Butcher block, or wood, is a perfect choice for homeowners who prefer chopping, cutting, and dicing directly on the countertop. It makes your kitchen feel warm and rustic. Unsealed wood requires wood oil at least twice a year.

Due to its porous nature, you have to be careful with spills. You can apply wood sealer, but this would make your countertop no longer appropriate for directly preparing food. If the wood is sealed, you should have separate chopping boards. It might be better suited on kitchen islands instead of near sinks.

Concrete is a perfect option for homeowners who like a modern or industrial look. It can be made to look like natural stone by adding color pigments when mixing the concrete. Nowadays, prefabricated concrete counters can be made and are fully cured upon delivery to your home.

While it is nearly indestructible, it can be prone to cracks over time. It also needs to be sealed.

Granite is a popular choice among homeowners because it is very durable for a type of natural stone. They require minimal maintenance and are heat-resistant. You can put hot pots and pans directly on it, no trivets needed. Cleanups require just a little soap and water.

Re-sealing from time to time may be needed as some granites are more porous than others. Also, invest in good chopping boards. You might not scratch the surface, but your knives could become dull. That’s how hard granite is!

Laminates, or plastic laminates, are inexpensive and can be made to look like natural stone. It comes in hundreds of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from. It’s non-porous and easy to clean. It is important to note that today’s laminates are not like the ones from the 80s.

A disadvantage of laminates is they get ruined by heat. It won’t add resale value to your home either if you’re thinking of selling your house in the future. It’s best to use laminates for less essential projects like rental properties or guest houses if you’d like to stick to a minimal budget.

Marble is a type of natural stone and has always been a popular choice in kitchen countertops. It has a clean look and timeless elegance to it and is perfect for high-end kitchen remodels. As no two marble countertops are alike, you can be sure that yours will be truly unique. In terms of the price, marble is not as expensive as other natural stones.

Marble tends to be porous, so you have to be careful with spills. Cutting boards are also advisable to use because you can scratch your countertop if you chop directly on the surface. With the advent of technology, you can use new types of sealers to make marble more durable.

Quartz countertops are not pure quartz. Instead, it is a composite stone made by combining natural quartz with resin. That’s why it is sometimes also called engineered quartz. It is hard, non-porous, and never needs to be re-sealed. It’s a perfect investment for homeowners who like the look of natural stone but want something durable and long-lasting.

Soapstone is a natural stone that has a soft feel due to its high talc content. Compared to marble and granite, it is non-porous and resistant to bacteria, heat, and stains. It has quite a unique appearance and requires very little maintenance.

Solid surface countertops consist of either acrylic, polyester, or a blend of both. They are low-maintenance, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. They come in a lot of colors and patterns too. They aren’t heat-resistant, so it’s essential to have trivets ready. Over time, you can sand out scratches and burns, while deeper gouges can be filled.

Stainless steel has always been popular among chefs operating in commercial kitchens and now is trending in residential kitchens too. The surface is easy to clean and sanitize. It looks stylish and is very functional for prepping meals. It is also very durable and completely non-porous.

While cleanups are a breeze with just a little soap and water, or products made specifically for cleaning stainless steel, you should still clean up as soon as possible. Leaving spills for a long time makes them harder to remove. Steel is also prone to dents and scratches. It’s probably not the best material if you have young children because fingerprints and water spots are also highly visible.

Tiles were popular from the 70s to the 80s and are making quite the comeback. They come in different colors, shapes, sizes, and are heat-resistant. Natural stone tiles are less expensive than big stone slabs. The durability of tiles depends on the kind of material used.

However, you might find it challenging to keep the grout lines free from dirt. In terms of maintenance, choose darker tile colors and dark grout.

Call or visit our website for a consultation, and we will help you pick out the perfect kitchen countertop for your dream kitchen remodel. We can help you pick the best material, colors, edge details, and integral or under-mount sinks for your kitchen countertops.