If you’re wondering whether or not to pull the trigger on that kitchen renovation, it should be a no-brainer. Kitchen renovations pay for themselves.
The most important decision you’ll make about your kitchen renovation is the countertop material. There is a whole slew of different types of stone countertops and other materials to choose from. You’ll have to decide which one is right for your home.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the various countertop materials so you can make the best choice for your kitchen reno!
Types of Stone Countertops
Stone is the creme de la creme of kitchen countertops. No two slabs are alike, so your stone countertop will be the only one of its kind in the world. Stone countertops are also super durable and will elevate your kitchen.
There are a few different types to choose from: granite, marble, slate, and quartz.
Granite
Have you ever wondered how the color of granite can vary so much from one kitchen to the next?
Your mom’s granite countertops are black, while your best friend’s granite countertops are gray. That’s because there are tons of different types of granite countertops out there.
Many stones are called “granite” when, in fact, they’re not. The stone needs to be composed of 20 percent quartz to be classified as granite. Some manufacturers will market stone as granite when it doesn’t contain this much.
Reputable dealers like Maryland Granite deal straight from the source. They’ll be able to talk to you about what your granite should look like. The color of the stone can tell you a lot about whether it’s real granite or not!
Marble
There’s nothing quite like bright white marble countertops to make a kitchen pop. They’re every cook’s dream.
Marble countertops will up your home’s resale value. They’re also durable, waterproof, and heatproof, which is why every cook dreams of cooking in an all-marble kitchen.
How nice would it be to be able to grab cookies right out of the oven and set them on the counter without having to grab a hot pad?!
Marble can be stained easily, though. If you opt for marble, make sure to invest in a great sealant to ensure it lasts.
Slate
If your kitchen’s theme is contemporary or industrial, slate countertops would be perfect. Their coloring is more uniform than the others – and typically gray. That means they pair perfectly with wood, concrete, and steel.
Like the other stone countertop options, they’re very durable. Unlike marble, though, slate is a lot less porous. That means it’s a lot less prone to staining from acidic liquids like wine and tomato juice.
Slate is the ultimate in durability.
Soapstone
Soapstone has a more rustic feel that its other stone counterparts. Like slate, its coloring tends to be more uniform than granite, but with some slight marbling.
This material contains talc, which is a powdery substance that gives the soapstone a creamy, matte look. It won’t stain, which makes it great for wine lovers! It’s also even stronger than granite since it holds up better under pressure.
Quartz/Engineered Stone
Maybe you want the beautiful white look of marble without the risk of spilling red wine all over it. Perhaps you love the uniformity of slate but want a tad more marbling in it for a little more color diversity.
Quartz, or engineered stone, can give you exactly what you want. It’s heat resistant, just as hard as granite, and as durable as slate. You can also get it in whichever custom color you like. It’s a great option for those who want the look of a natural stone countertop without any upkeep.
Other Countertop Types
Now that you’ve read up on stone countertop types, what else is out there? Are other countertop types just as great of an investment for your home?
Concrete
Concrete countertops are incredibly durable, but they can get expensive. They require tons of planning and labor to plan and pour the countertops just so in your kitchen.
If you know someone handy, there are definitely DIY options for pouring your own concrete countertops. Make sure you know what you’re doing, though. It’s a huge project!
Butcher Block
Looking for cheap countertops that still look great? Look no further than butcher block. You can get butcher block slabs in tons of washes and patterns for as little as a few hundred dollars from Ikea and other stores.
Make sure to seal them well before you start cooking, though. Wood countertops are susceptible to water damage.
Pick up a butcher block conditioning treatment from your local hardware store. You can also use a combination of walnut oil and beeswax to simultaneously condition and wax the wood over time to fill in knife marks.
Stainless Steel
While stainless steel definitely isn’t a traditional kitchen countertop option, it’s coming back into style in a big way. If you’re big into cooking, stainless steel kitchens are a dream come true. They’re super easy to clean.
Aesthetically speaking, mixing contemporary stainless steel with retro or antique elements is in vogue now.
Try pairing stainless steel countertops with a retro Smeg refrigerator. You could also pair them with a big wooden butcher block kitchen island.
Tile
There are tons of benefits of tile countertops, such as their versatility and low price tag. Regardless of your taste, there’s a tile to suit your flavor. The possibilities are limitless; you can literally design any countertop under the sun.
There are also tiles for every price point too, which means it’s easy to create a gorgeous countertop for less!
The Heart of Your Home
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Now that you’ve read up on the best types of stone countertops, you’re equipped to make that heart shine as bright as possible.
Want more home advice to spruce your humble abode up for the holiday season? Check out our home advice articles for the best tips and tricks!