We spend a lot of time in our kitchen from preparing a week’s worth of lunch to enjoying a relaxing dinner after a long day. So it makes sense that we want a well-designed kitchen that offers plenty of counter space to prepare delicious meals and store our appliances.
To complete a kitchen’s look, you must browse through modern kitchen countertops to find the perfect match. Feeling overwhelmed? Here are the five top materials to choose from.
1. Quartz
Quartz countertops are engineered stone made from 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. Quartz was introduced as a more adaptable and better-performing alternative to granite as it requires less maintenance.
One reason quartz is popular is because of the wide selection of colors available and the ability to customize the design. Further, its nonporous surface makes it relatively bacteria-free and resists scratching or staining.
Quartz is also easy to maintain as you only need soap and water to clean spills and don’t need to reseal your countertops. This material is durable, but be careful as excessive heat damage can take its toll over time, so use heating pads while cooking.
Professional help is necessary as engineered quartz is heavier than other options and you need to ensure it is structurally sound before installing.
2. Soapstone
Soapstone is a mineral known of steatite and got the name because it is made from at least 50% talc, giving it a similar feel to soap.
This natural stone countertop material is usually dark gray and smooth and no two slabs are alike. Soapstone is versatile as it works for both rustic and modern homes whether it’s for a countertop or sink material.
Soapstone is also resistant to stains and even if it scratches over time, it adds to the antique character of the stone. This option is also durable and you can find soapstone sinks and countertops made in the 1800s that are still in great condition. Further, this is one of the best countertops as it is heat resistant and antibacterial as it is nonporous, perfect for die-hard chefs.
Remember, though, that you must treat soapstone with mineral oil to highlight its natural darkness and to ensure you spread the color evenly. Also, DIY installation is not viable so you will have to call the professionals in.
3. Marble
Marble has a clean look as well as an elegant and timeless charm, making it one of the most popular stone countertop materials to use.
An attractive aspect of marble is that no two countertops are alike so your countertops are guaranteed to be unique. It is a luxurious option so many homeowners use it sparingly such as reserving it for an island or one section of the kitchen.
You should also be wary as marble is prone to staining and scratching, which is bad news if you’ve got clumsy cooks in the family. It is possible to remedy this with sealers as it maintains the upkeep of the marble, but note that marble is far more temperamental than other types of countertops.
As it is a beautiful stone, marble will add value to your home so it is a great investment in the long run.
4. Ceramic Tile
Add a dash of your personality to your kitchen by picking your favorite style of ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles are a great choice from all the kitchen countertop materials out there. For example, they are durable, easy to clean and less expensive than marble and soapstone, perfect if you’re a fixer-upper.
Lucky for us, there is a large variety to choose from and some tiles even emulate wood, marble, and leather. Ceramic tiles are also practical as they are immune to heat damage from hot pans.
But remember that the tiles can crack under impact if things go awry and grout lines can be difficult to clean. And even though it is a DIY job, tiles can be expensive if you want to customize them.
5. Wood or Butcher Block
Wooden or butcher block countertops are perfect if you want a homely or farmhouse inspired kitchen as it adds natural warmth. You can even use hardwoods like maple or oak to complete your kitchen.
Wood is practical as it is easy to clean and lasts a long time if you take good care of it. Over time, if it needs restoration then you can sand and reseal it wherever it is necessary. Further, they are easy to install compared to solid stone slabs which require special handling and training as the stone is fragile to use.
You should note, however, that specialized wooden countertops can be expensive and require TLC otherwise they will crack. Also, knives can easily scratch the surface area and suffer from water damage or stains. Yet the upkeep as basic as long as you seal it annually and oil it monthly.
If you don’t want to splurge on a special type of wood, consider a butcher block. These countertops are made from cuts of wood glued together to enhance their strength and durability. They offer a sturdy and smooth surface which is perfect for food preparation and are far more cost-effective.
Which of These Modern Kitchen Countertops Are Your Favorite?
It’s overwhelming hunting for the best modern kitchen countertops as it sets the tone for your kitchen. Whether you want a country-style kitchen with a wooden countertop to a contemporary soapstone one, you must take into consideration its maintenance and whether it compromises your budget. Happy hunting!
Are your kitchen countertops in need of a make-over but not sure who to call? Contact us here so we can help bring your dream kitchen to life.