Kitchen countertops are both practical and beautiful. You use them several times a day and they are a focal point of your kitchen. Whether you’re a master chef or simply go to the kitchen to snack, you’re sure to use your countertops a lot.

How your countertop looks is vital for the style of your home, but it’s not all about the amount of space you have; it’s about the material. With so many different options, here are some things to consider when choosing a countertop material.

Granite

Looking for durability and style? Granite is an enduring trend in countertops because of its versatility. It’s very forgiving, so scratches and heat don’t cause visible damage, and it’s also simple to keep clean and free from bacteria.

As a natural stone, you’re not guaranteed complete uniformity or perfection with your slab, so as long as that doesn’t bother you, granite is the obvious choice. 

Marble

Marble is having its moment again – the glamourous material looks luxurious and is a stunning choice if you love a vintage look. Preserving marble countertops is a little higher maintenance. They need regular re-sealing to keep them at their best because marble is prone to staining.

The significant drawback to marble is the cost. Using marble as an accent rather than your whole kitchen counter tends to be more practical.

Quartz

Quartz is not a natural stone, so it better stands up against staining and scratches. Because it’s a manufactured material, it comes in all colours, patterns, and designs to choose from to match your vision for your kitchen.

It’s effortless to clean and maintain without sealant and maintenance, but it’s also one of the more expensive countertop options.

Concrete

Concrete counters are incredibly stylish for a modern, minimalist, or industrial-style kitchen. You can choose the colour and texture, but traditional cleaning methods such as chemical cleaners can alter the look of the concrete and ruin it.

One of the significant drawbacks is the high chance of stains and scratches; worse, as your home shifts and moves, you can get cracks in your concrete counters. It requires a lot of care and can take more to maintain.

Tile

Tile countertops are a customizable material to create a completely unique kitchen style. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are some of the easiest to clean and maintain and come in many different colours and designs.

The more extravagant tiles you choose, the more costly it can be, and the grout cleaning can be your worst enemy. While tile options are attractive for simple maintenance, it’s not nearly as popular an option as natural stone materials.

Bottom Line

The beauty of building a custom home is the ability to choose everything you love to incorporate into your forever home. San Rufo Homes has a dedicated team that can help you picture all the options so you can fall in love with your favourite features. Contact us to see one of our show homes or explore our models and options.