What to Think About When Buying New Counters
When clients ask us, “What is the best material for kitchen countertops?” we usually ask a few follow-up questions to get a better sense of your preferences, lifestyle, and overall goals for the space, like:
- How much maintenance are you willing to do?
- Are you willing to mix and match countertop materials?
- Do you need extra stain or heat resistance?
- What is the aesthetic you want for the space?
- Are you revamping the whole room or just replacing the work surfaces?
- What is your budget?
Once we have a sense of your expectations, we can narrow down the selection to find the right one. From granite and engineered stone to metal and laminate, there’s a solid surface for every taste and budget.
The Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Options in Southeast MI
To give you a better idea of your choices, the following are some of the most popular materials for residential kitchens.
Granite
Durable and long-lasting, granite is by far the most sought-after counter material. With a wide array of colors and natural patterns, these counters look great with nearly every kitchen style. It’s naturally heat resistant (so you don’t need to worry about putting hot pots and pans down on it) and not prone to scratches or abrasions, but it does require regular sealing.
Quartz
Engineered quartz looks like natural granite, but the mixture of natural stone and acrylic polymers is easy to maintain since it doesn’t require sealing or special cleaners. It’s less expensive than granite too, but it doesn’t resist heat and is vulnerable to fading. Still, for busy families that need an attractive and bacteria-resistant countertop that can withstand frequent cleaning, it’s an excellent compromise.
Marble
Few counter materials can match marble for a luxurious, high-end appearance. Natural marble is one of the most expensive options, but it resists heat, cracking, and scratches, and with regular sealing, it looks beautiful for decades. If you like the look of marble but not the maintenance requirements or price tag, choose an engineered stone that looks like marble.
Butcher Block
In a rustic or country-style kitchen, nothing looks better than a wooden butcher block counter. An environmentally friendly option, butcher block is long-lasting when properly maintained. Protecting the surface from moisture and stains and oiling and sealing the wood frequently keeps it in good condition.
Laminate
An affordable option, laminate is a lightweight, non-porous surface made from particle board, resin, plastic, and paper. Although the surface is easy to clean and stain-resistant, it’s also vulnerable to heat damage and scratching. Of all the countertop options, it has the shortest lifespan, but it’s easiest on the wallet and comes in a nearly endless variety of colors and patterns.
Ceramic Tile
Using ceramic tile on the counter is a great way to achieve a one-of-a-kind look and add color and texture to a kitchen. Tiles are affordable, durable, and heat-resistant but can also be vulnerable to cracking and chipping. The grout between tiles is also prone to staining, so these counters require some careful care and maintenance.
Metal
For a contemporary or industrial-style kitchen, look into stainless steel, copper, or brass countertops. All are fairly expensive, but they are non-porous surfaces that resist heat, staining, and bacteria. Copper and brass develop a stunning patina over time that only adds to the overall look of your kitchen.
Concrete
A relatively new trend in kitchen countertops, concrete allows a fully custom look that’s impervious to virtually anything you throw its way. Concrete is both expensive and heavy, but skilled craftspeople can add tints and patterns for a 100% unique surface. Concrete is vulnerable to moisture and staining, so it requires regular sealing, and in rare cases, natural shifts can cause it to crack or break,
Make Your Home One-of-a-Kind
No rule says you have to use a single countertop material throughout the entire kitchen. If you’re looking for kitchen island ideas, consider this: marble stays cool, making it ideal for baking, so why not add a small marble slab to the island? For the rest of the countertops, you could use a less delicate stone. This approach allows you to blend functionality with style, giving you the freedom to experiment with different materials to achieve the look and utility you desire in your kitchen.