What is the Best Countertop Material for a Kitchen?

A question we receive very often is what is the best countertop material for my kitchen renovation? This is a tough question to answer without first understanding your needs and wants for your new kitchen. With that being said, below we will highlight the key factors you should consider when choosing a countertop material for your kitchen renovation.

Let’s start by reviewing the most common countertop materials used in kitchen renovations today:

1. Granite 2. Marble 3. Quartz 4. Soapstone 5. Tile 6. Laminate 7. Recycled Glass

Each of the above countertop materials has its own pros and cons. With so many great options available, it is easy to see why some people have a hard time choosing the right option for their new kitchen. 

Here are the factors that should be considered when choosing the best countertop material for your kitchen renovations.

1. Functionality

A major factor that must be prioritized when choosing the best countertop material for your

kitchen renovation is what purpose you need your countertop to perform. If you do a lot of cooking and or baking in your kitchen you will need a material that will provide a surface that compliments your work in the kitchen and stand up to the heat from pots and pans, allow for food preparation and so on. After all, you don’t want to be looking for accessories to protect your countertop when you are in the middle of preparing a feast.

2. Aesthetics

Countertops are a backdrop for the kitchen. As a result, the material should contribute to the

overall appeal and ambiance of your kitchen. The material you choose should help enhance the new look you are trying to achieve with your renovation.

3. Durability

The kitchen quite often becomes the gathering place for families and for guests alike. The countertop should be able to not only withstand wear from cooking and food preparation but also from the additional use as a gathering place.

4. Heat Resistance

This one can fall into functionality, but it is so important that we needed to call it out again. Being able to place a hot pot or tray directly onto your countertop is a big benefit in the kitchen. You don’t want to be looking for a heat resistant trivet to protect your new countertop every time you are in the kitchen. 

5. Ease of Maintenance

Some countertop materials require more maintenance than others, for example, any natural stone product is porous, so a countertop made of stone will need to be sealed annually to prevent discolouration and stains on the material.  Choosing a material that meets your maintenance expectations will help alleviate any potential frustrations with the material later on. Choosing a material that is easy to clean and keep in top condition without the fear of damaging it easily, should be a priority.

Choosing the best countertop material really does depend on your kitchen renovation needs and wants. There isn’t one material fits all, however, there is one material that is wildly popular, and that is Quartz. For many, it is considered the best countertop material as it is very attractive, available in a wide selection of colours and designs, has the natural stone look but without the annual maintenance required by sealing natural stone materials. Quartz is made from quartz, resin, and polymers to create a nonporous surface that can withstand the busy kitchen activities. This easy to maintain, beautiful and durable material also costs less per square foot than marble, granite, or soapstone making quartz the number one choice for many planning a kitchen renovation.