If you will soon be remodeling your kitchen, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the decisions you will have to make. Choosing a cabinet style, selecting countertop material, deciding on decorative hardware, and more, will all be factors in your decision making. As you’ll soon discover, there is a lot to consider. To help sift through the various types of countertops, we’ve provided a list highlighting the pros and cons of four of the most common countertop materials.
Price isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing, but it will certainly play a big part. Therefore, we’ve listed the following in order of price, from lowest to highest. (Note – Please keep in mind that the price you pay will vary greatly on style, brand name, size needed, and other factors).
Laminate
Available in hundreds of colors and textures, laminate is, by far, the cheapest countertop material you can find. Approximate cost – $10 – $25 per square foot.
Pros of laminate
– Can be made to resemble the look of granite, wood, marble, and other more expensive materials.
– Manufactured with a built-in backsplash for easy installation.
– Stain resistant.
– Easy to care for.
– Affordable.
Cons of laminate
– Laminate is not resistant to heat or scratching.
– Susceptible to water damage.
– Side seams can easily come unglued.
Above all else, consumers enjoy the versatile design choices available through ceramic tile countertops. Approximate cost – $15 – $75 a square foot.
Pros of ceramic tile
– Available in a fabulous variety of color, texture, pattern, and style. Can be used to mimic the look of stone, marble, and more.
– Heat resistant.
– Scratch resistant.
– Easy to install.
– Tiles can be removed and replaced if damaged.
Cons of ceramic tile
– Grout can take on a unkept appearance over time.
– Ceramic tiles can be cracked fairly easily under heavy weight.
Solid surface
Solid surface has a seamless appearance that many consumers find attractive. It is a more affordable option than natural stone, which makes it one of the top-selling countertop materials on the market. Approximate cost – $50 – $100 a square foot.
Pros of solid surface
– Seamless appearance.
– Sink can be built into the countertop.
– Available in hundreds of colors.
– Stain resistant.
– Scratch resistant.
– Easy to clean and care for.
Cons of solid surface
– Not heat resistant. Material can discolor or crack when exposed to excess heat.
– Not resistant to deep scratches caused by cutting on the surface.
– Can be damaged by harsh chemicals.
Marble
Marble countertops are absolutely stunning, but due to its high price, it is not often seen in an entire kitchen. Typically, buyers opt for a marble island, or combine marble with a less expensive material elsewhere in the room. Approximate cost – $ 50 – $ 100+ per square foot.
Pros of marble countertops
– Highly durable. These types of countertops can last a lifetime.
– Scratch resistant.
– Heat resistant.
Cons of marble countertops
– As it is extremely heavy, base cabinets will have to be reinforced to support its weight.
– Marble is not stain resistant.
– If damage occurs, repair must be made by a professional.
Granite
If price was not an object, granite would be in every kitchen in America. It is, quite simply, the best. However, because of it’s cost, granite is typically found in only high-end homes. Approximate cost – $50 – 100+ per square foot.
Pros of granite
– Available in thousands of colors and patterns.
– Very durable. Will last a lifetime if well cared for.
– Heat resistant.
– Scratch resistant.
– Edges can be smoothed into curves, rounded, or detailed in many unique methods.
Cons of granite
– Must be sealed periodically to prevent staining.
– Requires professional installation and repair.
– As granite is a porous material, it can harbor germs and bacteria. Therefore proper cleaning is required.
More from Jennifer Wagner:
Resurface Countertops in One Weekend with Modern Masters Countertop Transformations
DIY Kitchen Demolition Basics
8 Must-Have Cabinet Trends for the Kitchen
Source: Personal knowledge and experience
