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The Best Countertop Materials for Your Kitchen

Kitchen Remodeling

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Kitchen Remodeling Advice for Your Next Renovation

Deciding you need new countertops for your kitchen is easy: if they are hard to clean, worn out, or an eyesore to look at, you’ve probably been dreaming of new countertops for ages! The next step you need to take, however, is a little trickier: choosing what material you would like your new countertops to be!

How do you know what countertop material is best for your kitchen? Before you dive into kitchen remodeling blindly, take a look at our industry tips from home remodeling professionals who know kitchens, baths, and interior design. We’ll help you make the right choice, to build a kitchen renovation you’ll fall in love with.

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5 Best Countertop Materials for Your Kitchen

What are the best countertops for your kitchen design? We’ve narrowed down the list by the quality of material, durability, functionality, and aesthetic design. Take a look for yourself if one of these materials will make up your new countertops!

Granite Countertops

Granite counters are a homeowner’s dream. Known as a popular choice in luxury countertops, granite counters help define elegance in a kitchen and have significant benefits:

  • Heat and wear resistant
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Substantial and long-lasting
  • Nearly maintenance-free
  • High value to home buyers

Although granite countertops have traditionally been more expensive, their rising popularity is helping to make them more affordable for your own kitchen remodel. If you choose granite to install new countertops, make sure they are properly sealed to avoid stains over time.

Wood Countertops

The advantage of wood countertops lies in that they are highly durable, and any knicks or scratches can usually be buffed out. Beware, however, of leaving hot pots and pans on a wooden surface – wooden countertops will not withstand direct heat as well as granite countertops. In the wood category, there are many types of countertops to choose from. Before making your selection, ask yourself how you would like to finish your counters with a custom stain or if you’d like to match them with custom cabinets.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Does your lifestyle embrace a more industrial edge? Stainless steel is an obvious choice for homeowners who want a no-nonsense kitchen counter that is easy to clean, heat resistant, and visually appealing. Before installing stainless steel counters, keep in mind that cleaning these counters requires using more natural disinfectants, such as vinegar and water, rather than caustic chemicals such as bleach. These countertops are generally easy to install, and with gentle maintenance, they can look great and last a long time.

Soapstone Countertops

What makes soapstone countertops a homeowner favorite? Its smooth, pliable texture and heat-resistant design naturally rejects stains (although it is a good rule of thumb to wipe away spills and mess promptly), and any scratches will fade over time or can be sanded out. Although light gray soapstone tends to weather over time, darkening in color, there are many colors you can choose from that will remain beautiful and easy to care for with little upkeep.

Engineered Stone Countertops

Engineered stone countertops use about 90 percent quartz in their manufacturing process, which creates an impeccable result:

  • Tough, strong, and durable
  • No need to be professionally sealed
  • Heat-resistant
  • Desirable among new homeowners

If your kitchen is one of the most heavily used rooms in your home, you’ll want a countertop that can stand up against wear and tear through the years. As a common alternative to granite, engineered stone countertops pose a more cost-effective solution that is visually attractive and functional.

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Plan Your Kitchen Design with Blackdog Build/Design/Remodel

Planning a kitchen remodel is both an art and a science. You may be caught up in the details of how to best accommodate guests and extended family, or how the chef in your family will enjoy day-to-day luxuries such as custom cabinets or a deep, stainless-steel sink. The possibilities are endless!

Before you attempt a DIY kitchen remodel on your own, give our kitchen design team a call, or contact us to learn more by scheduling a consultation.

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