New countertops can instantly spruce up a dull-looking kitchen or bathroom. If your countertops look like they’ve seen better days, updating them can give your home a vibrant new look. But with various countertop materials to choose from, how do you know which one is ideal for your home? If you’re torn between various countertop options, here are seven excellent kitchen and bathroom countertops to consider for your next home remodel.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone countertop material that’s stood the test of time. Popular among homeowners because of its distinct look, no two granite slabs look identical, making granite an excellent option for homeowners looking for unique kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Pros
Luxurious appearance
Long-lasting
Heat and scratch-resistant
Available in various colors and patterns
Attractive to homebuyers, which can boost home resale value
Cons
Relatively costly
Requires regular sealing to prevent staining and discoloration
Granite must be installed by professionals because it’s bulky and difficult to manipulate
Bottom line
Granite is a durable countertop material that can last for decades if well maintained, making it an excellent investment. It’s also heat-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about hot pots, pans or hair curlers damaging it. However, granite is prone to absorbing liquids, so you’ll need to seal it regularly to preserve its appearance.
Tile
While tile is a popular countertop material for bathrooms, it’s also great for kitchens. Typically available as either ceramic or porcelain, tile countertops are great at adding texture and pattern to drab kitchens and bathrooms.
Pros
Relatively inexpensive
Simple to install
Heat-resistant
Offers flexible styling options. For instance, porcelain tile can mimic the appearance of concrete and other countertop materials.
Cons
Grout lines between tiles are tough to clean, making it difficult to maintain
Tile doesn’t offer great resale value, as tile isn’t popular among homebuyers, particularly as a kitchen countertop material
Susceptible to cracking or breaking under impact
Bottom line
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are excellent options for homeowners on a budget looking for a material that offers flexible design options. However, tile maintenance can prove difficult, and tile isn’t attractive to homebuyers.
Quartz
Granite was once the preferred countertop material for kitchen remodels. However, quartz rapidly gained ground against granite and overtook it to become the leading countertop material for kitchen remodels. Quartz is made from a mixture of natural quartz, polymers, and other natural stone materials, and it’s not only suitable for kitchen countertops but also bathroom countertops.
Pros
Incredibly durable
Scratch and stain-resistant
Offers great resale value because it’s sought after by homebuyers
Resistant to mold and bacteria
Doesn’t require regular sealing
Available in various patterns and colors
Cons
Fairly costly compared to other materials
Quartz must be installed by experts because it’s heavy and difficult to manipulate
Bottom line
Quartz is undoubtedly one of the best materials for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It’s long-lasting, and it’s scratch and stain-resistant. Moreover, it has a beautiful appearance that appeals to homebuyers. However, it comes at a high cost, so you may want to explore other options if you’re on a budget.
Marble
Marble is another popular kitchen and bathroom countertop material. While it isn’t as popular as granite, marble is an excellent option for bakers because it stays cool, making it perfect for kneading dough. It’s also a great option for bathrooms because of its immaculate appearance.
Pros
Beautiful appearance
Relatively heat-resistant
Cons
Prone to scratches
Susceptible to staining and requires regular sealing
Prone to damage if acidic substances contact it
Relatively costly compared to other countertop materials
Bottom line
Marble is an elegant countertop material, particularly for high-end settings. However, it’s susceptible to stains and scratches, so it isn’t suitable for high-traffic bathrooms.
Laminate
Laminate countertops were incredibly popular in the 1950s and 60s largely because of their low cost and availability in various colors. However, over the years, their popularity dwindled in favor of newer, more stylish options. However, laminates are gradually making a comeback as manufacturers make laminates that resemble the appearance of materials like natural stone, solid surfaces, or even concrete.
Pros
Inexpensive
Simple to install
Stain-resistant
Available in various colors and patterns
Cons
Short lifespan compared to other kitchen and bathroom countertop options
Vulnerable to scratches and heat damage
Offer poor resale value as homebuyers perceive laminates as “cheap.”
Bottom line
Laminate countertops are an excellent budget option, and it’s possible to install them without the help of a professional. However, they aren’t long-lasting, and homebuyers are often put off by them.
Update Your Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops Today
Countertops occupy a lot of real estate in the kitchen and bathroom. If your countertops look worn out, they can ruin the aesthetic of your entire kitchen or bathroom. Don’t let your countertops make your home look like an eyesore. Contact us today to schedule a kitchen or bathroom countertop upgrade.