Kitchen remodeling projects offer a world of opportunities for homeowners. For some, the priority may be the shiniest, most high-tech appliances; for others, it may be knocking down a wall to create an open-concept kitchen. Many homeowners also have new kitchen countertops as one of their top priorities, and along with that priority, comes a huge range of options to consider. We explore those options below:
Solid Surface Countertops:
Solid surface countertops let homeowners achieve almost any look, with a massive selection of colors and styles that often mimic other more expensive materials. Beyond the versatility, the bonus is the durability, as they’re built to hold up to everyday wear and tear with scratch and stain resistance.
Natural Stone:
Granite countertops are one of the ideals for many homeowners, and they fall under the family of natural stone. Very sturdy and durable, generally cut from large slabs, they’re also heat resistant, and available in a range of patterns and colors. Keep in mind, the granite or stone itself will need to be sealed on a regular basis.
Quartz Surfacing:
Quartz surfacing is used as an alternative to natural stone, utilizing a mixture of quartz and pigments to mimic the appearance, feel and styling of natural stone. Easy to clean with no worries for stains, quartz can also offer solid, consistent colors.
Concrete:
Once properly cured and finished, concrete provides a sturdy, smooth surface similar to natural stone without the higher price. However, even with sealing, concrete is more susceptible to damage over the long haul.
Stainless Steel:
For those going after the sleek, modern look, stainless steel is a common choice. The pros of stainless steel is the material’s innate resistance to bacteria, stains and heat, whereas potential drawbacks include the need for regular cleaning to avoid that smudgy appearance, and a risk of denting.
Wood:
On the other end of the spectrum from sleek stainless steel is a more natural aesthetic with wood. The pros here include a wonderful look, especially when the rest of the kitchen and home is wood-focused, such as with a cabin, for instance. This is weighed against wood’s potential susceptibility to moisture, heat, and stains.
Tile:
Some homeowners absolutely adore tile countertops for the
aesthetic and the options for patterns, designs and colors. Others are scared off by the need to keep that grouting clean, or worry about chips and cracks over time. For those who find themselves in both camps, tile can be put to great use stylistically as one standalone portion of the countertop.
Laminate:
Affordable and easy to clean, laminate is simple a thin plastic resin layered over plywood. Overall it’s durable and is available in a huge spectrum of colors, patterns and styles.
Ultimately, as with any specific aspect of a kitchen remodel in Wichita, it comes down to integrating the right countertop with the rest of the project. Choose something that fits into the rest of the style, and pick something in the price range that makes sense based upon personal priorities, and overall project budget.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in September, 2016 and was updated in December 2020 for accuracy.