So you’re finally remodeling your kitchen, or at least giving it a facelift… You’ve decided that the countertops are essential to transforming your kitchen, but with so many materials on the market to choose from, how can you be sure you’re picking the right one?
Granite has been all the rage for years now, but have you considered the increasingly popular quartz? Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of marble countertops but aren’t sure if they’re right for your space. Take a look at our comparison chart to determine which countertop material will work best for your kitchen.
Laminate
Pros
Affordable; Can achieve the look of granite or marble
Cons
Prone to scratches, stains, and burns
Average Starting Price
$-$$ per square foot
Style
- Traditional
- Contemporary
- Transitional
- Modern
- Casual
Butcher Block
Pros
Surface ages well; Knicks and scratches give it character
Cons
Must be oiled often to protect the surface
Average Starting Price
$$$-$$$$ per square foot
Style
- Cottage
- Farmhouse
- Casual
Granite
Pros
Not easily stained; scratch and chip resistant
Cons
Requires very sturdy cabinet boxes to hold the weight; Needs resealed periodically
Average Starting Price
$$-$$$$ per square foot
Style
- Traditional
- Contemporary
- Transitional
- Modern
- Casual
Concrete
Pros
Can be tinted and shaped however you want
Cons
Small cracks and chips can develop over time; Stains easily; Very heavy
Average Starting Price
$$$-$$$$ per square foot
Style
- Industrial
- Modern
Stainless Steel
Pros
Virtually indestructible; Trendy, modern, industrial look
Cons
May dent or become discolored from chemicals; Shows fingerprints easily
Average Starting Price
$$$$ per square foot
Style
- Industrial
- Modern
Soapstone
Pros
Resists heat damage
Cons
Stains and scratches easily
Average Starting Price
$$$$ per square foot
Style
- Contemporary
- Transitional
- Modern
Limestone
Pros
Resists heat damage
Cons
Stains and scratches easily
Average Starting Price
$$$$ per square foot
Style
- Contemporary
- Transitional
- Modern
Quartz
Pros
Not easily stained; scratch, chip, and heat resistant
Cons
Designs that imitate natural stone can sometimes have an artificial look
Average Starting Price
$$$-$$$$ per square foot
Style
- Traditional
- Contemporary
- Transitional
- Modern
- Casual
Marble
Pros
Heat resistant; Perfect for baking
Cons
Chips, scratches, and stains easily
Average Starting Price
$$$$ per square foot
Style
- Traditional
- Contemporary
- Transitional
- Modern
*Note: Pricing varies based on brand, cut, and quality.
Items to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Installer:
- Reputation of contractor – We recommend checking out reviews online or asking for referrals. Google, Facebook, and Yelp reviews will quickly give you an idea of the quality of work and customer service you’re going to get from a contractor.
- Years in business – The more years of experience the contractor or company has, the more likely it is that they know what they’re doing and can do it well. While being fresh in the industry certainly doesn’t always mean lack of talent, it could mean that you’re missing out on the knowledge and quality work that comes with experience.
- Product warranty – This is an important aspect to consider. It’s essentially the manufacturers way of letting you know how long they expect the product to hold up, and a signifier of how important customer satisfaction is to them.
- Seam quality – This is often overlooked, but very important. You could choose the most expensive marble there is, but poorly installed countertops with low-quality seams can give the whole project a cheap and unsightly look.
- All costs of the work – Don’t be misled by a low cost per square foot. Make sure to include all costs of the job (tear out, cutouts, edges, plumbing, etc.) and reputation/quality of the contractor when selecting one.
See How Granite Countertops Transformed This Traditional Kitchen
This beautiful, traditional kitchen was completely transformed and all pulled together with granite countertops. Take a look or browse other featured projects to see how countertops play an important role!
Take the Next Step Toward Your Dream Kitchen
Ready to move forward on your kitchen remodel? The team at American Wood Reface can help you determine the most cost-effective way to get the kitchen you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home consultation!
