Your kitchen cabinets and island can dictate the style of your kitchen design, but the type of countertop you choose transforms your cabinetry. There are many countertops materials and colors out there to enhance different kitchen styles and layouts.
You can mix and match countertop materials, inserting a section of marble or a butcher’s block into your countertop for baking and chopping, establishing distinct work zones. Or try a waterfall style countertop for your island, letting your chosen counter material sweep down to the floor. Whatever your needs or style, the McDaniels team is here to help you find the right countertop for your remodel.
Quartz
Quartz is an ideal choice for countertops. It’s low maintenance and comes in a wide range of colors and designs. As it is engineered, it can be made without the imperfections of natural stone and is scratch and waterproof. The only downside is that it can’t stand very high temperatures and will succumb to sun damage so is not recommended for outdoor use.
Soapstone
Soapstone is often seen in historic settings, but the various shades available mean it can complement almost any kitchen design. Its smooth appearance gets better with age. Since it is nonporous and stain resistant, there’s no need to seal it, just treat it with oil. Install it as a countertop for a durable, organic and interesting choice.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles come in a wide range of styles so you can put your own stamp on your countertop. The tiles don’t need to be sealed (though be aware that grout lines do need to be sealed). They are more durable than many other materials, can replicate certain natural materials, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Solid Surface
This is a great solution if you need a large amount of countertop material, as it offers a more budget-friendly option. Acrylic and resin are formed into a shape of your choice, offering a wide range of color and shape options. You can splash out on other aspects of your kitchen design and choose solid surface countertops as they look great but won’t blow the budget.
Marble
Marble gives a high-end feel to a kitchen design. It will always be unique, due to its natural veining. It is very durable but needs to be sealed to avoid stains. If you don’t want to invest in a whole marble countertop, you could just incorporate a section to create a stylish focal point or a spot ideal for baking.
Laminate
Laminate has improved in quality in recent years. Sheets of laminate fused onto particle board make this a less expensive option that fits any kitchen remodel, coming in many styles and colors. While not the most hardwearing, it is low maintenance and works perfectly with retro kitchen designs.
Wood
A white kitchen is the perfect companion to a warm wood countertop, though wood pairs beautifully with deep blue cabinetry too. Hardwood is the best choice for durability. It will still get scratched and stained, but this adds to its character. Seal and maintain it for a beautiful, long lasting worktop. You could use wood at the end of your kitchen island to create a unique tabletop for casual family dining.
Concrete
Concrete is ideal for a countertop when you want to achieve a specific style, shape or color. Since this is a particularly heavy material, they must be cast in your kitchen, resulting in a more expensive countertop so you must account for this in your budget. Concrete countertops are durable, but they need regular sealing to be properly maintained. The look is truly unique so you would only select a one-of-a-kind concrete countertop for a house you plan to stay in, rather than design to sell.
Granite
Granite is hardwearing and adds a high-end feel to a kitchen design. It is still a luxury option but has come down in price as other materials have come to the fore. It comes in a selection of shades and is resistant to heat. Granite countertops should be sealed to keep them stain-proof.
There is a wide range of countertops to suit every kitchen design style and budget. Whatever option you choose will impact your overall kitchen design style, budget, and long-term durability and maintenance, so it’s worth considering all options. At McDaniels, our kitchen design experts will guide you through the design process including selecting all products for your remodel. Contact us today to make your dream remodel a reality.
