Kitchen Countertops are one of the most dominating features of any kitchen. They make up a very large spatial portion of the room and therefore are one of the most visually prevalent as well. They are also one of the most used features of a kitchen as well. So it is very important to choose a material that works best for you and your needs. PlumbTile.com can help you with all of your kitchen countertop material needs.

Top Countertop Materials

Because of their high-profile and utility, kitchen countertops have become a very popular item and the variety of materials has greatly expanded in the last several years. We will highlight some of the most popular materials being used today along with some of their characteristics.

Granite Countertops

Definitely one of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops in granite. Granite is very solid and durable and provides a years of trouble free use. It also contains very unique and varied patterns that can give a wide variety of look and feel. Granite can be quite porous, so periodic re-sealing is required and spills should be promptly cleaned up. There are also a couple different choices whithin this category of material. Granite comes in polished, which has a high gloss finish, and honed, which is a matte finish with out the gloss and reflection.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is another of the more popular materials. Many different applications can fit with stainless steel including a modern, industrial look. It is very heat resistant, durable and is resistant to corrosion. They are easy to clean and can stand up to a wide variety of cleaning products. Another metal that is common in countertops is Copper. Copper is soft and easily dented, but this material makes for a warm and very distinctive look.

Glass Countertops

Another of the more popular materials lately is glass. Glass countertops make for a very powerful visual image because they come in a wide array of thicknesses and colors. Almost any look and feel can be achieved with glass kitchen countertops. Glass is very strong and extremely heat resistant. Usually the thicker the glass, the more expensive it will be. It can be susceptible to scratches and cracking and tends to show fingerprints. If you’re going for a distinctive or even custom look, glass countertops are a great way to go.

Wood

Wood is another very popular countertop material. It comes in an extremely wide variety of colors and hues, as well as the grain pattern. Wood can add a warm feel to your kitchen and even have a modern look to it. Wood can be quite durable although it can also have a few drawbacks. It is a softer material and can be easily scratched. However, many modern finishes make it much more durable and scratches can usually be buffed out. Wood can sometimes warp which needs to be taken into consideration when installed. And it is less heat resistant. If you have a warm and homey feel to your kitchen, there’s no doubt that wood should be near the top of the list.

Other Popular Countertop Materials

Many other material are popular in kitchen countertop applications. Marble Quartz and concrete are both frequently used and are very durable. Soapstone is popular, although it is softer but still quite heat resistant. Engineered stone is a composite bound together by a polymer resin and is quite similar to granite and quartz materials. Laminate and recycled materials are also very popular materials. They can be a little less durable but they can also be less expensive and come in a variety of looks and colors.

Tile is yet another popular material for countertops and ceramic and porcelain are the most common types. They are durable and don’t show dirt as much, especially if you use a dark colored grout. And can give you a custom look for less money.