Is your kitchen old and outdated? One of the fastest ways to give it a new look is to replace the countertops and appliances. These days, countertops are starting to set the stage as “statement pieces” in kitchens. Over the past decade, quartz (or engineered stone) has been the most popular countertop material used in the home. That said, there are so many more options available to homeowners. This blog post will highlight 8 of the best kitchen countertop materials on the market today.

Countertops are the primary working surface in a kitchen, so they must withstand daily use from stains, heat, scratches, and chips. It’s also important for your kitchen countertops to be easy to maintain and look great in your home’s décor. Whether you are just replacing the countertops or doing an entire kitchen remodeling project, here are some countertop options:

1. Quartz is still the most popular option for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchen countertops. It’s important to note that you are not getting 100% solid quartzite, but instead, pure quartz is engineered with other composites to make the surface non-porous and durable. You have a lot of colors and designs from which to choose, and it’s quite durable. You can’t go wrong with this material.
2. Granite is a highly desirable working surface in the kitchen. This natural stone is durable, easy to clean, resistant to chips and heat, and can easily match the color/style of your home. Granite countertops do require regular maintenance. Because it is a porous stone, you must periodically apply a sealant.
3. Marble is a beautiful option. It is also on the more expensive side when it comes to countertop material. When selecting marble, there are two types from which to choose. Honed marble has a porous surface and a matte appearance, while polished marble is shiny. If you like the look of marble but not its cost, consider using marble tiles. It requires high maintenance and daily care, cleaning, and periodical sealing.
4. Dekton countertops are newer to the market and consist of an engineered material that combines natural stone with porcelain and ceramic. Because this type of countertop material is produced by subjecting these components to high heat and pressure, they are quite durable. And the upkeep is minimal, only requiring cleaning with mild soap and water.
5. Natural stone materials include quartzite, limestone, travertine, soapstone, slate, lava rock and more. The design options and colors are striking, with varying colors, textures, veins, and patterns. For most of these, cleaning can be quite simple. Some require waxing or sealing to prevent moisture from building up in the porous surfaces. Others don’t. Before you decide on any of these materials, do your homework.
6. Laminate is the most affordable countertop option available to homeowners. This material may be appropriate for a rental home or a home where the higher-end materials won’t match the style. While these are easy to clean, they are also prone to heat damage and are certainly less durable.
7. Butcher block can be installed as a complementary feature in your kitchen or used as your entire countertop surface. It adds warmth to your kitchen décor and is even antimicrobial. There are some cons, though. It needs to be oiled regularly, is susceptible to scratches and is not heat or stain resistant. You also shouldn’t use woods that have been sealed for your food prep surface.
8. Concrete is the final countertop material on our list. Cement is poured, and then once it sets, is sealed. It provides a unique look to your kitchen and can be customized to look how you desire by adding colors and other materials like glass. It can be further personalized by acid-staining, polishing, or stamping with a design.

We hope this blog post gives you a little more understanding of the types of countertops available to homeowners. If you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen or want to get rid of those old countertops, call Prominent Builders and Design. We have been helping Bergen County homeowners create the homes of their dreams and can do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to talk about your kitchen remodeling ideas.