Granite. One of the top choices for kitchen countertops is granite. Granite countertops are popular because they are durable and tough, able to resist impact and abrasive damage. It is a more expensive countertop option, but homeowners love it's resistance to heat and stunning finish.
Quartz Countertops
Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, quartz typically ranks close in popularity to the perennial top choice: granite.
While quartz countertops have risen in popularity as the preferred material for modern kitchens, granite countertops remain a strong and timeless choice.
Quartz countertops can cost between $80 to $140 per square foot installed. Granite countertops can cost between $80 and $175 per square foot installed. The price difference between granite and quartz will vary because both materials are international imports, so tariffs and other transport costs will impact pricing.
#1.
Quartz countertops do have a certain level of heat resistance. However, it's not as heat-resistant as granite countertops. The same thing that makes quartz countertops so strong also makes them weak when you put heat or hot cookware on them.
White will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops.
If other homes sold in your area have quartz countertops and sold at or under your home's value, granite doesn't make sense. In this case, quartz adds the most value. Buyers will pay extra for upgrades but not if they can purchase a home similar to yours for a lower price without them.
Deciding on the color of your kitchen countertops can be tricky. Experts recommend working with a lighter countertop than a cabinet for the perfect color blend. This combination makes the countertop installation job ideal for the ultimate kitchen outlook.
Bold, reddish-brown granites were quite popular in the early 2000s, but much like dark green granite, they can make a space feel outdated and overbearing. While red granite certainly stands out, it no longer aligns with the current trend of neutral, calming spaces that emphasize simplicity.
White kitchens remain an indispensable choice for renovations in 2024, combining versatility and timeless elegance. Our kitchen designers know how to maximize the potential of white kitchens to create spaces that suit all tastes, from classic to modern, trendy, and contemporary.
Despite varying trends and marketing influences, Corian remains a timeless choice!
White marble was her countertop of choice to lighten up the room and ground the bold shade. If you want the sleek and cozy style of dark cabinets without the gloomy claustrophobic feel, then do as the expert designer and pair them with white marble countertops.
For cost-efficient, long-term countertop options, consider granite and other natural stone materials. Sheets of granite are smooth, durable and heat-resistant, making this the perfect material to use in your kitchen.
Can You Put Hot Cooking Utensils On A Quartz Countertop? The quick answer is no, you should aim to not place a hot pan on a quartz kitchen worktop as the heat from the pan will cause the quartz to burn. The resin that is in the quartz material can only withhold 150 degrees in heat before it reaches its maximum.
Marble. Marble countertops exude sophistication and luxury, making them a timeless and popular choice for homeowners. The natural veining patterns and soft color tones create a stunning visual impact that elevates any space. Marble has long been associated with luxury and refinement.
Corian (designed by DuPont) was the first solid surface material to appear on the market. It was first sold in 1971 in only one color. The brand still exists and now manufacturers more than 100 colors. The material is stain-resistant due to its non-porous nature, a useful characteristic for a kitchen counter.
The number one piece of advice we would give homeowners when looking to purchase stone with resale in mind, is to keep it as neutral as possible. Solid, neutral colors can appeal to potential home buyers because of the versatility of the color when matching it to the rest of the room.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred.
Neutral shades, like black, white, beige, tan, and gray. Classic patterns and designs, like black and white checkerboard and herringbone. Natural stone or porcelain and ceramic lookalikes. Hexagon-shaped and other geometric tiles.
Grays, browns, whites, tans, olives, and other neutral colors are a great choice, helping the style of your kitchen outlast the trends and fads that come and go year in and year out.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
2) It's Vulnerable to Heat Damage
Excessive heat can damage a quartz countertop because its resins melt when in contact with heat. That's why you should avoid putting items like hot pots, pans or curling irons directly on the surface.
The least expensive type of countertop is laminate. It's appealing and easy to clean, but it can also easily damage from heat, scratches, and moisture.