Top 10 Countertops: Prices, Pros & Cons – Kitchen Countertops Costs

At the moment we’re exploring counter tops and stable surfaces for kitchens, bogs, and for all associated dwelling enchancment and DIY wants!

Choosing a brand new countertop on your kitchen can’t solely be thrilling, nevertheless it will also be a bit overwhelming. In spite of everything, there may be such all kinds of supplies and countertop surfaces to contemplate, together with their thickness, advantages and disadvantages, colours, prices, and different choices.

It’s by no means shocking that many owners are simply dazed and confused by the big selection of selections and choices. In reality, many individuals who’ve already been by the method of putting in a brand new countertop of their kitchen or rest room will readily attest that it’s by no means a straightforward selection! 

A few of the prime questions being requested by lots of the “high quality and value” aware shoppers, need to take care of the price of supplies, their professionals and cons, and labor or set up prices for most typical surfaces together with granite, Formica, quartz, marble, and the nice ol’ laminate.

In case you have not confronted any main transforming choices earlier than, then you need to know that each one fashionable counter tops have their inherent strengths and flaws. It’s as much as you to resolve which explicit elements and materials traits are most necessary to you.

Sure, it’s all about your needs and wishes! — A few of the predominant ones to contemplate are: sturdiness, luster, warmth resistance, upkeep, worth and elegance.

On this information, will cowl the highest ten most typical supplies for countertop surfaces. We’ll provide the essential info, so you can also make an knowledgeable determination.

1. Granite

For years granite has been some of the widespread floor selections among the many US houses, proudly owning to its pure magnificence, sturdiness, and ruggedness. It’s a pure stone, so each particular person slab is 100% distinctive in its hue, sample and shading.

By McCullough Design Improvement

Since every bit is totally different in look and measurement, many shoppers will usually have go to their native granite warehouse and choose the precise items of granite that can go into their kitchen or rest room.

Every slice of granite is roughly 9 to 10 toes lengthy and 5 to six toes broad. There are some locations carrying granite slabs as massive as 12 toes lengthy for these further lengthy open-space kitchens.

In case your countertop is bigger than this, the granite will should be put in in items, thus inevitably leading to some seams.

Professionals:

• Sturdy
• Distinctive – Considered one of a Type!
• Scratch-resistant
• Stain resistant
• Warmth resistant
• Waterproof (when sealed)
• Simply cleaned
• Number of colours and patterns

Cons:

• Costly
• Excessive upkeep
• Can break when uncovered to extreme stresses throughout transportation or set up

Worth: Granite has a median materials value of $45-$100 per sq. foot relying on the scale, sample, and thickness of the slab. Though, some choose species of granite might be as costly as $150-$250 per sq. foot! It will likely be a grand whole of $3,000 to $5,000 for a median 40 sq. toes granite floor put in.

Ideas: Get monetary savings through the use of a thinner slab of granite, or use granite tiles for a fraction of the associated fee.

2. Quartz

Quartz may give granite a run for its cash (particularly contemplating the price of higher-end granite) surfaces, with the sturdiness and look of pure stone, minus the upkeep. It’s a really exhausting, impervious to water drops or moisture stone quarried out of the earth, floor into small items, combined collectively in a sheet layer and held collectively in a resin as a part of its manufacturing course of. As with all counter tops, it has some benefits and drawbacks.

By Marble of the World

Like granite it should have seams, however they are going to be much less noticeable. Its constant look and sample permits the seams to mix extra simply.

Quartz is a nonporous pre-engineered materials, so it doesn’t should be sealed. Nonetheless, it’s not fully warmth resistant. A sizzling pot might be sat on the counter, however it might’t be left there for very lengthy, as the warmth will react with the resin and depart a burn mark!

Professionals:

• Sturdy
• Extra versatile than granite, which makes it stronger and extra tolerant to emphasize
• Obtainable in shiny and matte finishes
• Non-porous
• Stain and crack resistant
• No sealing
• Wide selection of colours
• Simply cleaned
• Antibacterial

Cons:

Worth: $60-$100 per sq. foot. It is going to value you within the vary of $2,500 to $4,500 for a median 40 sq. toes pre-engineered quartz floor put in.

3. Strong Floor

An acrylic artifical product created by DuPont underneath the model identify, Corian. The seamless materials supplies a sturdy, hygienic and nonporous floor.

By Susan Jay Design

Corian is available in quite a lot of colours, hues and patterns that may be designed to suit anybody’s model. Select a stone sample for a heat, conventional decor, white or black for a minimalist model or brighter colours for a extra eclectic look. Customized colours are additionally out there.

Its look is constant and lends itself to smooth curving designs and integrating options like sinks, drain boards and backsplashes.

Professionals:

• Nonporous
• Stain resistant
• Simply repaired
• Seamless
• Customizable
• A number of colours, patterns and finishes
• Fast set up
• Simply cleaned

Cons:

• Not warmth resistant
• Will be scratched and dented
• Not a pure materials

Worth: $40-$90 per sq. foot

4. Wooden

Wooden counter tops have been used for tons of of years. They’re distinctive, pure and add heat to any house. Varied kinds of wooden and finishes can be utilized to suit totally different decor and existence.

For a conventional model use cherry, teak, yellow cedar, mahogany or white oak with an oil end. For a contemporary or extra carefree wooden countertop, you’ll be able to end the wooden floor with a water-proof varnish. For an eco-friendly, rustic model, reclaimed wooden can be utilized.

By Hill Farm Furnishings

Wooden naturally comprises enzymes which assault and kill micro organism, making it a wonderful selection for the kitchen. Though it’s very sturdy, it’s not impervious to wreck.

Whereas the considered utilizing a butcher’s block countertop as one lengthy chopping block might sound handy, it’s not advisable. It could trigger scratches, chipping and harm to the floor. Different choices are to have a separate chopping block or have one in-built.

Professionals:

• Look
• Works with all designs
• Sturdy
• Mild on glasses and dishes
• Warmth resistant
• Recyclable

Cons:

• Upkeep
• Requires particular care
• Should be stored dry
• Not scratch and dent resistant

Worth: $50-$100 per sq. foot

5. Laminate

Though it’s usually scoffed at by pure materials lovers, laminate continues to be a extensively used countertop choice. Not solely is it budget-friendly, new designs are serving to laminate make an enormous comeback.

By Formica

Producers are teaming up with prime designers to create superb on pattern designs.

For a fraction of the associated fee, you’ll be able to have the look of marble, granite or wooden. Or, in case your tastes are extra fashionable, you’ll be able to select to go along with bolder, brighter colours and patterns.

Professionals:

• Funds-friendly
• Number of types
• Low upkeep
• Simply cleaned
• Stain resistant

Cons:

• Laminate can crack, scratch and scorch over time
• Harder to restore

Worth: $8-$20 per sq. foot

6. Concrete

Concrete counter tops, constructed from a general-purpose mortar combine, sand and pigments, are extraordinarily sturdy. They add visible texture and coloration to any house. Nonetheless, they aren’t for everybody. Though concrete is virtually indestructible, its porous nature makes it simply stained.

By Weaver Customized Properties

Sealing will assist preserve stains from soaking in fully, however they must be cleaned instantly. Over time the floor will develop a patina. Additionally, the exhausting floor might be powerful on glasses, dishware and flatware when used within the kitchen.

Professionals:

• Warmth resistant
• Sturdy
• Customizable
• Recyclable
• Will be made to look seamless with filler

Cons:

• Should be sealed
• Excessive upkeep
• Stains simply
• Can soak up and retain moisture
• Laborious on glasses and plates

Worth: $100-$150 per sq. foot

7. Nanotech Matte Materials

The method of utilizing nanotechnology has been round for the reason that 1980’s, nevertheless it has solely lately been utilized in constructing supplies. Though it’s technically a thermo-laminate, nanotech matte materials is in a category of its personal.

By Sensory Six

It’s smooth to the contact, 500 occasions stronger than common laminate materials, self-healing, anti-microbial and anti-fingerprint.

It is available in quite a lot of 14 decors – eight plain colours, three iridescents, two wooden grains and one stone, all with a matte end.

It’s supreme for a minimalist or fashionable model. Although, a number of the muted colours and patterns would simply work with a conventional model as nicely.

Professionals:

• Sturdy
• Anti-reflective
• Self-healing
• Scratch resistant
• Simply cleaned
• Immune to acid solvents
• Smudge proof
• Warmth resistant
• Waterproof
• Enhanced anti-bacterial properties
• Lengthy lifespan (environmentally pleasant and saves cash)

Cons:

• • Restricted coloration choices
  • Solely out there in matte end

Worth: $5 per sq. foot

8. Glass and Recycled Glass

Glass counter tops might be tempered, translucent or embedded into concrete. They will also be constructed from new or recycled supplies and are available quite a lot of colours.

It’s a wonderful choice for these on the lookout for an environmentally-friendly various.

By Glassworks Inc

The transparency of the glass provides depth to the floor. Like stone counter tops stable glass is available in sheets. So there could also be seams.

By Archipelago Hawaii

If the glass is embedded into concrete, sealing is required each six months.

Glass is a dramatic and distinctive floor. It’s like having a bit of artwork as your counter prime.

Professionals:

• • • • Environmentally-friendly
      • Visually interesting
      • Simply cleaned
      • Warmth tolerant
      • Non-porous (until concrete is used)
      • Customizable

Cons:

• • • • Will be scratched, chipped or damaged
      • Exhibits fingerprints
      • Exhibits water spots
      • Susceptible to acidic substances

Worth: $50-$100 per sq. foot

9. Stainless Metal

Chosen to be used in business settings, chrome steel counter tops are a wonderful selection for these on the lookout for a sturdy materials. Nearly indestructible, warmth resistant and simple cleanups make chrome steel the design selection for critical cooks. No want to fret about sizzling pots and pans being positioned straight on the floor.

Plus, the nonporous materials prevents the harboring of micro organism and stains. Nonetheless, this hardworking floor isn’t impervious to all harm. It will probably simply be scratched and dented. Additionally, fingerprints could be a drawback.

By Nicholas Moriarty Interiors

Getting brushed chrome steel will assist camouflage a number of the put on and tear, however not fully. After all, some owners will see the patina impact as an added attraction! ?

Professionals:

• • • • Sturdy
      • Warmth resistant
      • Nonporous
      • Low upkeep
      • Simply cleaned
      • Antibacterial
      • Lengthy lifespan

Cons:

• • • • Simply scratched and dented
      • Exhibits age over time
      • Exhibits fingerprints

Worth: $75-$150 per sq. foot

10. Soapstone

Soapstone is a pure quarried stone. Its identify comes from the smooth, or soapy, really feel of its floor attributable to the presence of talc within the stone.

By Bay Cabinetry Design Studio

It’s not as exhausting as granite, nevertheless it’s nonetheless dense and sturdy. Not like granite, it’s nonporous, stain resistant and might stand as much as acidic supplies.

This metamorphic rock is available in numerous shades of grey, blue and inexperienced with some marbling. Because it’s non porous it doesn’t should be sealed and is just about upkeep free. It’s warmth resistant, however might be scratched. Nonetheless, the scratches have a tendency so as to add character to the stone, and might be simply buffed away with sandpaper if desired.

Soapstone is an environmentally accountable selection. It’s a one-time funding that won’t solely outlive you, however may also look higher as time goes by.

Professionals:

• • • • Sturdy
      • Warmth resistant
      • Waterproof
      • Nonporous
      • Low upkeep
      • Ages nicely

Cons:

• • • • Scratches
      • Restricted vary of colours
      • Seams

Worth: $60-$105 per sq. foot

It’s necessary to recollect there’s no such factor because the “greatest countertop floor”. There’s solely the one that matches your life-style and design pursuits higher than the others. Additionally, the professionals and cons are simply traits of every countertop. It solely turns into a professional or con if you overlay these traits towards your wants.