Pros & Cons of 10 Kitchen Countertop Materials Pt. 1

Countertops take on the brunt of daily wear-and-tear. If your countertops are worn, old or outdated, it may be time to consider your replacement options. The countertop materials you choose will greatly affect the functionality and feel of your space. Fortunately, you have a world of possibilities when it comes to restoring or completely redoing your countertops.

If it’s time to give your kitchen countertops a facelift, this is a great place to start.

Granite:

A time-tested classic, granite is a luxurious focal point in any kitchen. Available in an array of colors, each mottled piece is truly a one-of-a-kind testament to nature’s ability to bring harmony to the indoors.

• Pros: Granite is an extremely durable surface, and holds up well against water, direct heat, knife nicks, and daily use.
• Cons: To avoid staining and other preventable damage, granite needs to be sealed yearly. Because of its weight, it requires especially sturdy cabinet boxes to rest on.

Solid Surfacing:

Generically referred to as Corian (the initial manufacturer), solid surfacing has been a popular choice for kitchen remodels for decades. It primarily consists of acrylic and polyester. This versatile surface gives homeowners an abundance of size, shape and color options.

• Pros: Because solid surfacing is artificially made, its non-porous exterior requires virtually no maintenance. Color options are limitless, and because it can be manually altered, more vibrant hues—like turquoise or tomato red—aren’t out of the question. Seamless installation ensures that no cracks will be formed to trap unwanted dirt and debris.
• Cons: Solid surfacing does not hold up as well as other materials against hot pans or knife marks (although these spots can be sanded out fairly easily). The artificial aesthetic—which some find displeasing—can quickly approach the price of natural stone.

Quartz Surfacing:

Also called engineered stone, quartz countertops are a perfect combination of the beauty of natural stone and the easy maintenance of solid surfacing.

• Pros: Quartz surfacing is easy to care for and can be manipulated into a variety of customizable colors and patterns. Its similarity to stone will give your kitchen a natural feel without the heftier price tag.
• Cons: Depending on the grade of the quartz, this surface material can be relatively pricy, although its durability makes it a worthwhile investment.

Marble:

Marble countertops are where elegant kitchens begin. Marble’s distinguishing veins and luminescent exterior make it a glamorous and traditional addition to any kitchen remodel.

• Pros: Marble’s cool surface stands up well to heat, and its smooth finish keeps food and debris from sticking.
• Cons: While marble is a popular countertop material, homeowners usually limit their use of it to small portions of their space. Marble is extremely susceptible to staining, chipping, and scratches.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is one of the only DIY options for homeowners to consider when remodeling their kitchen. It offers nearly limitless color and pattern possibilities and is a budget-friendly option for you to consider.

• Pros: Tile is exceptionally heat-resistant and holds up well against sharp blades and staining. Replacing broken tiles is fairly easy.
• Cons: The small, grout-filled spaces in between tiles can be difficult to clean thoroughly and may harbor debris and bacteria. The uneven surface can make using cutting boards or various other kitchen supplies difficult.

Kitchen Remodeling in Ames, Iowa

Cyclone Contracting knows that the kitchen is often the heart of a home. If you’re considering updating your countertops or remodeling your kitchen or any other part of your Story County area home, give us a call or click the button below to request a free remodeling consultation!