10 Top Kitchen Countertops in Kitchen Remodel

By : Joanne




Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or building a new home when it comes to choosing your kitchen countertops you have plenty of choices. Here are our top 10 picks.

1. Manufactured Stone
Manufactured stone is made from quartz particles and it's available in many different colors. In fact you get a lot more choice than you do with granite. Dupont Zodiaq, Silestone, and Cambria Quartz are all quality engineered stone.

Manufactured stone is resistant to staining, scratch resistant, and easy to clean but it is expensive.

2. Granite
This is the countertop material most chosen most often especially when money isn't an issue. It will make any kitchen look great. Granite holds up to heat, resists staining, is certainly permanent and there are a few color choices. However it does require sealing occasionally and it can crack so you'll need to take a little care with it to ensure it maintains its beauty.

3. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic has lots to offer. It's easy to clean, durable, affordable, and there's so many choices. In fact it's the smartest choice for most renovations. You can also set hot pots or pans on it without the fear of damaging. There's a great selection of colors and designs on the market so you've got plenty of choices. They will need to be grouted correctly in order to seal against water or debris getting underneath.

4. Laminates
Nevamar, Wilsonart, and Formica all build a laminate countertop that has a plastic coat finish. You can buy your laminate in a variety of colors and it's very affordable. The biggest draw back to laminate is chips and scratches cannot be repaired.

5. Solid Surfaces
Just as their name indicates these countertops are solid so it's easy to sand out any scuffs or scratches. They are built to specification by companies like Swanstone, Corian, or Avonite. You can get a wide variety of stain resistant colors and patterns. You do have to be careful not to damage the surface with hot pots and pans. They are also prone to staining.

6. Butcher Block
Butcher block is done from hardwoods such as oak or maple and provide a nice clean smooth countertop that is warm and appealing. It's easy to clean and if it needs a bit of a facelift just lightly sand and reseal. It will last a lifetime.

7. Stainless Steel
This is a very contemporary and modern look that gives the kitchen sleek, clean lines but it is expensive. It's easy to clean, hot pots are not a problem, and it looks great. You can't cut on the stainless or you will damage it and you may find it a bit noisy.

8. Soapstone
Soapstone counters look great in their dark gray color but they do require regular maintenance and they can crack over time. They look great in a modern and contemporary kitchen but the cost can be inhibiting too many.

9. Marble
Marble costs a lot but it's worth every dime as looks luxurious and sophisticated in the kitchen. Used on a main countertop or island it's definitely going to draw attention. And it's heatproof and waterproof. However it is porous so you will need to seal it regularly.

10. Concrete
Concrete works great for countertops that are an unusual shape but they can be quite expensive to install. They are a great choice as they can be color tinted to meet your room décor and they have a very exotic feel. They are heat resistant, scratch resistant, and very durable. .

Now that you know what the top 10 kitchen countertops are which will you choose?

About The Author:
Joanne is an author of Decorz.com. If you're looking for more countertops & decorating ideas for your home and garden.