With so many options for your kitchen countertop surface？ Still wonder about how to choose the best one? Actually, ‘best’ is not what you should look for because every countertop has its own strong point. What you should look for in a countertop that can fit you and your kitchen perfectly. In this article, I will showcase to you the differences between 6 countertops (granite countertop, quartz countertop, marble countertop, solid surface countertop, solid wood countertop, and laminate countertop) in different aspects.
Content:
- Granite Countertop
- Quartz Countertop
- Marble Countertop
- Solid Surface Countertop
- Solid Wood Countertop
- Laminate Countertop
- Conclusion
Granite Countertop
Image credit: Keystone&Granite Tile
If you love the kitchen countertop surface which has an unmatched natural beauty but are prepared for occasional maintenance to protect your investment, then choose a granite countertop. For some time, granite has been the countertop material of choice when there were no cost issues to consider. Read this (5 Reason Why You Should Choose a Granite Kitchen Countertop) to know more strong points about granite countertops
Granite defines elegance in a kitchen. Even modest kitchens seem like luxury spaces when flavored by the beauty of granite countertops.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Image credit: The Flooring Factory
If you want a high-class look kitchen countertop surface without high maintenance, choose a quartz countertop. Quartz countertops are an excellent man-made surface also called “engineered stone”. This material is manufactured from 93% quartz (also a component of granite countertops) and a binding resin.
Quartz is a popular kitchen countertop material because there is no maintenance required. It’s non-porous and durable. –Megan Lee, Marketing Manager at Odell Construction, Inc.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Undeniably, quartz countertop is not easy to clean. However, with some easy tips, you can handle it. Read this: how to clean your quartz countertop.
Image credit: The Home Depot
If you want a classic luxury look in a low-traffic kitchen where you are not planning on doing much cooking and meal preparation, choose a marble countertop. Because no two sheets of marble are exactly the same, each marble countertop will be entirely unique. Marble is another natural stone commonly used in kitchen countertops. This is a high-end natural stone that comes in fewer color patterns than granite. Marble is also relatively soft and porous.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Although highly prized, marble may not be the best choice for kitchens due to its penchant for staining and scratching.
Solid Surface Countertop 
Image credit: Clorian
If you prefer a kitchen countertop surface that is warm to the touch, then a solid surface countertop will be suitable for you. Once regarded as premium, luxury countertops, solid-surface material is now considered somewhat mid-tier, but it is still an excellent choice for mid-range kitchens.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Moreover, it can also be good material in high-end kitchens with a lot of countertop space that would be prohibitively expensive to cover with granite or quartz.
Solid Wood Countertop
Image credit: Lumber Mart
If you like the warmth and character of wood and want to add a furniture-like focal point in a small area of the kitchen , solid wood countertop suits you. Wood countertops offer a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are the species most often used as countertop woods.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Laminate Countertop
Image credit: The Seattle Time
If you’re designing on a budget or plan to purchase your “dream” countertop in the near future, perhaps, laminate one is your best option of kitchen countertop surface! Although for many years regarded as more ordinary than premium countertop materials, laminates have seen a recent surge in popularity, thanks in part to the thousands of colors, patterns, and styles now available.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Laminates are especially popular in retro designs, particularly in midcentury modern kitchens.
Conclusion
Before you make your decision to buy a kitchen countertop, you should take a lot of things into consideration. For instance, you should ask yourself: why I need the countertop? How much kitchen space do I have? How much is my budget? Which type of countertop can fit the style of my kitchen perfectly? Answer each of these questions through the list above that related to different aspects of 6 different countertops. Finally, make your decision of your kitchen countertop surface which “most fit” you and your kitchen.
Kitchen is the heart of home.
