July 3, 2020

Choosing Kitchen Countertops: What to Consider

Granite Guy Inc. · 8 minute read

Choosing Kitchen Countertops: What to Consider - Granite Guy Inc.

Introduction

Hey there! So you’ve decided to go with stone kitchen countertops—awesome choice! We’re thrilled for you. But let’s be real, the fun part is just beginning, and there’s a bit of homework to do before you commit to the perfect countertops material.

Whether you’re eyeing granite, limestone, or another stone type, you’ve got plenty of options to explore, like natural stone countertops such as soapstone, travertine, or other gorgeous stones. You can also mix in engineered or solid surfaces for a wide range of choices for your kitchen.

Picking the right kitchen countertops comes down to a few key things: durability, maintenance, style, and of course, your budget. Let’s dive into some tips to help you find the custom countertops that’ll make your kitchen shine.

Selection Tips

Function First

Every home and family is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all countertops material that works for everyone. Are you a budding chef who’s chopping and cooking every night?

Or maybe you’re the host with the most, throwing cocktail parties at the bar area or serving up family dinners around the island? Perhaps your little ones are always spilling orange juice or smearing jam on the counter every morning—been there!

When choosing kitchen countertops, think about what matters most to you:

Stain resistance: A must for messy households.
Durability: Needs to handle daily wear and tear.
Ease of maintenance: Keeps your upkeep time low.

This will help you figure out which countertops material is the best fit for your family and how much maintenance you’re up for.

Signature Style

Now, let’s talk about the fun stuff—which countertops material looks and feels right for you? Do you want something warm or cool to the touch?

When picking out your kitchen countertops, imagine the vibe you’re going for:

Are vibrant colors a big deal for you?
Do you love the sleek look of integrated sinks for a seamless style?
How much do details like overhang, thickness, and edge options matter to your vision?

Your custom countertops should be something you absolutely adore and that fits your kitchen and lifestyle perfectly. Making these decisions now will ensure you end up with a design you’ll love for years to come.

Mix Up Countertop Materials

Every countertops material has its own strengths, from easy cleaning to heat resistance. Plus, they come in such beautiful shades and combinations—how can you pick just one?

Good news: you don’t have to! Some homeowners love mixing different materials and colors to create a stunning, complementary look in their kitchen with custom countertops.

It all depends on your space and needs. For example:

A stone-topped baking center paired with a butcher block island for prepping and chopping.
Kitchen countertops for the main surface with a contrasting backsplash in another material.

The possibilities are endless, and we’re here to help you craft the custom countertops of your dreams.

Establish Your Budget Friendly Choice

Alright, let’s get real—this part isn’t the most exciting, but it’s super important. Knowing how much you can spend will help you find kitchen countertops that won’t break the bank, like affordable custom countertops that still look amazing.

Here’s what to factor in:

Material costs.
Labor costs.
Delivery fees.
Custom details like integrated sinks, edge treatments, and backsplashes.

Always give your budget a little wiggle room for unexpected costs. Home projects can sometimes go over budget, even if you’re super careful upfront. Plan for it, and you’ll have a smooth experience with your kitchen countertops installation. Curious about specifics? For instance, granite countertops cost can range from $50 to $150 per square foot, depending on the details.

Getting Started

Ready to start your journey? We’re here to guide you every step of the way in selecting the best kitchen countertops for your space.

Contact us at 508-460-7900 or fill out our online form for a quick reply—we can’t wait to help bring your dream kitchen to life!

Kitchen Countertop Materials Comparison

Let’s break down the best kitchen countertop materials so you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and design taste. Each countertops material has its own perks, so let’s weigh factors like durability, maintenance, and style to help you decide.

Natural Stone Options

Granite countertops and marble countertops are super durable and heat resistant, making them a gorgeous choice for anyone who loves to cook.
These natural stone countertops need periodic sealing to keep them looking their best and to protect against stains.
If you’re all about timeless elegance, these are for you—just be ready for a bit of regular upkeep.
Quartzite countertops are natural stone options formed from sandstone under intense heat and pressure, offering exceptional durability.
Harder than granite, they resist heat and scratches, making them ideal for busy kitchens, though they require sealing to prevent staining.
Available in stunning colors like white, gray, and soft blues, with unique veining, quartzite adds a luxurious, marble-like aesthetic to your space.
Soapstone countertops offer a soft, matte finish with subtle veining, prized for their natural beauty and rustic charm.
Non-porous and naturally heat-resistant, they don’t require sealing, but regular oiling enhances their deep gray or green tones and natural patina over time.
Softer than other stones, scratches can be sanded out, making soapstone a practical yet elegant choice for farmhouse-style kitchens.

Engineered Stone Options

Quartz countertops are an engineered stone option that combines the look of natural stone with enhanced performance.
These surfaces are highly resistant to stains and scratches, and their non-porous nature means they’re easy to keep clean.
Quartz is a popular choice for busy households looking for style and low maintenance in their kitchen countertops.

Other Material Options

Solid surface countertops, such as Corian, offer a seamless look and can mimic the appearance of natural stone at a more budget-friendly price point.
These countertops are easy to maintain and repair, making them a practical choice for families who want the look of stone without the higher price tag.
Laminate countertops are a cost-effective and versatile option, available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
While they’re a budget-friendly choice, laminate surfaces can be more easily scratched or stained compared to other kitchen countertops, so they may not be ideal for heavy-duty food prep.
Butcher block countertops bring a warm, rustic aesthetic to any kitchen. Made from wood, butcher blocks are easy to repair and perfect for those who love a natural, tactile surface.
However, they do require regular maintenance to prevent stains and scratches and should be sealed to protect against moisture, unlike low-maintenance kitchen countertops like quartz.
Concrete countertops are another durable and customizable option, offering a modern, industrial look.
While concrete is extremely durable, it can be prone to cracking and will need periodic sealing to maintain its appearance.

With so many different materials to choose from, it’s all about finding the right countertops material for your needs, budget, and style. By picking the perfect kitchen countertops, you’ll create a dream kitchen that’s both beautiful and functional for years to come.

Countertop Safety and Hygiene

Safety and hygiene are top priorities in any kitchen, and the countertops material you choose can make a big difference in keeping your space clean and healthy. Some materials are naturally more resistant to bacteria, while others need a bit more TLC to stay sanitary. Let’s take a look.

Natural Stone Considerations

Granite countertops and marble countertops are stunning and durable, but since they’re porous, they can harbor bacteria if not properly sealed and maintained.
Regular sealing is a must to keep these surfaces safe for food prep.
Quartzite countertops are durable but porous, requiring regular sealing to prevent bacterial growth and staining in high-traffic kitchens.
Proper care, like wiping up spills quickly, keeps them hygienic for food prep.
Soapstone countertops are naturally non-porous, making them resistant to bacteria without the need for sealing.
A quick wipe with mild soap and water keeps them clean, offering a low-maintenance, hygienic option for busy kitchens.

Engineered and Non-Porous Options

Quartz countertops stand out for their non-porous surface, making them super resistant to bacteria and stains.
They’re a go-to choice for homeowners who want hygienic, low-maintenance kitchen countertops that clean up easily with just mild soap and water.
Solid surface countertops such as Corian are also non-porous, so bacteria and moisture can’t get through.
They’re a breeze to wipe down, helping you keep your kitchen safe and hygienic.

Other Material Considerations

Laminate countertops are easy to clean, but scratches and stains can create spots where bacteria might grow if you’re not careful.
Quick cleaning and gentle use will help keep them safe.
Butcher block countertops bring a natural, cozy vibe, but since they’re wood, they need regular sealing to prevent stains and bacterial growth.
Clean them with mild soap and water, and skip harsh chemicals to keep them safe for food prep.
Concrete countertops are durable, but cracks or chips can become spots for bacteria to hide.
Regular sealing and quick repairs are key to keeping them hygienic, unlike naturally hygienic kitchen countertops like quartz.

No matter which countertops material you pick, sticking to proper cleaning habits and regular maintenance will keep your kitchen a safe, healthy space for your family.

Countertop Installation and Repair

Installing or repairing kitchen countertops is a job for the pros—trust us, it’s worth it! Each countertops material has its own installation needs, and costs can vary depending on the material and your kitchen’s layout. Let’s break it down.

Installation Costs and Considerations

Granite countertops are a popular pick for their beauty and durability, but their weight and need for precise installation can bump up the price. Granite countertops cost typically ranges from $50 to $150 per square foot.
Pro installation ensures your granite countertops are supported and finished just right.
Quartzite countertops need careful installation due to their weight and natural variations, with costs ranging from $80 to $210 per square foot.
Pros will ensure durability, and repairs might involve resealing or patching small chips with specialized materials.
Soapstone countertops are softer and easier to work with, but precise installation is still key, with costs typically between $70 to $120 per square foot.
Repairs are simple, often just sanding out scratches or reapplying mineral oil to maintain the surface.
Quartz countertops are usually less pricey to install than granite, with costs ranging from $50 to $150 per square foot.
Their engineered design makes them easier to work with, and repairs are straightforward if damage happens to these kitchen countertops.
Solid surface countertops like Corian are easy to install and repair, with costs between $30 and $70 per square foot.
They can be seamlessly joined and are simple to refinish if scratched or stained.
Laminate countertops are some of the most budget-friendly, with installation costs from $20 to $50 per square foot.
They’re also easy to repair or replace, making them a practical choice for many homeowners.
Butcher block countertops need special care during installation to ensure the wood is sealed and supported.
Costs typically range from $50 to $150 per square foot, and repairs might involve sanding and resealing to restore the surface.
Concrete countertops offer a custom look but can be trickier to install and repair, with costs from $50 to $200 per square foot.
Cracks or chips can be fixed with specialized materials, but you’ll want a pro for the best results.

For the best outcome, always go with a qualified, experienced pro for your countertop installation or repair. Investing in expert work will give you beautiful, long-lasting kitchen countertops that make your space shine. You’ve got this!

Countertop Resale Value

Planning a kitchen remodel? It’s smart to think about how your choice of countertops material will affect your home’s resale value. The right kitchen countertops can be a huge selling point, adding both beauty and function to your space.

High-Value Materials

Granite countertops and marble countertops are always a hit with buyers thanks to their durability and timeless appeal.
These natural stone countertops can really boost your home’s resale value, making them a smart choice if you’re looking to impress potential buyers.
Quartzite countertops are loved for their durability and luxurious, marble-like look, often increasing resale value for buyers seeking premium natural stone.
Their unique veining and high-end appeal make them a standout in upscale kitchens.
Soapstone countertops bring a unique, rustic charm that buyers who love natural materials and a classic vibe can’t resist.
Their low-maintenance appeal and timeless look can add value, especially in traditional or farmhouse-style homes.
Quartz countertops, an engineered stone, are another top pick for boosting resale value.
Their durability, low maintenance, and modern style appeal to buyers who want a kitchen that’s both chic and easy to care for with kitchen countertops.

Other Material Impacts

Solid surface countertops like Corian offer a seamless look and are easy to maintain, making them a solid choice for boosting your kitchen’s appeal without the higher price tag of natural stone.
Laminate countertops are budget-friendly, but they might not add as much value due to their lower durability and less luxurious look.
Butcher block countertops can be a unique selling point, especially for buyers who love a rustic vibe and the warmth of natural wood.
Well-maintained butcher block countertops can add charm and value to your kitchen.
Concrete countertops appeal to buyers looking for a modern, custom look, but their resale value can vary depending on installation quality and the home’s overall style.

In the end, your countertops’ resale value depends on the quality of the material, the craftsmanship of the installation, and how well you’ve maintained them. By choosing high-quality kitchen countertops and keeping them in top shape, you’ll create a kitchen that not only works for you but also wows future buyers. Imagine your dream kitchen coming to life—we’re here to make it happen!