Did you know that we spend a year and 195 days of our lives cooking? The kitchen countertops they have a function that goes beyond aesthetics, since it is one of the elements of our kitchen that we are going to use most frequently during all that time.
For this reason, the countertop is a key piece if you are thinking of renovating the kitchen. The main factors that you should take into account when choosing it are:
- Durability
- Budget
- Maintenance
This guide will help you choose the kitchen countertop most suitable for your home thanks to the help of Interiodeco, a company specializing in kitchen renovations.
What types of kitchen countertops are there on the market?
Currently there is a wide variety of materials to choose from, the most common being the following:
Wood kitchen countertops
The wood is a natural material of great beauty that brings warmth to the kitchen. It is also antibacterial and can be worked and repaired relatively easily. Oak, beech, maple, walnut, bamboo, etc. are often used for kitchen countertops.
Durability
Despite being varnished, these types of countertops are very porous, so stains can penetrate. They are also affected by humidity and burn and scratch easily. So its duration will largely depend on its maintenance.
Price
Its price is around €50/75 per linear meter, although high-density woods such as oak or walnut are the most expensive.
Maintenance
Its maintenance in general is quite delicate since it requires frequent brushing, sanding and varnishing (at least a couple of times a year). It also does not resist some detergents and chemical products (in this link you will find information on finishes for wood and its properties).
granite countertops
Granite is one of the most popular materials between the countertops for the kitchen. Visually, it provides a sense of solidity, although it is true that it requires a good base since it is a very heavy material.
Precisely its weight makes it difficult to transport and install. In fact, in the case of countertops of several meters, it is necessary to use several pieces of granite and join the joints.
Durability
Being a stone material, it is difficult to scratch and is shock resistant. In addition, it withstands heat very well, in fact my countertop is made of granite and I usually support pans that have just been removed from the heat without any problem.
One of its drawbacks is that if for some reason it breaks, there is no choice but to replace the part, since otherwise the joints in the damaged area would be noticeable.
Price
Granite is usually cheaper than artificial stone and agglomerates. Normally it is around €90-150 per linear meter of countertop, although some imported granites can exceed this price.
Maintenance
Granite is a porous material in its natural state. On the countertops it is polished and polished, thus preventing liquids from penetrating and staining. It should be cleaned regularly with warm water and neutral soap and dried with a cloth.
Although the use of scourers is discouraged, I must confess that I sometimes use it without having had any problems so far.
quartz countertops
Quartz countertops are made up of a high percentage of this material (90% or higher), combined with polyester resin. It has a wide variety of colors and finishes: glossy, satin, matte, smooth, splashed, and some even imitate concrete.
Durability
It is a very hard material, even higher than that of granite. It is also non-porous so it resists humidity, as well as shocks and does not scratch with normal use.
However, it is affected by high temperatures, so it is recommended not to place pans or saucepans recently removed from the heat or the oven. In case of burning, it is very difficult to repair.
Price
It is usually around €150/300 per linear metre, although it will depend on the brand and model.
Maintenance
Like granite, it is cleaned with neutral soap and a cloth. Vinegar and baking soda can also be used for stubborn stains, but bleach should not be used as it can lose its shine.
porcelain countertops
Porcelain countertops are manufactured through a process of dissolving and crystallizing ceramics and minerals such as quartz, feldspar and silica. Like wood or granite, it is a 100% natural and ecological material, respectful of the environment and recyclable.
They are very light and easy to put on. Its thickness ranges from 3 mm to 12 mm, the latter being the most recommended for kitchen countertops. On the other hand, it is supplied in plates of more than 3 meters that allow the creation of long continuous surfaces.
Aesthetically, it has different finishes (satin, polished or aged), and textures inspired by natural stone, wood or textiles.
Durability
It is undoubtedly one of the strongest and most durable materials that we can find on the market today. It is resistant to direct heat, stains, scratches and UV rays. In addition, it is waterproof due to its porosity close to 0, preventing the proliferation of bacteria, mold and fungi on its surface.
However, it must be taken into account that it can splinter if it is hit with a blunt object, the corners being the most delicate area.
Price
Good, nice but not cheap. Porcelain countertops have a fairly high price, around €300/500 per linear metre.
Maintenance
Its maintenance is very simple since it is easily cleaned with water or with detergents such as bleach or ammonia. On the other hand, it is recommended not to apply waxes or soaps with oils.
stainless steel countertops
Stainless steel is one of the most used materials in professional kitchens due to its hygiene. Provides a modern look to the kitchen with an industrial touch. Although it is also true that it is a bit cold.
One of its advantages is that integrated sinks and backsplashes can be made.
Durability
It is perfectly resistant to heat and corrosive products. On the other hand, it can dent with blows and scratches quite easily, making it necessary to use a board to cut food.
Price
Its price is around €150/190 per linear meter
Maintenance
You have to spend a lot of time keeping it clean since fingerprints and grease are noticeable. In addition, over time it is covered with a patina that slightly darkens it.
It should never be cleaned with metallic scouring pads or aggressive products. It is advisable to use neutral soap or a specific product for cleaning steel. Do not forget to dry it so that there are no unsightly water marks.
Stratified laminate countertops
The stratified laminate countertops They are made with a chipboard material board as a base, covered with a stratified sheet that imitates almost any finish (matt, gloss, natural stone, wood, etc.). Its quality and resistance has improved a lot in recent years.
Durability
Its durability is lower than that of other types of materials, it burns and scratches easily. In addition, special care must be taken in the finishes of the plinth and the sink in order to avoid water and humidity leaks, which can damage the agglomerated part.
Price
Without a doubt, it is the cheapest option among those that currently exist. Its price is between €20/50 per linear meter.
Maintenance
For cleaning, dishwasher or methylated spirits must be used. For stubborn stains you can use a vinegar and baking soda paste (you can see how it’s done at this link).
Other types of countertops
In addition to the countertops indicated above, there are other materials such as:
- Marble. It is a natural stone with characteristics similar to granite but less resistant to scratches and more porous. Its visual effect is highly decorative, it is practically impossible to find two identical pieces.
- corian. This material is made up of 1/3 acrylic resin and 2/3 aluminum hydroxide (you can find more information on Wikipedia). Like quartz, it is a homogeneous and very resistant material that can be placed without leaving joints. Although it also deforms with heat (resists up to 200º C) and scratches relatively easily.
- Glass. This type of worktop is made with tempered safety glass that incorporates an anti-stain and antibacterial treatment. They are very resistant to heat (up to 400º C) and humidity, but they scratch more easily than other materials and joints are noticeable.
- Concrete. Provides an avant-garde aesthetic to the kitchen. Concrete is usually poured on-site, having to wait several days or even weeks until it hardens. Subsequently, it has to be treated with a sealer to reduce its porosity.
- Copper. Copper is a rare material for countertops that provides warmth and modernity to the kitchen. It cleans easily and is naturally antibacterial so, like steel, it is mainly used in professional kitchens. Its main drawback is that it is a soft material that can be dented and also oxidizes with water.
In short… what is the best countertop for the kitchen?
What is the best countertop for your kitchen? The answer will depend mainly on two factors: the use you are going to give it and your budget:
- If it is going to be used continuously, you are looking for easy maintenance and money is not an issue, choose a quartz, Corian or porcelain countertop. For more modest budgets, it is better to opt for granite.
- In the event that it will have little use because cooking is not your thing or for the kitchen of a second home, then you can opt for wood.
- If you are looking for a low cost option for rental floors, choose a laminate laminate countertop.
- If the most important thing for you is design, then your countertop should be made of stainless steel, glass, concrete or copper.
In short, there is no perfect countertop but the one that best suits your needs.
Do you already know which one you are going to choose? I hope this guide on the different types of kitchen countertops that exist in the market help you find your best option.
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