How to Choose the Best Countertops for your South Bend Kitchen

What’s the difference between quartz and quartzite countertops? What is a solid surface countertop? If you’re in the market for new countertops, you may not be sure where to begin. There are a lot of materials to choose from, and even more to know about them! The right countertop for you might not be the right countertop for your neighbor’s kitchen remodel. Everyone has different priorities and preferences. If you haven’t replaced your countertops in a few years, there are even more new options to consider for your next remodel than there were for your last. 

Choosing a Countertop Color

The color of your kitchen countertop sets the tone for your entire palette. Go bold with matte black or choose earthy natural stone. The options for countertop colors are endless.

Dark Countertops: Sleek dark countertops are a sophisticated style choice that looks great atop white or trendy blue or green cabinets. Darker countertops also hide dirt and grime. Matte black countertops, for example, featured in one of our favorite recent projects, providing a cool and modern living space.

Light Countertops: White countertops are the most popular choice for kitchen remodels. Their clean and airy look is universal.

Gray Countertops: Why not meet in the middle and choose gray countertops? This neutral choice provides an anchor for you to explore the rest of your color palette. 

Colored Countertops: Many mediums like quartz, laminate, and solid surface offer a rainbow of colors. Why not make the countertops the star of the show with a splash of green or red? 

Choosing a Countertop Material

Quartz vs. granite, solid surface vs. laminate, the best countertop for you will depend on factors like your budget, kitchen layout, and design. Heat resistance, repairability, maintenance requirements, and propensity for scratching, cracking and staining also factor differently for everyone.

Quartzite Countertops

Pros: Quartzite is a natural stone product that is mined in slabs so no two quartzite countertops are alike. Quartzite countertops offer a rougher, more natural feel and finish than more manufactured products. Quartzite is one of the most durable natural stone options. Its price point usually falls below marble but is still within the higher end of the spectrum.

Cons: As a natural stone, quartzite is slightly porous, and therefore prone to harbor moisture and bacteria. It requires yearly resealing. Because it is mined in slabs, quartzite will require seams and be more difficult to form into unconventional shapes if this is part of your design.

Quartz Countertops

Pros: Quartz countertops are an engineered stone product made from quartz stone. Quartz countertops are sleek, seamless, durable, and scratch-resistant, making them an extremely popular choice in kitchen countertops. Quartz countertops aren’t porous, like natural stone, so they don’t harbor germs and require little maintenance.

Cons: Quartz countertops are manufactured with a seal, which can burn or melt if you place a hot object on it directly. Quartz is more expensive than some other countertop options. It is prone to chipping on square corners, but less so when corners are rounded. 

Granite Countertops

Pros: Granite countertops are a time-tested luxury kitchen choice. They boost resale value and add one-of-a-kind style to your remodel. Granite is heat-resistant and durable.

Cons: Granite is a high-end choice and it is priced like one. Granite countertops need to be resealed because granite is porous. Granite can crack or chip, show seams, and present a tricky repair.

Marble Countertops

Pros: Each marble countertop is gorgeous and unique. Marble countertops are heat and water-resistant. Marble countertops are a classic natural stone option that increases your home’s value and looks gorgeous in a luxury kitchen remodel.

Cons: Mable countertops are pricey and difficult to fix if damaged. They are porous and therefore prone to harboring moisture and bacteria unless they are sealed regularly.

Soapstone Countertops

Pros: Soapstone looks gorgeous in historic and modern homes alike. This dark grey natural stone ages in a distinct and beautiful way. Soapstone is unique among natural stones because it is not porous. Hot objects will not damage a soapstone countertop.

Cons: Soapstone is prone to scratching and will acquire an antique patina over time. Though some people like this look, it isn't for everyone. Soapstone needs to be oiled regularly to maintain its finish, thus oily substances from cooking can impact your soapstone counter’s finish.

Sandstone Countertops

Pros: This beautiful and earthy brown natural stone adds character and value to your home. Sandstone countertops are extremely heat resistant.

Cons: Sandstone is a porous stone that requires resealing in order to avoid problems with bacteria and moisture. Dark spills like wine may stain your sandstone countertop unless they are quickly cleaned. 

Butcher Block Countertops

Pros: Butcher block countertops create an impressive farmhouse look and feel. When properly maintained, butcher block lasts for twenty years or more.

Cons: Without proper maintenance, butcher block countertops can scratch, stain, dry out, take on water, and warp. Butcher block spans from a mid to high-end price point, making it a splurge.

Laminate Countertops

Pros: Laminate is made of plastic-coated particleboard. It is relatively inexpensive and comes in an expanding range of colors so that you can find just the right shade. Laminate requires little maintenance.

Cons: Some buyers look down their noses at laminate countertops. Laminate countertops show seams and are difficult to repair when damaged and are prone to scratching.

Solid Surface Countertops

Pros: Solid surface countertops are often best known under their brand names (e.g. Corian). This man-made material has been around for more than five decades and offers a wide variety of colors and options. It is durable and provides a sleek and seamless look. It is easy to sand out damage.

Cons: Solid surface materials will melt under heat and scratch easily. They are often a relatively expensive option.

Wondering about the cost of a kitchen remodel? Check out our kitchen remodel cost blog to help you decide if you can splurge on that sandstone and budget for built-ins.

Countertop Finishes

• Leathered- Sometimes called concrete finish, leathered finishes are common on quartz. This finish adds a dimpled look. It’s a relatively new offering, so many people who picked their countertops more than a few years ago are unaware of this option.
• Honed- Honed finishes are dull and smooth, like a soft, matte.
• Polished- Polished finishes add a gleam.

Design Your Dream Kitchen With Us in South Bend

We deliver remodeling results destined to exceed your expectations from dreaming and designing to meticulous and detailed execution. We can’t wait to talk to you about your South Bend area remodeling project.

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