Which Is the Best Kitchen Countertop Material?
Stone or solid surface? Concrete or quartz? Use this quick guide to choose your countertop
The most hardworking and, by extension, hardy surface in any home is probably the kitchen countertop, as it has to bear a good amount of cutting, chopping, spills, stains and burns. An ideal countertop material should be able to take all of this while looking aesthetically appealing and also flaunting some attitude in terms of its texture and colour. Here, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of four of the most suitable countertop materials for kitchens.
1. Granite
One of the hardest natural stones mined from the earth, which is then cut into slabs and polished before installation, granite is the go-to material in countertop options.
Pros:
One of the hardest natural stones mined from the earth, which is then cut into slabs and polished before installation, granite is the go-to material in countertop options.
Pros:
- It’s super strong, heat-resistant and can stand up to extreme levels of wear and tear.
- Granite comes in a myriad natural colours (off-white, pink, black, green) and patterns (speckled, swirls, streaks, waves).
- The price varies, depending on colour, thickness and patterns, thus making it accessible to all.
Cons
- Its natural variations in colour could work against it for those who like a consistent, uniform look. This also makes it harder to later replace a part of it with an exactly matching piece.
- Natural stones are porous; while granite is far less so than others, it still requires to be sealed at installation.
2. Quartz
Also known as engineered stone, quartz for countertops is manufactured from granules of crushed quartz, which are mixed with a colouring pigment and a binder (polymer resin or, sometimes, cement). It looks like natural stone, but without the variations found in the latter.
Pros:
Also known as engineered stone, quartz for countertops is manufactured from granules of crushed quartz, which are mixed with a colouring pigment and a binder (polymer resin or, sometimes, cement). It looks like natural stone, but without the variations found in the latter.
Pros:
- Due to its unique composition, it is considered the most resistant to scratches and stains.
- It maintains its polish for a long time.
- Quartz is available in a large range of colours because of the pigments used.
- It is non-porous and does not require any sealing, thus offering a virtually maintenance-free work surface.
Cons
Browse through photos of gorgeous kitchens from around the world
- Quartz is not as resistant to heat as granite or concrete.
- It discolours over time if exposed to direct sunlight, although that would take several years.
- Though a man-made material, it is as expensive as natural stone or timber.
Browse through photos of gorgeous kitchens from around the world
3. Solid Surface
This man-made material consists of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into solid sheets. Solid surfaces have become synonymous with the brand Corian made by DuPont, although there are several other (mostly) imported brands (LG, Samsung) in the market.
Pros:
This man-made material consists of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into solid sheets. Solid surfaces have become synonymous with the brand Corian made by DuPont, although there are several other (mostly) imported brands (LG, Samsung) in the market.
Pros:
- The seams are almost invisible, so it gives a smooth, uninterrupted look.
- Solid surface can be bent to any shape, as it is a malleable material. Hence, it is easy to integrate with sinks for a seamless appearance.
- It comes in a large variety of colours and patterns. Moreover, it can imitate other materials, such as marble and concrete.
- Any surface damage can be easily sanded out.
Cons:
- It is susceptible to damage from heat, such as hot utensils.
- It is easy to scratch and dent.
4. Concrete
Concrete in the kitchen can take on a more refined avatar than its sidewalk counterpart, when polished and coloured (or even if left in a rustic form).
Pros:
Concrete in the kitchen can take on a more refined avatar than its sidewalk counterpart, when polished and coloured (or even if left in a rustic form).
Pros:
- Extremely hardy; heat- and scratch-resistant.
- Since concrete is laid on site, it can be customised as per requirement in structure, shape, colour, finish and texture.
- It has a uniform finish.
Cons:
- It is susceptible to cracks if not properly treated while being laid.
- It is relatively porous, so it must be regularly sealed.
- It cannot be pre-fabricated and must be poured on site.
While there are other options, such as marble (too expensive for a less-than-ideal material in terms of porosity and maintenance), stainless steel (noisy apart from being costly) and natural hardwood (a rarity), these four are the most suitable materials for countertops.
Read more:
10 Stunning Kitchen Countertop & Backsplash Combinations
What Colour to Choose for the Kitchen Countertop?
Tell us:
What have you chosen for your kitchen counter? Do tell us in the Comments below.
Read more:
10 Stunning Kitchen Countertop & Backsplash Combinations
What Colour to Choose for the Kitchen Countertop?
Tell us:
What have you chosen for your kitchen counter? Do tell us in the Comments below.
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