4 Materials For Your New Countertops

Countertops are one of the most important parts of a kitchen, and they can add value to a home depending on the material chosen for them. Whether a homeowner is choosing their countertops for their new construction home or just upgrading the counters in their current home, there are many great options to pick from. Different materials can give kitchens different feelings, and there are different materials to fit in a variety of different budgets. Here are some of the most popular countertop materials that can be a great choice for any kitchen.

Laminate Countertops

For homeowners who are trying to save money or stay within a budget, laminate can be a great choice. Laminate is a durable synthetic material that isn’t very expensive, and it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Homeowners  can choose a laminate pattern that looks like other countertop materials like tile or granite. It’s also very easy to find laminate—homeowners won’t have to go very far to find a supplier and a contractor who knows how to install this type of countertop correctly in a home.

Granite Countertops

Granite is often seen as the ultimate material for countertops. Granite is easy to find, sturdy, durable, and it’s also widely available. On top of that, granite also comes in an array of natural colors and patterns, and it can also be dyed if the homeowner wants something more vivid. Granite is on the more expensive end of the countertop spectrum, but having granite countertops can also increase a home’s value. Granite countertops are a good investment if the homeowner thinks they will end up selling their home one day.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

Also known just as tile countertops, ceramic tile countertops are a popular choice among homeowners. Their popularity is due to their durability, ease of cleaning, and the variety of colors and patterns they come in. Homeowners can get more natural-appearing, stone-patterned tiles, colored tiles, or stylized tiles. However, what some people may not like about tile countertops is that they aren’t completely flat, as the plaster between the tiles attaches them to the counter, creating small recesses. Depending on the size of the tiles, this may not cause a problem, however.

Soapstone Countertops

Many homeowners aren’t familiar with soapstone, as it isn’t nearly as common as other stones like granite, marble, or quartz. Unlike these other stones, soapstone is softer, so it isn’t quite as durable and will show wear and tear easier. However, many homeowners love soapstone for its natural ability to change color over time. Soapstone most often starts out dark gray in color, and over time it grows a patina that can lighten the color or even give it a slight tint of other colors. 

Soapstone is a more expensive option, but its beauty and uniqueness can be well-worth the price of installation. Soapstone is also priced depending on the stone’s talc content. The lower the amount of talc in the stone, the harder the soapstone is, which means the stone will be more expensive. And likewise, a higher talc content means a softer, less-expensive stone.

There are many different countertop material options homeowners can choose from, and these are just a few of them. For more information about these and other countertop materials, homeowners should consult an expert at a local hardware store.  Talking with an expert can be a great way to learn more about the pros and cons of each material in order to choose the best one.