Deciding to upgrade your kitchen can be an exciting, but intimidating thought. One of the hardest choices you'll make in the process is what material you should use for one of the most important components in the room: your countertops. There are so many options to choose from, and you'll need something that not only looks great, but also holds up to everything you'll be cutting, setting, and spilling on them. How on Earth can you narrow down your choices?
Seeing a home go from "blah" to brilliant is ridiculously satisfying, so transformations such as the mind-blowing one this family did to their front porch are always a treat. What I really love about new countertops, though, is that they can completely change the look of a kitchen with fairly minimal effort. Sure, you might need to put in a bit more work than this gorgeous DIY rustic ladder hanger requires, but if you select the right material, you'll end up with an attractive and durable surface that will last for years.
If you or someone you know is even thinking about redoing their countertops, check out these popular options that will really take your kitchen to the next level. I'm definitely using number 10 the next time I change mine out!
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1. Marble
Marble is a beautiful choice for those who want a classic, elegant look to their kitchen. It's a particularly good choice for bakers because it tends to remain cool, so if you're working with dough on top of it, the dough won't become too soft. However, this surface is prone to stains and chips, so if you're planning on implementing it into your kitchen, it's best to put it in an area that is relatively safe from messes and trauma.
Cost: $40-$100 per square foot
2. Paper Composite
Using paper as a countertop sounds like a crazy idea, but in practice, it's actually genius. Paper composite is an eco-friendly and surprisingly durable material that can withstand heat and water better than many other surfaces. But if you want to keep it in tip-top shape, you'll need to rub it down with mineral oil and give it a good sanding every now and then. This material is also more susceptible to chemical damage than other surfaces.
Cost: $85-$125 per square foot
3. Concrete
We're used to walking on this stuff, but as it turns out, it's also great for putting inside our homes, too! This durable material is perfect for anyone who wants to customize their kitchen — it can be tinted an color your heart desires, and adding other materials such as glass or shells is a cinch. The problem is that concrete will need frequent resealing if you hope to protect it from cracks or stains. It's also extremely heavy, so make sure you'll have good support for it before putting it in your home.
Cost: $75-$125 per square foot
4. Laminate
Remodeling on a budget? Laminate is an economic choice that's also easy to maintain and clean. It's also lightweight and can be made to look like much more expensive materials. Unfortunately, you'll probably end up replacing it much faster than you would other surfaces — scratches, burns, and stains are all threats to laminate, and if it's exposed to too much moisture, you'll find that the layers will actually start peeling. And because it's difficult to repair, you'll probably have to end up completely redoing your countertops at some point.
Cost: $10-$30 per square foot
5. Tile
Another great economical option for those who want some creativity in their kitchen, tile is a durable and stain-resistant surface option. It's also easy to replace, so if a couple of tiles chip or crack, you don't have to worry about replacing your entire countertop. While you probably won't have to worry about the tiles themselves, the grout between them can be a whole other problem. Left unsealed, it's prone to stains and bacterial growth, especially when put in an area that accumulates moisture.
Cost: $10-$80 per square foot
6. Quartz
These countertops are generally engineered from a combination of resin and quartz, which gives them easy maintainability and a great look. This material is extremely durable, and the only real downside is that it's more expensive than some other surfaces, and it looks slightly less natural than natural stone due to its engineered nature.
Cost: $40-$100 per square foot
7. Bamboo
Bamboo is another option for those who want to be eco-friendly. It also looks awesome and brings a peaceful vibe into the kitchen…at first. This material is not very durable, and it's very susceptible to stains, burns, and nicks. Mineral-oil beeswax can help improve its longevity, but it's highly advisable to keep it away from water, as moisture can warp it.
Cost: $40-$100 per square foot
8. Limestone
Limestone brings the attractive look of natural stone to your kitchen and is very heat-resistant. But that's about all it's good for. Even when paired with a good sealer, it's extremely easy to cut, scratch, nick, and stain. Be prepared to immediately clean up spills and reseal on a regular basis if you're set on having limestone countertops.
Cost: $50-$100 per square foot
9. Butcher Block
Butcher block has a classic look that goes right along with kitchens that have a rustic or country feel. It's heat resistant, and although it doesn't hold up too well against scratches, it's one of the few surfaces that actually looks good once it's a bit worn in. Plus, it's easy to sand down any marks that appear on it. However, moisture can warp the wood, and disinfecting is required to ward off bacteria that thrive once the material is exposed to water. Butcher block also demands frequent oiling to protect its surface.
Cost: $40-$100 per square foot
10. Recycled glass
A durable and colorful way to make sure someone's old vodka bottles don't end up in a landfill, recycled glass countertops can be a beautiful and bold way to jazz up your kitchen. They're resistant to scratches, heat, and cuts, but stains can present a problem. It's also a bit pricier than other materials, but since you're unlikely to have to replace it or spend lots of cash maintaining it, it might actually be a better choice for your wallet than many other surfaces.
Cost: $60-$120 per square foot
11. Granite
Granite looks great and holds up to just about everything. Heat, scratches, cuts, and stains are no match for this durable material, and the only thing you need to worry about is the heavy weight. Make sure you reseal it periodically to make yours last as long as possible.
Cost: $40-$100 per square foot
12. Soapstone
Soapstone is a beautiful, yet simple alternative to granite or marble. It starts out light, but gets darker with time. It's good at resisting heat, and any small scratches can generally be sanded away and polished up with mineral oil. However, it scratches and nicks easily, and its rougher surface can also scuff up glassware. You might also have a tough time removing tough stains.
Cost: $50-$100 per square foot
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