth-originated patterns that ebb and flow in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment. If you’re looking for the finest countertop colors, there’s a Granite certified by Murad Floors, quarried from small mines in Italy, Brazil, India and in the U.S.A, powered by a limited lifetime warranty. Remember, however, that granite is literally removed from the earth, therefore you will not be able to achieve the consistency of pattern and color as with man-made options.
PROS
- Heat resistant
- Low maintenance
- Scratch resistant
- Resistant to chemicals and stains – this is true when granite is properly sealed by a professional
CONS
- Porous material – if not sealed properly, or if sealant wears off, granite can absorb stains that are impossible to remove
- Chipping/cracking – this is a rare occurrence, but still possible if a heavy object is dropped on a corner or edge
- Cost – depending on the rareness or “level” of the design, cost can be high
Laminates
Laminate made of layers of paper or fabric impregnated with resin over composition wood, laminates come in a variety of patterns and colors. Best for areas of heavy use but minimal abuse. Laminates can show seams, but some have decorative edges to hide that. Another option: post-forming, a process using heat to form and bend laminate sheets, making them look seamless. Whether on a budget or just looking for more creative solutions for your countertop surface, cost-effective options. Laminates today are affordable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. Plus, they are available in a plethora of colors and designs, including wood and stone finishes.
PROS
- Easy to clean and a good choice for a tight budget
- Laminates excel at resisting stains, impact, and heat
- Withstand abrasive pads nicely. Inexpensive
CONS
- Laminate is easily scratched and nicked and can’t be repaired. Textured finishes are better than flat finishes at hiding imperfections
- Most laminates have a colored top layer over a dark core, which shows at the edges
- Water can seep through seams or between the countertop and backsplash, weakening the material
Marble
When it comes to marble, style comes easy! It is elegant, shiny, and has a timeless element to it that appears effortlessly beautiful. But be careful – marble is softer and more porous than other stones, making it more susceptible to damages such as chipping, staining and scratching.
PROS
- Availability – because of its high demand, marble can be found at almost any stone fabricator
- Beauty – classic & timeless
- Smooth surface
CONS
- Prone to scratching/chipping
- Susceptible to stains
- Higher maintenance – in order to prevent damages and stains from occurring, it is important to professionally seal the surface every six months and clean spills/messes immediately
Cultured Marble
Cultured marble is a fun twist to the regular, natural marble. It is made up of a blend of marble dust and polyester resin to produce a wide range of color and natural looking patterns. Because it is a man-made product, cultured marble is non-porous and thus does not require sealant. The molds are lined with a special, clear gel that creates a transparent finished surface.
PROS
- Affordable
- Customizable
- Durable
- Low maintenance
CONS
- Difficult to remove scratches
- Prone to stains
Soapstone is the common name for the naturally occurring stone known as steatite, a magnesium-rich metamorphic rock containing a high percentage of talcum or talc—the same substance that’s pulverized to make baby powder.
Quartzite is arguably the strongest natural stone option for your countertop; in fact, it is sturdier than marble and granite. It has the same beautiful essence that marble portrays but can withstand a little more abuse. It is a great solution for an outdoor kitchen because it is resistant to UV rays, but be careful, as quartzite is more prone to scratching.
Different from quartzite, quartz is a non-porous stone that is durable, resistant to many damages, and is very easy to maintain. Because it is a manufactured product, quartz offers a wide range of hues, several finish options, and its final appearance is rich and luxurious.
Solid surface countertops are a man-made material composed of polyester resins, pigments or other elements that do not require seam installations. It is a highly flexible material, comes in a variety of color options, and integrates smoothly with sinks and backsplash.
Ultra compact surfaces are made from raw materials found in glass, porcelain, and quartz, which are then put under extreme heat and pressure to create an almost indestructible material. These countertops are one of the most durable options on the market today!
Few kitchen countertop materials are more misunderstood than high-end concrete. Rock-solid and hard as granite or slate, concrete can be a better fit in contemporary kitchen designs than engineered or natural stones since it exudes a modern industrial aesthetic.
1- 
1-