Often people become too impulsive when renovating without formulating a well-thought plan before making expensive purchases. When buying kitchen countertops one needs to think about the cabinetry, flooring, and furniture that will be in the same room with the countertops i.e. will everything blend nicely together.
Kitchen countertops are quite expensive and once you make the install there is no going back unless you don’t mind shelling out more money for the change over – along with the time invested. The style, size, and cost need to be factored in.
If you’re planning on doing the renovation so that you can sell the home, you will want to think about the potential buyers taste. You may like neon pink kitchen walls with yellow polka-dots (I know, I know, just giving an analogy) but to other people that may be a little too loud for them, ha.
Check out our Kitchen Countertop Buyer’s Guide to help you on your way to choosing your kitchen countertops. *Prices quoted are based on professional installations and will be cheaper if you DIY
#1 Granite Kitchen Countertops
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When it comes to upgrading the kitchen countertops most home owner’s are quick to call on granite because of how strong this natural stone countertop is that not even a sharp knife can scratch its beautiful surface. There is an abundance of colors, styles, and sizes to choose from allowing the owner to have their own unique counter.
What Material is it: Granite is formed through the process of solidifying and cooling molten lava or magma. It is one of the toughest materials that are being found today. They can come in the form of tiles or slabs. There are three finishes to choose from which are polished, honed, and leather.
Cost of Granite Kitchen Countertops: The average cost for granite kitchen countertops is $50 to $100 per square foot, and it will also depend on the thickness of the slab you want.
#2 Quartz Kitchen Countertops
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Dubbed indestructible quartz kitchen countertops will last a long time and aren’t porous allowing them to be more sanitary than other stone surfaces. These countertops will also conquer the dreadful kitchen stains and corrosion due to cooking oils, and most cleaning household products. You will want to use trivets or heating pads to prevent potential damage caused by heat because, in excess, it can damage quartz countertops.
What Material is it: Quartz is an engineered material manufactured with a mix of 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins making this surface extremely hard and nearly indestructible except to excessive heat. Displaying a natural stone-look we can purchase quartz in a large variety of colors made of quarried slabs.
Cost of Quartz Kitchen Countertops: The average cost for quartz kitchen countertops is $65 to $100 per square foot, and it will also depend on the thickness of the slab you want.
#3 Marble Kitchen Countertops
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A fan favorite for many reasons as marble just oozes luxury. However, with its sophistication comes susceptibility i.e. stains are not marble-friendly. There is a huge selection of shades to choose from such as pink, green, black, cream and white – plus enriched with crystals for that luxurious look.
What Material is it: Marble is a stunning crystalline metamorphic rock form of crystallized limestone that is often used for architecture and sculptures before it became a household favorite for countertops. Known for its beautiful streaks of colors.
Cost of Marble Kitchen Countertops: The average cost for marble kitchen countertops is $125 to $250 per square foot, and it will also depend on the thickness of the slab you want.
#4 Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops
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Stainless steel kitchen countertops are typically used in commercial kitchens but are guickly becoming popular for household kitchens due to its stain resistance and strength because they are completely hygienic and non-porous. You should still use trivets and cutting boards to avoid scratches and damaging the surface.
What Material is it: Stainless steel is a much stronger kind of steel than regular steel as it contains chromium which is less susceptible to corrosion and rusting.
Cost of Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops: The average cost for stainless steel kitchen countertops is $67 to $96 per square foot, and it will also depend on the thickness of the slab you want.
#5 Concrete Kitchen Countertops
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Concrete is such a versatile material it’s no wonder it made its way into the kitchens of many households. You can include embellishments inside to make your counters unique to you which way include stones and seashells.
What Material is it: Reinforced fibers and sand, water, stone and cement formed into slabs of concrete cut and shaped for each person’s design of kitchen.
Cost of Concrete Kitchen Countertops: The average cost for concrete kitchen countertops is $70 to $100 per square foot, and it will also depend on the thickness of the slab you want.
#6 Solid Surface Kitchen Countertop
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Solid surface countertops are very easy to maintain because they are non-porous and resistant to mildew and mold, which makes them perfect for a prep table. There is no coating on these countertops and can come in a large variety of patterns and colors. Seamless and stylish as you can get solid surface counters to resemble the appearance of its counterparts quartz, concrete, and granite.
What Material is it: An Acrylic-based product that is constructed from composed resins, pigments, and minerals.
Cost of Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops: The average cost for solid surface kitchen countertops is $75 to $120 per square foot, and it will also depend on the thickness of the slab you want.
#7 Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops
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A natural wood surface is becoming a go-to countertop material in the kitchens around the globe, and the wood is coming from walnut, maple, and cherry oak.
What Material is it: Simply strips of wood that were glued and bonded together to form a countertop slab.
Cost of Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops: The average cost for butcher block kitchen countertops is $35 to $200 per square foot, and it will also depend on the thickness of the slab you want.
#8 Tile Kitchen Countertops
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When you think of tile, you see your shower, floor, and backsplash being in tile, hardly do you see kitchen countertops because of the grout staining. However, if using an excellent sealant you won’t have to worry about stains and discoloration while getting a much more affordable option and that is not affected by heat and water.
What Material is it: A material made from metal, stone, ceramic and glass threw into a firing clay to form rectangular slabs for showers, walls, and countertops.
Cost of Tile Kitchen Countertops: The average cost for tile kitchen countertops is $1 to $225 per square foot, and it will also depend on the thickness of the slab you want.
