There are lots of countertop selections on the market for home improvement, but 10 materials comprise the majority of countertops in residential kitchens. They include laminate countertops, tile countertops, granite, marble, quartz, and more. Each material has its positive and negative aspects. For example, there are specific materials that are durable while some can be easily scratched such as wood countertops.
How much do these countertops cost? Some countertop cost a lot more than others. It is very important to pick the right countertop for your kitchen remodel and home in Los Angeles as it is a prime location.
Granite
In a period of time, granite countertops were a popular choice before there were cheaper alternatives.
Granite defines elegance in a kitchen. Any kitchen can be grandeur with a simple touch of the elegance of granite countertops.
Granite looks especially good when complimented with stainless steel cookware
In recent history, granite has always been expensive. However, due to the growth of supplies and stones that are engineered becoming more frequent, their value slowly decreased.
It is a popular choice for a kitchen island and butcher block.
Pros
- Almost impervious to heat
- Very strong and durable
- Adds real estate value to home
- Thousands of different colors and types available
- Nearly maintenance-free when treated with newer sealers
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Very expensive material
- Not suitable for DIY installation
- Slabs may have imperfections
- Can crack if stressed or improperly installed
- Knives are quickly dulled by cutting on granite
- Such stones are porous which requires sealing to avoid dirt
Soapstone
Soapstones can also be found in nature with a shade of dark gray. It also has a smooth and silky texture. It became more in demand as it is seen as an alternative to granite.
Most often, soapstones are common in antique houses but in the modern era, it’s being used as a countertop and sink material. Soapstone gradually develops a glaze that’s attractive in specific kitchen styles.
Contrary to others’ beliefs, soapstones that are used for countertops are very durable and don’t easily get filthy. On the other hand, scratch can develop over time but can this be a pro if you want an antique gloss on the stone.
Pros
- Deep, rich color
- Somewhat stain resistant
- Fairly impervious to heat
- Damage can be sanded out
- Offers antique, historic look to a kitchen
Cons
- May darken over time
- DIY installation not possible
- Must be treated with mineral oil
- Scratches and dents on the surface may occur but this can add a more pleasing look on the stone
Marble
Another natural stone commonly used in kitchen countertops is marble, one of the most sought-after solid surface countertops. Every sheet of marble is unique. Since it is very expensive, marble as countertops is not very common.
Generally, its glamorous look is used as an island or section of countertop for a baking center. Despite the fact of it being costly, marble countertops might not be highly recommended for kitchens due to it being vulnerable to staining and scratching. Certain sealants can reduce the maintenance of marbles but we can not ignore the fact that it is more sensitive than granite or soapstone.
Pros
- Waterproof and heatproof
- Adds to real estate value of a home
- Exceptionally beautiful stone, with unique veining
Cons
- Expensive
- DIY installation not possible
- Can be scratched; repairs are difficult
- Stone is porous and stains easily unless sealed
Quartz
Quartz as a material is not excavated from the ground. It is engineered with the process of shaping 93% of quartz particles and different minerals into slabs and combining them all together with the use of resins. It is one of the most popular countertop materials today.
Quartz are being sold by companies such as DuPont Zodiaq, LG Viatera, Cambria, and Silestone. It was designed to tailor the kitchen environment making it a great alternative to granite and marble. This material is available in a variety of colors and it can withstand scratching and staining due to its nonporous surface. Best part yet is that it doesn’t require any annual reseasling.
Glass countertops also utilize the same concept as the material quarts. But this time, these countertops are composed of recycled glass bended particles and the use of resins to shape them into countertop slabs. Consumers who want to be part of the latest development might want to consider glass and quartz countertops.
Pros
- DIY installation possible
- Easy to maintain, no sealing required
- Slabs are uniform, with no imperfections
- Can be custom-fabricated in any size and shape
- Ability to resist stain and withstand heat and acid
- More convincing, natural appearance than solid surface material
- Heat resistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Countertops are very heavy
Solid-Surface Material
Solid-surface materials are being sold by brands such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone. This material is also engineered, it is composed of blended acrylic particles that are shaped into thin sheets and different shapes. Solid-surface countertops and sinks have a great reputation for 50 years. In the beginning, they were seen as alternatives to natural stone, which they sought to replicate.
They were once perceived as top of the line for countertops, but are now being evaluated as a mid-tier. Solid-surface material countertops can still be a great choice for average kitchens and even high quality ones for it will cost less than granite or quartz.
Pros
- Resists staining
- Seams are virtually invisible
- Damage can be easily sanded out
- Available in many, many colors and patterns
- Integrated sink/countertop units are available
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- Vulnerable to damage from hot pans
- No DIY installation; must be fabricated by pros
Key Insights
Given all the countertop options, choosing a custom countertop depends on your personal preferences. With a long list of styles with their corresponding values, you might want to consider your budget and habits. Are you the type of person who cooks often or prepares to order food? Will you accept the unique design of natural materials as part of your luxurious kitchen design?
Picking the finishes of your kitchen is one of the most exciting parts of kitchen remodeling in Los Angeles, especially if your home is in a prime location such as Los Angeles. However, it could also be stressful and overwhelming for some because you have to align the design of the kitchen countertops with the cabinets, backsplash, flooring, and fixtures. The best way to make a decision is by doing your own research and finding out what you want or by asking advice from kitchen countertop contractors or remodeling companies.