Thinking of updating your kitchen with some new countertops but feeling overwhelmed by all your options? Not only is replacing your countertops a massive job, but there are also so many practical and cosmetic decisions you will live with for years to come.
The kitchen countertops you choose now are the same ones you will use every day, so they must be both practical and pretty. There is a wide range of materials available for your renovation, from laminate to tile or granite to quartzite, and it can feel like a maze to figure out which one will give you everything you want. Review this comparison to help determine the best choice for the heart of your home.
Laminate is the Cheapest Option
A popular, low-cost choice for kitchen countertops is laminate. There is a massive range of laminate designs available, some even mimic the look of natural stone. The speed and ease of installation does also have some appeal. However, the cheapest option rarely is the best option.
Laminate countertops have the shortest lifespan of all possible options for your kitchen countertops. It may look wonderful initially, but laminate is prone to scratching, burning, and staining, all of which will inevitably occur in any well-used family kitchen.
Another flaw that gives laminate countertops a shorter lifespan than natural stone countertops is that after prolonged exposure to moisture and temperature changes, the laminate can peel away from itself, looking ugly and instantly downgrading the look of your kitchen.
Ceramic Tiles Can be a Unique Choice
Another affordable and easy-to-install option for your kitchen renovation is tile. These also have a range of designs to pick from and can usually be installed by an eager DIYer. Only slightly more expensive than laminate countertops, ceramic tiles are just as readily available. However, depending on the laying pattern and size of the tile, it could take significantly longer to install than most other materials. Once laid, tile can look unique and feel like a massive personal achievement, but the maintenance it requires makes it frustrating.
In your kitchen, you want to spend time preparing delicious meals or socializing with your family and friends rather than scrubbing grout lines between clean tiles or having to reapply cracked and crumbling grouting. Ceramic tile is also a brittle material and prone to cracking. If this happens, a repair is almost always impossible, and the whole damaged tile will need to be removed and replaced. So you either need to purchase more tiles than you need to keep a stock of spares on hand or hope you can match it somewhere down the line.
Denver Granite is Perfect For High-Traffic Areas
Granite slabs are the most popular natural stone option for kitchen countertop installations by a mile. You will need to hire a professional to install your granite countertops (it’s not a good DIY adventure). Each slab is unique and can often be fitted without the need for seams, making it a beautiful and easy-to-clean finish. Especially good for a heavy-duty room such as a kitchen, granite countertops are incredibly durable, so they will last for many years without the nicks, scratches, or cracks that might occur in laminate or tile counters before needing to be resealed. These countertops should be considered a worthwhile investment in your home and will appeal to future buyers if you choose to sell.
Quartzite Blends Durability and Looks
Quartzite countertops are perfect if you love the look and feel of marble but want a slightly more affordable option. They are similar to granite; they are more long-lasting and hard-wearing than marble. A quartzite countertop also contains stunning flecks of other minerals with a glassy finish to sparkle and brighten your kitchen. Quartzite is the perfect middle-ground choice. It offers the timeless beauty of natural stone like marble and gives you the durability you expect from granite.
The Best Value?
Regarding value added for your kitchen renovation, granite or quartzite countertops will always be the best option if your budget allows it. Although laminate and tile are cheaper, and you could install them without the help of professionals, they will only last for a relatively short time and will not maintain their looks for the whole time you have to put up with them.
A natural stone countertop will last for decades and have a greater overall appeal as they look amazing, and these countertops will also feel solid and sturdy. An excellent kitchen natural stone supplier will be able to show you many options to find the perfect choice for your home. With their help, you will have a premium kitchen that is aesthetically pleasing, practically arranged, and easy to maintain.