One of the most functional parts of a residential house is the kitchen. It is where we must maintain functional spaces to move freely.
Choosing the best kitchen countertop can help you save space and add aesthetics. Besides the price, you must also consider the quality and durability.
But what is the best kitchen countertop for the money?
The best kitchen countertop for the money is the quartz countertop. Since it is made of chunks of stones, it can resist stains and scratches. The designs of this countertop used to be too uniform. But manufacturers are adding distinctive and stylish designs.
Moreover, the countertop is made of stone waste. Thus, it is also an excellent choice for those who want to conserve the environment.
What Is The Best Kitchen Countertop For Your Money?
Many homeowners select quartz countertops as the best kitchen countertop for money. Although it is one of the most costly, it can last more than ten years. Some can even attest that the countertop lasts longer than the house. The actual price is expensive, but its durability is worth it.
Due to the non-porous surface of the quartz, stains, and dirt cannot deeply embed on the countertop. It also prevents bacteria from growing, so contamination can be avoided. You can easily clean the countertop by wiping it with soap and water. Unlike other countertops, it does not need sealing.
Furthermore, the manufacturers created more designs to make the countertops fit the vibe. Unlike granite, they can be combined with other elements to make them more appealing. Some of these are metal flecks and recycled glass. Some countertops are designed for bars, fireplaces, and bathrooms.
But, like with other countertops, quartz countertops have their downsides. Since quartz is engineered, granite and marble can offer a more natural look in the kitchen. The polymer and resin composition also make the countertop vulnerable to heat. Placing hot cookware on the countertop may lead to discoloration and damage.
What Is The Most Affordable Kitchen Countertop?
Regarding affordability, a laminate countertop is at the top of the list. Its average price ranges between $20 and $60 per square foot. Depending on the type and the size, the installation may cost about $790 to $1,629. The good news is that you can also install the countertop without professional help.
Besides its price, the laminate countertop also offers various designs and colors. Some resemble marble, granite, and quartz. Moreover, it has a non-porous surface that prevents dirt from penetrating. It is also easy to maintain since it doesn’t require sealing or special care.
Despite the benefits of a laminate countertop, it has no resale value. It is also prone to scratches, heat damage, and delamination. Unfortunately, you need to replace it with a new one. Deep scratches and separation of its layers are irreparable. Hence, this countertop has the shortest lifespan than the others.
What Is The Highest Quality Kitchen Countertop?
When it comes to quality and durability, a quartz countertop is the best choice. This countertop is resistant to chipping, cracking, and scratching.
You can expect it to last for more than decades with proper care. Its non-porous surface protects it against stains, bacteria, mold, and water damage.
Because of the quality of the countertop, manufacturers provide warranties to homeowners. Some companies offer 15 years, while others are 25 years.
There are a couple of manufacturers that provide a lifetime warranty. The warranty period may start once you purchase the product or upon installation.
Is Corian a Good Choice For a Kitchen Countertop?
Due to its longevity, Corian is one of the top choices for kitchen countertops. It is also less costly compared to quartz and granite countertops. You can buy it for about $40 to $65 per square foot. Since it has a non-porous surface, it doesn’t require sealing and is easy to clean and disinfect.
In addition, Corian offers hundreds of colors and designs. Some of the patterns are also suitable for bathrooms. There is a wide range of gray, brown, and neutral beige colors that you can select. If you want a playful and lively vibe in your kitchen, there are other colors like yellow, pink, gold, coral, and blue.
Corian countertops are also known for their versatility. Through thermoforming, they can provide you with customized designs. It can also add unique features to the countertops.
Seamless backsplashes, inlays, and integrated sinks are some of the options. Lights can also be installed on the countertops. Amazingly, Corian now has charging surfaces for phones and tablets.
In terms of durability, other countertops, such as quartz and granite, are more durable. It is also not resistant to scratches and dents because of its soft surface.
Furthermore, the countertop is not immune to heat. Hot cookware may burn it; however, it is repairable. Regarding resale value, the Corian countertop is lower than granite, quartz, and marble.
Is Wood a Good Kitchen Countertop?
Wood countertops are also one of the top choices of homeowners because of their beauty. A wide selection of wood types and color variations can help you achieve the look you want for your kitchen. You can also choose the cut of the wood and the grain you prefer.
Aside from their natural looks, wood countertops are also warm to the touch. Its warmth brings relaxation to those who love hanging out in their kitchens. It also makes no sounds, giving a quieter vibe.
Another reason why many choose wood countertops is that it is eco-friendly. Some wood countertops are also made of reclaimed materials.
Although wood countertops are antibacterial, bacterial growth is possible if not sealed. Unfortunately, some types of wood are also soft, making them prone to damage. They are also more susceptible to dents, knife marks, and scratches. Wood countertops that are not properly sealed are vulnerable to water damage.
Is Quartzite a Good Kitchen Countertop?
Quartzite countertops look like marble. Thus, many are choosing them as countertops for their kitchens. They are good alternatives if you want marble countertops but are out of budget. The white and swirling grey designs can make a kitchen look more sophisticated.
Moreover, quartzite is durable since it has the same properties as granite. Its hardness is 7 out of 10, according to the Mohs scale of hardness. Furthermore, this countertop is resistant to heat, water, and acid. Because of these properties, you can expect the quartzite to last long.
A quartzite countertop is a good choice if your kitchen is exposed to light. It is because it is ultraviolet-resistant. It won’t show discoloration despite prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Sealed quartzite countertops are also easy to clean and maintain. With the help of dishwashing soap and water, you can make the countertops spotless.
As mentioned, the countertop is sturdy. But it is not resistant to scratches, especially from knives. Quartzite is less costly than marble, but it is one of the most expensive countertops.
You must spend at least $60 to $100 per square foot. The countertop is also porous. If you fail to seal it, it can seep the stains, leading to bacterial growth.
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Kitchen Countertop?
Depending on the type and size, the kitchen countertop installation price may range from $1,858 to $4,177. However, it can be more! Other homeowners only spend $400, but some have to pay at least $8,000. Some countertops don’t require professional help for installation, like laminate countertops.
A granite countertop installation may cost you about $2,000 to $4,500. Meanwhile, installing soapstone countertops may range between $2,700 to $4,200. On the other hand, it is $2,300 to $3,000 for slate countertops. To install limestone countertops, you must pay at least $1,000 to $5,000 and $1,500 to $4,000 for travertine countertops.
Those who want to install quartz countertops must spend at least $1,500 to $12,000. You must prepare $2,200 to $5,000 for Corian countertops for installation. Installing a laminate countertop is cheaper since you only have to spend between $790 to $1,630.
What Is The Easiest Kitchen Countertop To Maintain?
Because of the non-porous surface of quartz countertops, they are easy to maintain. You also don’t have to regularly seal them, unlike marble and granite countertops. A quartz countertop can also resist bacterial growth and stains. Hence, disinfecting and cleaning it is much easier. It doesn’t need ongoing maintenance.
You only have to get mild soap and a soft cloth to clean quartz countertops. Soak the soft cloth in warm water mixed with mild soap. Gently wipe the surface until it is clean. If you have to remove dried gunk on the surface, you can use a putty knife to scrape it. For grease, you can remove it by spraying a degreaser.
Other than quartz countertops, other kitchen countertops require less maintenance. Some of them are laminate countertops, recycled glass, and solid surfaces like Corian. Countertops made of stainless steel also don’t require sealing and refinishing.
What Is The Most Durable Kitchen Countertop?
Regarding durability, the quartz countertop is at the top of the list. This countertop is almost indestructible. Since it is engineered, it is tougher than countertops made of natural stone.
Its resistance to impact is twice that of natural stones. The countertop can also endure scratches from knives. It can also withstand other standard kitchen preparation conditions.
