Types of Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen Countertops

There are many different types of kitchen countertops on the market. It can be overwhelming when starting to redo your kitchen. Here are six of the most popular types of kitchen countertops to help get you started.

1. Laminate

Laminate countertops cost about $10 to $40 per square foot. Another term for laminate is Formica. Formica is technically a brand name for a combination of paper and resin. This is formed together with high heat and pressure. It’s cheaper than the stone counterparts and can be made to resemble wood or a more expensive stone. However, because it’s cheap, laminate countertops can be easily scratched and chipped. This means that you will most likely need to replace the countertops at some point during your time in the home.

2. Marble

Marble is one of the most expensive options at $100 to $150 per square foot. Though it is expensive, it does look good! Marble adds polish and class to a home and mixes well most other fixtures in your kitchen. However, marble is a porous material. This means that the material is high-maintenance and will need to be resealed every few years. They can also chip and stain easily.

3. Corian

Corian countertops are a mix of acrylic and polyester materials. It costs about $40 to $65 per square foot. Corian countertops can be made in a variety of colors and can be manufactured to look like natural stone. They are nonporous, meaning they are easy to clean. However, they scratch more easily than stone and are less resistant to heat. That means that leaving a hot pot or pan on the counter can cause it to warp.

4. Granite

Granite is one of the most popular materials chosen for kitchen countertops and costs approximately $60 to $100 per square foot. It is made from a naturally occurring composite of quartz, mica, and feldspar. Because granite comes straight from nature, each countertop is as unique as the homeowner! Granite is a resilient material. They are hard and difficult to scratch. However, granite is expensive relative to other materials. It is also difficult to repair should the granite chip.

5. Concrete

Concrete has recently become a popular countertop material and costs about $65 to $130 per square foot. These countertops are custom-poured. Because of this, homeowners can use their creativity to add anything to the design, such as stones, glass, or tiles. They are sturdy and do not easily chip or scratch. If you do end up chipping it, it can be fixed fast by mixing and pouring in more concrete. However, since concrete has to cure, you need to wait a bit before using your counters. If you’re looking for a one-day switch, then concrete countertops might not be for you. Additionally, these countertops are porous, meaning they can stain easily and will need be resealed regularly.

6. Butcher block

Butcher block countertops are made of thick, fancy wood and generally cost about $45 to $100 per square foot. These countertops work well for those who want a more sustainable kitchen, as it is a renewable source. However, they are high maintenance. If they are not resealed regularly, about every six months, mold and bacteria can grow. Butcher block also lowers resale value because of how high maintenance it is.