The Ultimate Guide to Countertops
“Kitchens should be designed around what is truly important- fun, food, and life.”
- Chef Daniel Boulud
An important part of kitchen design is countertop selection. Deciding which countertop surface is best for your home is not only important for design, but also function. In this post, I will discuss different countertop options I present to my clients when designing their hone with the help of Jeremiah from Rivers Edge Countertops.
Each surface presents its own beauty and style that can enhance any area of your home. Being educated on their make-up as well as price point can help you choose wisely.
Granite
Price: $45 - $100 / sq.ft. Installed
Design: Usually darker in color, more traditional style (no whites)
Finish: Leathered, Polished, and Matte
Pro: Resistant to heat and scratches. Great, budget-friendly price point.
Con: Must be resealed every 6 to 12 months unless a warrantied sealer is used.
Quartz
Price: $45 - $150 / sq.ft Installed
Design: It comes in many different color options from white to black
Finish: Leathered, Polished, and Matte
Pro: It is made from a nonporous material, making it resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and bacteria. Low maintenance. Due to the nonporous material, it can be used for longer overhangs and have fewer seams.
Con: It is expensive. It can burn.
Quartz
Marble
Price: $70 - $200 / sq.ft Installed
Design: Luxury colors from modern to contemporary
Finish: Leathered, Polished, and Matte
Pro: Timeless look that will always be in style.
Con: Soft material that scratches easily. Needs to be resealed every 6 to 12 months unless a warranty sealer is used
Marble
Soapstone
Price: $80 - $100 / sq.ft Installed
Design: Darker hues usually on the green side
Finish: Matte
Pro: Extremely durable and resistant to heat. Due to its high density, it is resistant to bacteria and stains, as well!
Con: It is a softer material, which will cause the edges and corners to dull over time. Nicks and scratches accumulate over time. The greener in color that the slab is, the softer the material.
Large Format Porcelain
Price: $75 - $100 / sq.ft. Installed
Design: Various color options with more natural veining
Finish: Polished and Matte
Pro: Heat, stain, and scratch resistant. Large color variety from marble to concrete looks. Versatile product that can be used for countertops, fireplaces, showers, and more.
Con: Can chip on the edges. Higher price than other products.
Porcelain
Quartzite
Price: $75 - $100 / sq.ft Installed
Design: Various natural options from light to dark
Finish: Leathered, Polished, and Matte
Pro: Scratch and heat resistant. Harder material than granite and or marble. Unique patterns from bold to subtle veins.
Con: Can be easily stained if not properly sealed.
Quartzite
Concrete
Price: $70 - $100 / sq.ft. Installed
Design: Provides an industrial or modern feel to the space.
Finish: Polished and Matte
Pro: Extremely durable
Con: More expensive and time consuming to install. Can stain easily unless a topical sealer is used. Can hairline crack after settling.
Butcher Block
Price: $35 - $85 / sq.ft. Installed
Design: Natural wood
Finish: Sealed with oil or ploy clear coat
Pro: Provides a feeling of warmth to the space. Mixes well with other countertop surfaces. Great price point.
Cons: Heat sensitive. Easily dented. Must be sealed properly.
This post is in collaboration with Jeremiah Rivers of Rivers Edge Countertops of Newcastle, Oklahoma. Thank you, Jeremiah, for your expertise on all things countertops!
please let me know if you have any comments or questions!
Designer with a purpose,