The kitchen is the heart of any home and should be the perfect setting to entertain family and friends. When renovating your kitchen, one of the best ways to improve it is by adding a new countertop. A countertop can be the centerpiece of any kitchen, and selecting a type of material that best suits you and your family's needs can be challenging.
With so many countertops on the market, some people make the mistake of trying to match their countertops directly with their kitchen design. This blog post will cover some of the most popular kitchen countertops in Des Moines. Read on!
Granite
Granite is the most popular stone for kitchen countertops. It's durable and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for busy kitchens. Granite comes in many colors and patterns, so you can find a style that fits your kitchen's design.
Pros
● Easy to maintain
● Resistant to water and heat
● Various price ranges ranging from midrange to luxury
● High-quality and long-lasting
Cons
● It will require a professional for installation
● There may be seams
● There can be cracks if it is not installed or sealed properly.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
Quartz countertops are made from natural materials like quartz, or slate that are engineered to look like natural stone but are much more durable than natural stone. The surface of the quartz slabs is polished smooth, so you won't have any seams or cracks to worry about.
Quartz is a good option if you're looking for an affordable material that looks like granite or marble without the maintenance issues associated with those materials.
Pros
● Maintenance-free
● The material does not easily chip or crack
● You can choose from a variety of styles
● Construction is nonporous, making it very hygienic
Cons
● It's sensitive to heat
● Installing by yourself is difficult and heavy
● Expensive compared to average materials
Laminate
This is one of the most popular choices among homeowners because of its affordability and durability. Laminate countertops can be made to look like stone, wood or tile, and they will not require any maintenance. They are easy to install and come in many colors and styles to match your kitchen.
Pros
● Laminate countertops are the most affordable option, and they come in various colors and styles.
● It is easy to install by yourself
● Easy to maintain
● It can complement a retro look
Cons
● Laminate is not suitable for kitchen islands or areas where food prep takes place because it can get damaged by moisture and wear and tear.
● Affects the value of homes negatively
● It doesn't resist heat
● The damage cannot be repaired
● The seams are visible
Marble
Marble is another popular choice because it looks beautiful and is durable enough for everyday use. It's available in many colors and styles, so you can find one that matches your kitchen perfectly. Marble requires maintenance, but it's still one of the most popular countertop options available today.
Pros
● Highly durable
● Increases the value of homes
● Stones are all unique
● Resistant to heat and water
● It's perfect for working with dough and chocolate
Cons
● Fragile edges can break off when cut into
● Sometimes, warranties are not available
● Regular sealing
● It stains, wears and chips easily
● Installation must be professional
● It's among the most expensive options
Butcher Block
You might think of butcher block as a type of wood flooring, but it's also used as a material for kitchen countertops! Butcher block is made from hardwood that has been glued together in horizontal layers with grooves cut into each layer so that liquids can drain through them easily.
Butcher block comes in many styles, widths, lengths and finishes, so many options are available depending on how many characters you want in your kitchen design.
Pros
● Cost-effective and easy to DIY
● Resilient to sanding and resealing
● Durable
● Cutting board built-in
Cons
● It can absorb stains and bacteria
● Requires routine maintenance
● Seasonally expands or contracts
● Counters that are not sealed must be regularly oiled
Poured Concrete
Poured concrete is a popular choice for those who want a natural material that's easy to care for. Concrete cleaners can cleanse the surface and remove stains, but it's advised that you use oil-based cleaners as opposed to water-based soaps. This will help prevent water stains from forming on your countertops.
Pros
● Colors, textures, and more are customizable.
● Resistant to heat and scratches
● It is possible to do the basic designs for yourself.
● There is a modern and unique alternative.
Cons
● Regular sealing is required.
● May chip, crack, or stain
● After installation, It takes up to 28 days to dry.
● Custom finishes make for a high cost.
Tile
Tile is one of the most popular options for kitchen countertops. Tile is durable, easy to clean and comes in various styles and colors. It can also be custom cut to fit any design you want or the size your space requires.
Pros
● DIY can be done with minimal skills
● Low-cost solution
● Customization options are extensive
● Resistant to heat and stains
Cons
● Cracks over time
● You can have a difficult time cleaning grout lines
● Installing custom tiles and hiring a professional can increase costs
● Not considered as upscale as other materials
Soapstone
Soapstone is a great material for your bathroom or kitchen because it's easy to maintain. It's a natural rock from quarries in Brazil and China, so it's one of the eco-friendliest countertops on the market today. Soapstone has a beautiful appearance that will last for decades if properly cared for.
Pros
● Has a lifespan of 20+ years
● Great character
● Resistant to heat-, stain- and bacteria
● Scuffs and scratches can be sanded
Cons
● Expensive
● Installation is done professionally
● Maintenance is done with mineral oil.
● Easily scratched and chipped.
Solid-Surface Material
Solid-surface materials include Corian and quartz. These manmade materials look like natural stone and granite but are more affordable and easier to care for.
Pros
● Solid-surface materials are durable and easy to clean, making them a good choice for busy kitchens.
● They come in various colors so that they can match almost any decor.
● These materials are also nonporous and stain-resistant, which means they don't absorb liquids or food particles that would otherwise stain or damage the surface.
Cons
● Solid-surface material is relatively expensive compared to other types of countertops.
● Although it doesn't absorb liquids like laminate, it requires regular sealing to keep it from discoloring.
Wrap Up
Custom kitchen countertops are an excellent place to add personality and style. They are sold in a wide range of materials, colors, and textures that can be blended with the rest of the room. From the most traditional granite and marble to the unique soapstone or concrete, the options for neat kitchen countertops are almost endless.
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