Last week we discussed different options for updating your kitchen cabinetry (check it out here). This week, we’re going to look at countertop options! Whether you’ve decided to go with a full gut job renovation or you love your cabinets and just need new counters, read on to learn about the top five countertop materials that I recommend for clients and the pros/cons of each! I’ve also included a handy comparison chart at the end of this post to use as a quick reference!

Laminate

Laminate definitely has a bad rep as being a subpar/builder grade countertop material and while it is definitely not my top recommendation, it does have it’s purposes. Laminate is by far the most budget friendly option and it comes in such a wide variety of colors and finishes that you are guaranteed to find a style that fits the vibe you are going for in your home. It’s also a very low maintenance material and can be cleaned with soap and water.

Laminate is made from particle board with a thin layer of plastic laminate on the top surface. While high quality laminates are pretty stain resistant and most laminate is fairly scratch resistant, they are not heat resistant (don’t plop a hot pan on it and expect it to still look okay when you pick it up) and are nearly impossible to repair. Installation is DIY friendly but it is highly recommended that you purchase it precut/mitered as those cuts are extremely difficult to get correct on your own. Because laminate only has the protective coating on the top and front sides, it cannot be used with undermount or farmhouse style sinks as the particle board will be exposed to water. Keep this in mind when selecting your sink!

Butcher Block

Butcher block is such a beautiful option and can be budget friendly (it can also be extremely expensive depending on the wood and construction style). It is by far the highest maintenance material on this list though and requires regular care in the form of oiling at least quarterly. I love the warmth it brings to a space that is generally filled with hard/cold surfaces - the natural beauty is just wonderful. It is not scratch or stain resistant, but is fairly heat resistant (I would still recommend trivets) - but one of the best things about butcher block is that it is easily repaired. A quick sanding and you can restore butcher block to basically new which gives it a long life expectancy.

Butcher block counters are made from pieces of hardwood glued together - and comes in a few construction styles: face grain (not recommended for counters), edge grain (commonly used for counters), and end grain (most expensive but also my personal favorite). Butcher block, by the nature of the material, has limited color/finish options compared to other options. Installation can be DIY friendly, but again, I recommend purchasing it cut/mitered to size. Water exposure will damage and eventually rot wood so it’s recommended that you don’t let water sit on butcher block counters, which is why it is frequently used for islands without sinks and an alternative material is used for the sink area. If you really want butcher block throughout your kitchen, you should use a top mounted sink since undermount and farmhouse sinks will allow for too much water exposure.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are a man made product that come in a huge variety of finishes - they even have some that are translucent when backlit! (Might not be the best bet for your kitchen, but such a cool option for a reception desk!) WilsonArt and Corian are two well known manufacturers of solid surface both of whom manufacturer their solid surface materials in the USA. Solid Surface is extremely stain and impact resistant although is prone to scratching and is not heat resistant. It can be repaired though, which extends the life expectancy of the material.

Solid surface is made by mixing a resin with filler and colorants and then curing before being cut and shaped. Unlike laminate where the color is only on the top layer, solid surface has the color throughout the material which does make scratches less noticeable. Another benefit of solid surface is that it is essentially seamless when installed - so if those seams you see in other materials offends your sensibilities, solid surface is a great option. Unlike laminate and butcher block, solid surface is extremely water resistant (they even make sinks out of it), so you can use it with any style sink you want. The price is dependent on the manufacturer and style but generally is cheaper than granite or quartz options.

Granite

Granite countertops are a tried and true finish that in my opinion, will never go out of style. They are a natural stone material and extremely durable - scratch, stain and heat resistant. Granite should be sealed annually to increase its stain resistance but overall is a fairly easy to maintain. Granite comes in a wide variety of color options and a few different finish options (honed, leather, polished, etc) but its important to keep in mind that because it is a natural material, there will be variations between slabs and even within slabs. If possible, purchase from a location that allows you to view and select the entire slab being used for your counter (instead of the little 8x10” samples available at some locations). Granite can also have natural imperfections in the material, so if this is a huge concern you may want to rethink using granite. We have granite counters in our kitchen, and there is one brown spot right along the edge of the counter that couldn’t be seen until they cut the slab to the template - honestly, it kind of looks like a stain but is just a natural mineral deposit in the stone. (Want a challenge? See if you can find it in the image below!)

Granite should be installed by a professional and usually most granite dealers include measuring and installation in the price. Granite can be one of the more expensive options for countertops but there are a lot of affordable options and they will last for a lifetime as long as you maintain them correctly. They can be used with all sink styles and definitely add value to your kitchen renovation.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are the big, popular counter option of the moment and for good reason - it is a man made material that is highly durable and comes in a huge selection of colors and finishes, including those that mimic the look of granite and marble. Marble is a beautiful stone, but is prone to staining, etching, and scratches - quartz gives you the marble look without the durability concerns. Because it is non-porous it resists staining even better than granite, and is just as scratch resistant. It is also more uniform in color and pattern because it is man made, which means you don’t need to be concerned with imperfections or with two slabs looking vastly different from each other. This is especially important in large kitchens where more than one slab may be needed to complete the project.

Quartz is made by combining resin and quartz chips or quartz dust and colorants which is then heated under intense pressure to form a solid slab. It is extremely durable and low maintenance but not perfect. While it can handle some heat, it does have a risk of thermal shock when exposed to high temperatures, so you should make sure not to place hot pans/pots directly on the surface. It is generally more expensive than granite, especially when looking at styles that mimic natural stone. It will work with any style sink and is water resistant, although you shouldn’t allow liquids to puddle on the counters for a long period of time. It will certainly add value to your kitchen and can last a lifetime.

And as promised, here is your handy-dandy, easy to reference chart that summarizes all this info!