As part of a rise in demand to invest in renovating the kitchen, the kitchen countertop plays a major factor in the overall design that a home owner/designer considers. New studies indicate a strong demand in countertop replacement with increased consideration of using a higher quality material for kitchen and vanity countertops. And being such a key element, many more materials and colors are looked into as options to find that popular, functional, and unique look that will be attractive, a good investment, and long-lasting as a replacement counter. From our research and experience, we have put together (in no particular order) our own top ten countertop choices of what consumers value in a material for a kitchen countertop.
1. Solid Surface
From the original conception of solid surfaces by DuPont in 1963, countertops like Corian have enjoyed their share of the market for several decades. What makes solid surface materials like Corian and LG Hi-Macs a strong presence in the countertop industry and a continued desirable material is their unique blend of functionality and practicality at a relatively inexpensive price. Solid surface is an engineered countertop material manufactured to be nonporous, easily fabricated, and installed in most cases without visible seams. Therefore, it is extremely stain and bacteria resistant, and also heat resistant. It is also known for being easily repairable in the event it cracks or needs to be re-surfaced. And due to its versatility, it offers the unique possibility of integrated sinks and drain boards, coved backsplashes, and many more custom countertop options. It also comes with an impressive warranty to ensure ownership of this countertop material for the duration of your home.
2. Engineered Stone
As the rise in demand for stone countertops continue, engineered stones like Quartz countertops are experiencing a very large growth in the countertop market over the last decade. Akin to granite countertops, Quartz countertops like DuPont Zodiaq and LG Viatera are durable and highly resistant to scratches and extreme temperatures. But what makes Quartz countertops highly desirable is the added benefit of being nonporous, i.e., stain, moisture, and bacteria resistant. Engineered stones also come with a warranty as well. This allows Quartz surfaces like Zodiaq to be aesthetically pleasing as a stone countertop, but also benefitting from similar desirable characteristics as found in solid surfaces like Corian.
3. Granite
As the increased consideration and willingness to spend a little more for quality countertops rise, granite will continue to hold their share in the countertop market. In the eyes of most home owners, granite is considered a luxury countertop surface and very recognizable by its unique patterns and natural appearance. This highly durable surface is taken right from the earth and every granite surface offers its own unique tone, movement, and style. As long as it is properly sealed to prevent staining, granite countertops are a great consideration as a quality countertop.
4. Laminate
The major bullet point for this material as a kitchen countertop was, and will continue to be, its price tag. Laminate products most commonly referred to as Formica, accounts for the largest market share in the countertop industry. However, as people continue to perceive laminate countertops as a cheap option and as other higher quality materials are being offered at steadily lower prices, this countertop material is the least desirable. However, the look of laminate can mimic many other materials and offer thousands of colors and patterns to choose from. So while this material may not be the highest in quality for your kitchen countertop, it can certainly provide a nice looking countertop for any tight budget.
5. Marble
Similar to granite and also a natural surface, marble is perceived to be an expensive, luxurious, and elegant material. Marble is a fine choice for smaller applications like a vanity countertop, but suffers from being a softer material than granite, and more porous. It may look aesthetically pleasing, but it can easily stain and is more likely to show signs of use.
6. Stainless Steel
What is most commonly associated as a commercial kitchen countertop found in restaurants, stainless steel can be custom made for residential applications as well. Stainless Steel is well known for it strength and bacteria resistance. And from a design perspective, it may be a perfect fit to complete a contemporary look in your home. However, since this material is not a very common application in the residential market, the price to custom make your kitchen countertop can be a little high.
7. Concrete
As the market continues to embrace a desire for a unique and one of a kind kitchen countertop, applications for this material expanded to incorporate the making of custom concrete countertops. Concrete is a highly customizable material and the options for design patterns are only limited by the talent of the artist...and maybe the cost. If you are looking for a relatively green friendly material for your kitchen countertop, have the money for the cost of custom work, and a good sealer for a naturally porous material, there is lot you can do with concrete.
8. Recycled Glass
What seems to be receiving the most attention in the countertop world right now are green materials. While traditionally ‘non-green’ surfaces like Corian look to incorporate recycled content in to their product, countertops like IceStone and Vetrazzo are primarily founded on the principle of being friendly to the environment. Manufactured largely from the recycled glass products like beer and liquor bottle, these green countertops not only help reuse wasted materials, but they showcase it in the material itself. The beauty and philosophy of these countertops sell themselves to those looking to do their part in taking care of our plant. The only downside, which is partly due to the several environmental practices and guidelines that are followed in the manufacturing process, is that these countertop materials come with high price tag.
9. Recycled Paper
If you consider recycled glass to be the green alternative that most mimics stone countertops, you can consider recycled paper materials to be the green alternative to solid surfaces countertops. Fabricated in a similar way to Corian, recycled paper countertops like PaperStone offer another unique, warm, and natural look that is surprisingly very durable and long-lasting. And to prove it, PaperStone and other similar brands offer decent warranties to back their products. Like solid surface countertops, you can buff these materials if they get scratched up. And as long as you follow the instructions on taking care of it, this special countertop material will last a very long time.
10. Tile
More popular in southern regions and not as opted for are tiled countertops. Similar to laminate, tile can be acquired very cheaply and installed at a fair rate. The main issue with these types of countertops is the grout lines which stain and decay over time, and keeping the tops clean and safe is not as easy as a flat surface like most kitchen countertops. However, for the price, this may be a good choice for a country style look while working within a tight budget.