A well-designed kitchen can become the heart of your home. One of the most important aspects of your kitchen remodel is the countertop material you choose. When making this decision, consider both beauty and aesthetics, as well as utility and functionality. Our goal today is to guide our neighbors in Houston through the variety of countertop materials available to you.
Granite
Granite has become a perennial favorite for homeowners thanks to its strength and unique beauty. This naturally occurring stone offers a range of colors and patterns, ensuring each slab is unique. Granite is heat-resistant and, when properly sealed, can resist most stains. Granite does require some maintenance in the form of periodic resealing in order to maintain its look and durability.
Cost starts at $60 per square foot.
Butcher Block
Butcher block countertops add warmth and a natural aesthetic to your kitchen. These countertops, made from pieces of wood bonded together, provide an ideal surface for cutting and chopping. However, they require regular oiling to prevent drying and cracking over time. Butcher block countertops may be an inexpensive option, but will not be appropriate in all areas of your home. Butcher block is typically used in an office. When used in a kitchen, it is best as an accent to a main countertop of a different material.
Cost starts at $60 per square foot.
Quartz
Engineered quartz is a composite material made from crushed quartz and resin. It is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and scratches. Quartz countertops are a low maintenance option and do not require sealing, making them an excellent choice for busy kitchens. It is available in a broad range of colors and can even mimic the look of natural stone.
Cost starts at $70 per square foot.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone, but is harder than granite. It offers a high degree of resistance to heat, scratches, and etching from acidic substances. Quartzite countertops often have a similar appearance to marble but with superior durability, making it ideal for kitchens with high usage.
Cost starts at $75 per square foot.
Marble
Marble can lend a high-end, timeless aesthetic to any kitchen. This classic material is heat resistant, but because it is a porous stone, it can be susceptible to stains if not sealed regularly. Marble can also show knife scratches over time. Despite this, many homeowners embrace the evolving appearance of a marble countertop as part of its charm.
Cost starts at $75 per square foot
SPECIALTY
In addition to the more popular materials we’ve already mentioned, consider these other specialty options. While less common, some are equally as affordable. Others, while at an additional cost, may provide the unique effect necessary to take your kitchen to the next level.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a highly durable material that is resistant to heat, stains, and UV rays. Its non-porous nature makes it highly resistant to scratches, and its wide range of colors and finishes allows homeowners to achieve almost any look. While porcelain is relatively new to the market as a countertop material, it is gaining popularity for its durability and versatility.
Cost starts at $70 per square foot.
Avonite
Avonite might be more rarely used, but it keeps in line with the cost of more common countertop materials. Avonite is a type of solid surface material, offering durability, heat resistance, and easy maintenance. It is available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Avonite countertops are non-porous, meaning they resist stains and do not require sealing. An added bonus is that any scratches can be easily buffed out.
Cost starts at $60 per square foot.
Soapstone
Soapstone is another cost-effective specialty material. Soapstone is a dense, non-porous material renowned for its durability and natural, rustic appeal. Its resistance to stains, heat, and bacteria makes it ideal for kitchen use. Over time, soapstone will darken, which only adds to its unique character and charm.
Cost starts at $70 per square foot.
Concrete
Concrete countertops can provide a contemporary, industrial feel to a kitchen. Customizable in color and texture, concrete is heat and scratch-resistant. It does require scheduled maintenance. These countertops need to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and to maintain their finish.
Cost starts at $70 per square foot.
Corian
Corian is another solid surface material that is customizable, durable, and available in a vast array of colors. It is easy to clean and maintain. However, it is less heat-resistant than some other materials, so caution should be taken with hot pots and pans.
Cost starts at $70 per square foot.
Recycled Glass
Recycled glass countertops are an eco-friendly choice, while still offering durability and a unique aesthetic. Small pieces of recycled glass are embedded in a resin or concrete base, resulting in a wide range of colors and patterns. These countertops are heat, stain, and scratch-resistant, and require minimal maintenance.
Cost starts at $100 per square foot.
Stainless Steel
While one of the more expensive options, stainless steel offers a sleek, modern look that is also highly functional. They are non-porous, making them hygienic and easy to clean. While stainless steel is heat and stain-resistant, it can show scratches and fingerprints.
Cost starts at $125 per square foot
Choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen should be an informed decision. You should consider your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences since each material offers its own unique blend of benefits and characteristics. No matter which countertop you choose, remember that your kitchen is an expression of your own personal style. Choosing the perfect countertop for you ensures your remodel is a success and will lead to many years of wonderful memories.
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