Pros and Cons of Different Types of Countertop Surfaces
In terms of square footage, one of the most impactful decorative elements in your kitchen is the countertop. Your choice of countertop materials impacts how you use your kitchen, how much time you spend maintaining your kitchen countertop surfaces, and how many years you can expect them to last. There are pros and cons to all of the various options, so it’s important to think beyond looks alone. Here you’ll find a variety of countertop materials and some newer trends to consider.
Marble Countertops
Pros: Appearance and Classic Style
For an upscale look, you can’t do better than marble for your countertops -- perhaps that’s why you see them on almost every home design show and website. They add such a sense of luxe sophistication, whether your style is classic or contemporary, and they work well with a variety of colors and metals. Plus, at a range of price points, marble is doable for almost any budget.
Cons: Stains and Maintenance
Because it is porous, marble requires care and upkeep. It needs to be sealed approximately every six months to prevent irreversible stains. Marble can also scratch so you will need to use a butcher block or cutting board when using knives. Honed marble, which gives a more matte and less shiny finish, can help to downplay the effect of scratches and dings.
Quartz Countertops
Pros: Ease of Use and Maintenance
Quartz is a manufactured stone and is designed to give the look of natural stone with vastly increased durability and user-friendliness. This has made it one of the most popular countertop materials available on the market today. And because it is manufactured, it is available in a wide variety of styles and colors to match any decor.
Cons: Variability of Pattern
Since it is manufactured, quartz doesn’t have the natural variability you’ll find in natural stones. That means that in a kitchen with large expanses of countertop visible, you’ll sometimes see seams or repetitions in the pattern, making it look somewhat artificial.
Granite Countertops
Pros: Variety and Ease of Maintenance
With a wide variety of colors and exotic options, you’ll find a granite that works for your home’s style and color scheme. And unlike some other natural stones, granite offers ease of use, heat and stain resistance, and long-lasting sealers to make it even more durable.
Cons: Can Be Damaged
Like any surface, granite can be damaged and it is also porous. You’ll need to seal it and ensure you keep up with maintenance. Fortunately, many long-lasting sealers are available for granite, making it far easier to maintain than many other products.
Butcher Block Countertops
Pros: Utility and Affordability
Chop veggies right on the countertop and clean up with ease. Enjoy stain and heat resistance, as well as the ability to sand away any damage. With butcher block countertops, you’ll do it all with unprecedented affordability, durability, and classic style that will still look great a decade from now.
Cons: Maintenance, Can Show Scratches and Dents
Like any other material, your butcher block counter will need upkeep and can show scratches and dents. However, it is easy to repair and, with pre-treatment, you can even use a section of your butcher block as a dedicated cutting space.
Countertop Trends
Neutral Colors
To ensure that their kitchen remains beautiful and stylish for years to come, many homeowners are moving away from brightly colored and dramatically patterned surfaces and embracing more neutral tones and patterns. Coupled with the added durability of the solid surfaces and regular maintenance, this guarantees that you can enjoy your counters for years to come.
Contrasting Surfaces
One popular design trend is the use of contrasting colors, patterns, or even surface types within the same space. For example, butcher block countertops can be used on a kitchen island, with marble used throughout the rest of the room. This provides the option of using a more durable surface in prep areas while using a less durable but more elegant surface in less frequently used areas of the kitchen.
Bamboo or Reclaimed Wood
With today’s emphasis on sustainability and the environment, designers and fabricators are making butcher block countertops even more appealing by using bamboo or reclaimed wood. This provides the durability and user-friendly qualities of butcher block in a way that is better for the environment and just as affordable.
Whatever type of countertop you choose for your Pulte home, you’re sure to enjoy the ease, convenience, and great styling that have made us an industry leader. And with a variety of design options and kitchen layouts you can make sure that your home is just right for you and your family. Contact us today to discuss your needs and to begin your search for the perfect kitchen - and the perfect home.
Contributed to Your Home blog
Looking for more tips, ideas or inspiration? Return Home here.