The heart of your home is the kitchen because it’s where you make all your meals. Food from the kitchen is what energizes the body, fuels the mind, and replenishes the soul. Although life is created in the bedroom, the kitchen is certainly where it’s sustained.

Countertops are the kitchen’s focal point because it’s where you spend most of the time in the kitchen. Apart from being a platform for preparing your meals, it also serves as an interior décor highlight and a socializing point. There are many types of kitchen countertops for your consideration, each with its pros and cons.

If you’ve been mulling about replacing your kitchen countertop, the perfect time to do so is now. Here, we’ll be looking at different types of kitchen countertops you should have on your wish list.

Laminate

Laminate is the most common type of kitchen countertop, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Nowadays, laminate can mimic the look of some of the more refined materials like wood, marble, and quartz. This means you can have an expensive-looking countertop but for a fraction of the price.

Another great thing about laminate countertops is that they’re super easy to clean. Laminate is non-porous, so all you need for cleaning is dish soap and water. Consistent cleaning will have your laminate countertop looking brand new for ages.

Lastly, laminate countertops are durable and can last you about 10-20 years if you take good care of them. The only downside to laminate countertops is that they’re susceptible to burns and scratches.

With so many designs and affordable prices, laminate countertops are a preferred choice for most homeowners in the country. If laminate countertops don’t fit your fancy, you can check out granite countertops.

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are among the best types of kitchen countertops and a staple for homes across the country. Granite is a natural-occurring stone with incredible durability. It comes in a wide range of light and dark colors with many fleck variations.

Because of the many colors and variations, granite countertops have immense aesthetic value, making them perfect for the chic homeowner. Granite can also be cut into various shapes like a square block, rounded or ogee edge, depending on your preference.

Looks aside, granite is also very durable, with some experts saying it could last about one hundred years if properly maintained. However, granite countertops have varying degrees of porosity, with the most porous ones requiring periodic sealing to prevent permanent staining.

These countertops require little maintenance to maintain their sheen. All you need is soap and clean water to keep your countertop looking as good as new. Steer clear from strong cleaning chemicals that may corrode its surface.

It’s worth noting that granite is heat-resistant. That means you can take your baking tray right from the oven and place it directly on the countertop. This is something you can’t do with laminate countertops.

Quartz

Quartz or engineered stone countertops aren’t entirely made of quartz; otherwise, they would be too expensive. Instead, they are made from a composite material that consists of quartz particles with a resin binder that holds everything together. The result is a super hard and non-porous countertop material that never requires resealing.

Just like granite, quartz comes in a variety of colors and designs. Because these countertops consist of natural stone with a resin binder, engineers can shape them into various shapes.

Quartz countertops are scratch-resistant and are non-porous, meaning they don’t stain. They are a great alternative to granite countertops because you don’t have to worry about ugly stains.

Marble

Few things shout class and sophistication quite like a marble countertop. As far as kitchen countertops go, marble countertops are still the king of aesthetics. They can transform the entire outlook of a kitchen and give it a more regal yet contemporary feel.

Marble countertops with clean white finishes are the most popular, but there are plenty of other color variations to choose from. You can settle for marble countertops in shades of gray, brown, and even green. It may be what you need to top everything off when remodeling your kitchen.

Marble maintains a naturally low temperature, which makes it great for rolling and kneading dough. If you like baking, a marble countertop is just what the doctor ordered.

However, owning a marble countertop have its downsides. Marble is softer than other stone materials and will scratch if you cut directly on it. It’s also porous, meaning accidental spills will leave ugly stains on the countertop.

Another downside to marble countertops is that they are a tad expensive compared to other types of countertops. However, marble types like Carrara are more affordable than you’d think. You don’t have to break the bank to own a marble countertop.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a naturally-occurring rock with a smooth, silky feel and a dark gray, almost black color. For the untrained eye, it’s hard to tell soapstone from granite. However, once you touch the countertop, you’ll know whether you’re dealing with soapstone because of its smooth feel.

A soapstone countertop is great to look at and has several advantages over other types of countertops. Some of these advantages include:

• Requires minimal maintenance
• Non-porous
• Heat-resistant
• Available in many different colors

Soapstone is susceptible to oxidization, which is sometimes desirable for some homeowners. In fact, some people oil the countertop to accelerate the formation of the patina, the green-brown film that forms after oxidization.

Many Types of Kitchen Countertops for Your Choosing

There are many types of kitchen countertops to consider when designing a kitchen. Aside from the visuals, don’t forget the practical aspect of the countertop. Settle for a countertop that can handle all your culinary plus baking needs and still look good.

Keep reading our posts for more home improvement tips.