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Are you looking to spruce up your kitchen top with new countertops, but you need to know the which is the best kitchen countertop material? There are many options, from elegant granite countertop materials to durable quartz, you can find the perfect fit for your home. To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up the top 15 kitchen countertop materials. So, let’s understand each countertop material in detail.
Top 15 Kitchen Countertop Materials
There are different types of kitchen countertop materials, which are mentioned below:
1. Granite Kitchen Countertop
Granite is the most popular types of countertop material because of its durability, attractiveness, and wide range of colour possibilities. It is a natural stone that can add a luxurious feel to any kitchen. As it is natural material, variation in stone pattern is common. Granite adds elegance but can make matching up slabs tricky. It requires low maintenance and is water and heat resistant.
2. Quartz Kitchen Countertop
Quartz countertop is one of the most recent and innovative synthetic kitchen platform material. It is made from crushed quartz mixed with resins and pigments to create a unique look. Quartz is known for its durability and resistance to stains, making it an excellent choice for busy kitchens. Many quartz countertops contain antibacterial agents. The inclusion of quartz crystals and other natural minerals will give your kitchen a stunning look. It is available in a variety of colours and styles.
If you want to know more about quartz countertops, you may refer the following article: 7 Best Quartz Countertops for Your Kitchen
3. Marble Kitchen Countertop
Marble is a classic material for kitchen countertops due to its beauty and elegance. While marble can be prone to staining if properly sealed and maintained, it can provide you with a lifetime of use in your kitchen. Marble Countertop is heat and water-resistant. It is very expensive compared to other countertop materials.
4. Onyx Kitchen Countertop
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If you are fond of a natural stone countertop but want something that’s rare and inimitable, onyx might be the perfect kitchen countertop material. Onyx is a soft, brittle stone that forms when limestone is dissolved and redeposited, and originates from dripstone deposits in limestone caves. The onyx countertop has colourful veins and unique swirling patterns. It is lightweight and less durable. However, using the right sealant, it will become more long-lasting and resistant, though wear and tear might be expected over time.
5. Travertine Kitchen Countertop
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Travertine is the most popular types of kitchen countertop material, which is utilized for its luxurious, natural look that is often compared to costly materials like marble. Travertine is a type of sedimentary limestone that forms from the rapid precipitation of carbonate materials. With warmer hues and softer textures, travertine can fit into any existing design. Due to its porosity, food and liquids can easily trap in it so it will require high maintenance. It is cheaper than marble and granite.
6. Laminate Kitchen Countertop
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A laminate countertop comprises a thin layer of plastic laminate bonded to particleboard. It is a budget-friendly option available in various colours and patterns. It is an excellent choice for busy kitchens as it is easy to maintain and clean. If cost is a major consideration, laminate countertop may be the best option for your kitchen. However, it does not resist heat.
7. Solid Surface Kitchen Countertop
Solid surface is a synthetic material developed as an alternative to stone and is designed to look like granite and other natural stones. It is mainly made of polyester and synthetic acrylic materials mixed with some natural stone dust. The material is resin-bonded and shaped into slabs for use as countertops. It can also be moulded into one-piece units, including sinks built into the countertop. The appearance closely resembles granite or quartz. It is easy to clean. With hundreds of patterns and colours, this is a very versatile material for kitchen design. Solid-surface countertop is less expensive than natural stone and engineered quartz countertop.
8. Wood Kitchen Countertop
Do you know that wood kills bacteria faster than any other surface, making it ideal for kitchen surfaces? It is good, you know. Hardwoods from maples and oak trees are the appropriate countertop wood types. It is easy to maintain and can be resealed to prolong its durability.
9. Terrazzo Kitchen Countertop
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Terrazzo countertop is the latest kitchen countertop material popular in kitchen interior design. It is a composite material made of up chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, and others, which are poured into a chemical resin cast. It is durable and heat resistant. It is considered as eco-friendly countertop materials. Terrazzo uses a variety of stone and glass fragments to produce a wide range of designs.
10. Soapstone Kitchen Countertop
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Soapstone is more affordable than granite or marble, and its unique patterning gives it a one-of-a-kind look. Soapstone is also highly durable, making it an ideal material for countertops. Because of the high concentration of talc in the stone, Soapstone has a warm feeling and a milky appearance. Soapstone countertop is typically found in varying shades of greys and whites, and its hardness falls between granite and marble- it is not as hard as granite, but they’re less porous than marble. It resists stains and is relatively easy to clean.
11. Concrete Kitchen Countertop
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Concrete is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique look and affordability. It is highly customizable and can be coloured or stained for a unique look. Concrete countertops are an unusual option, but it gives a home a good appearance. It is typically built and poured on-site by a professional that creates forms to fit the space. It is scratch and heat resistant It is costly countertop that need the services of custom artisans.
12. Tile/Ceramic Tile Countertop
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Tile countertop is an excellent option for those who want a unique look. Tile comes in various colours, shapes, and sizes, making it easy to create a custom design. It is designed to offer you with different looks. Ceramic tile counters are made by sticking individual clay-based tiles to a cement-board core with thin-set mortar adhesives. It comes in a wide range of options, from solid colours to natural stone looks. It is a low-cost kitchen table top material. Over time, it’s prone to cracking and grout lines can be tough to clean. Repairing is difficult because you need to replace the damaged tiles entirely.
13. Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertop
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Stainless steel countertop is no longer limited to restaurants and have made their way into the home. Stainless steel can give your kitchen a truly modern appearance. It is usually built to your requirements- you can have a seamless top if you desire. It is germ-resistant and highly sanitary. Stainless steel is a costly countertop material.
14. Glass Kitchen Countertop
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New, high-tensile glass can also be formed into countertop slabs. The result will be a truly unique countertop with various benefits. This countertop has unique and captivating appearance that no other countertop material can match. It is resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. Glass is one of the best kitchen platform materials for bacterial resistance and is easy to clean. Only a few countertop fabricators are capable of installing this unique kitchen top material.
15. Recycled Glass Countertop
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A recycled glass tile countertop is made from individual glass tiles applied over a cement-board core, similar to ceramic tile. Although this is common, it is not a functional countertop. It is better suited for backsplashes. This is a low-cost way to get recycled glass on your kitchen countertops.
Conclusion
No matter which kitchen countertop material you choose, you will surely get something that will fits your style and budget. There are of options to pick from, so pick the perfect one for your kitchen and get cooking!
It’s always important to follow proper cleaning and maintenance procedures to keep your countertop looking best. Regular upkeep can save you a lot of hassle later. So, make sure to read up on the specific care instructions for your chosen material, and you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful new countertop for as long as possible.
Also Read: Decorate Your Kitchen Countertops with These Pro Tips
FAQs
1. Which Material is Best for Kitchen Platform in India?
The best countertop material will depend upon your lifestyle and budget. However, granite, marble, quartz and steel are some of the popular kitchen platform materials.
2. What is the Easiest Type of Kitchen Countertop to Maintain?
Laminate, stainless steel, glass, etc. countertop materials are easy to clean and maintain.
3. Which is the Most Durable Countertop Types?
Quartz and Granite are most durable countertop materials.
4. Which Countertop Materials are Heat-resistant?
Granite and concrete kitchen countertop are most heat-resistant. They are durable to scratches, moisture and chips.
Author Bio
Jennifer Kiminza – Jennifer Kiminza is a content writer and content marketing professional at Hub Spot, an inbound marketing and sales platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers. Previously, Jennifer worked as a marketing manager for a tech software startup. She graduated with honors from Nairobi University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.