How to choose the best countertop material

You also want a countertop that will last a long time and is easy to clean and maintain, while also transforming the room and adding a sense of style and originality. Below are some of the best countertop materials on the market, each with their pros and cons, that you can familiarize yourself with if you’re considering installing countertops in your home.

1. Granite countertops

Granite is the most popular material used to make countertops because it has some of the most favorable characteristics. Some of these characteristics are that it comes from natural stone, so it lasts a long time, it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making it one of the most attractive materials to make countertops. Granite is also very easy to maintain because the only mandatory maintenance practice is annual resealing. Granite is the second hardest stone in the diamond, making it very difficult to cut. The only drawback is that it will dull knives if you use it as a cutting board. Granite countertops come in two forms where you can choose granite slabs or granite tiles. Granite will keep its brilliant shine for a long time and you won’t have to worry about color fading. If you decide to go with a granite countertop, you should set your budget a bit higher because slabs or tiles are expensive compared to other materials on the market. On the other hand you will only buy it once.

2.Laminated

Laminate is another popular material used in the manufacture of countertops for those with low to moderate budgets. Laminate is a mix of plastic and synthetic that has a very smooth surface that is easy to clean and maintain. Laminate countertops come in a wide variety of colors and sizes that you can choose from and are very lightweight. Other features are that the material is stain resistant and you can install it yourself. Some of the downsides to selecting laminate countertops are that they are difficult to repair once damaged and are very susceptible to scratches. Laminate countertops will lose their color after a few years and have an expiration period when you will need to replace them.

3. Ceramic countertops

Ceramic is another material used for countertops because it is inexpensive and easy to clean and maintain. With ceramic countertops, you’ll have a wide range of colors to choose from, plus it can withstand harsh kitchen conditions like high temperatures. On the downside, ceramic countertops are uneven on the surfaces and crack easily. They also stain easily but will last a long time.

4.Engineered stone

Engineered stone is also known as quartz countertops as it contains 93% quartz, making it highly durable and typically stronger than granite. Engineered stones come in a wide range of colors and patterns, plus they can resist scratches. Quartz is a natural stone that does not require sealing because it is non-porous and therefore easy to maintain. Every slab of quartz is the same, so you’ll enjoy consistency in pattern and design while still getting the natural feel of the stone. The only drawback of engineered stone is that it is expensive and the slabs are quite heavy.

5. Wood countertops

Wood is another very popular material used for countertops because it gives your home a beautiful and warm feel. Wood countertops are also known as butcher block and are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. They are easy to clean and maintain as they are made from hardwoods like maple and oak. If you have a cut, it’s easy to sand and reseal to keep it looking like new. Wood countertops are cheap and easy to install. The disadvantage of this material is that it can stain over time and be damaged by water and fire.