There are dozens of options for choosing the best countertop for your kitchen. Along with other fixtures to pay attention to, a little help here will be good for your mental peace, and we got you!
Countertops are an important addition to your kitchen, and you can choose one by considering its material, color, kitchen counter height which is typically 3 feet, maintenance needs, and budget. Investing time searching for a legit vendor is also a supporting move in this process.
Let’s learn more about ways to choose a perfect countertop.
How Long Does It Take To Install The Kitchen Countertops?
Kitchen countertop installation can take 2-5 hours and 1-3 days in general. The average depends on the fact that there are different materials with different maintenance needs available for countertops. Your kitchen counter height should be 3 feet or less, based on the space available.
Granite and quartz countertops, for example, are made of natural and engineered stone, which calls for professional fabricators adept at cutting and fitting these materials.
Who Installs The Countertop?
Countertops like Laminate and tile are easy to install so you can try DIY for them. However, for more complicated ones, it’s best to use a fabricator.
Professional fabricators will measure your kitchen counter height and make a template in around 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your kitchen.
5 Common Types of Countertops For Kitchens
We will discuss the five most common countertop types in our homes today.
Laminated Countertops
Laminate counters are low maintenance, which is why they are a top pick in this list. They are ideal for busy homeowners as laminate counters can take stains, heat, and pressure nearly as well as materials that cost much more.
Laminates are the most affordable countertops and can easily adjust to your kitchen counter height.
Price:
According to HomeAdvisor, laminated countertops cost between $790 and $1,628.
Durability:
Laminate countertops with normal use and proper maintenance should last 15 years before the shine dies.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Installation is simple
- Low upkeep
Cons:
- Scrapes easily
- Laminated layers can wear off due to constant moisture
- Hard to fix after a big damage
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a trendy countertop option these days. The best part is that it comes in multiple shades to fit your home’s decor.
Quartz is considered the most durable countertop, but its maintenance requires professionals, so before you install it, please pay attention to your kitchen counter height.
Price:
These countertops are a bit more expensive, ranging from $3,000 and $7,500.
Durability:
According to Forbes, they can last up to 10 years with decent usage.
Pros:
- Durable
- It does not need sealing
- Scratch-resistant
Cons:
- Expensive.
- High maintenance.
- Corners can chip over time.
Marble Countertops
Almost every natural stone (or artificial combination) we see now is a marble. However, each one is quite specific in its specs and patterns. It’s interesting to note that marble combines many minerals, such as calcite and graphite, but it’s not that hard and durable.
Price:
Marble countertops cost $40 to $150 per square foot. The installation and plumbing costs are separated.
Durability:
It lasts for up to 100 years, according to Forbes.
Pros:
- Temperature resistant
- Looks classical
- Available in a range of hues
Cons:
- Requires routine sealing
- Scrapes
- Difficult to clean stains
Granite
Granite is one of the most expensive natural stones since it is one of the hardest countertops. It’s also the most resilient, making it ideal for family kitchens with heavy usage but still desire a touch of luxury.
For granite to remain durable, sealing will need to be done frequently. If you’re wondering where it comes from, granite is essentially hot, liquid lava that has crystallized.
Price:
Granite can last up to 100 years.
Durability:
Granite countertops cost between $2,000 to $4,500 in most cases.
Pros:
- Durable.
- Unique in the pattern.
- When sealed, the material is stain-, heat-, scratch-, and water-resistant.
Cons:
- It needs strong cabinets to support it.
- High maintenance.
- Need proper sealing to last
Tile Countertops
For many people, kitchen tile countertops are outmoded. However, they are regaining momentum. In the 1970s and 1980s, kitchen counters with tile were fashionable. Tile countertops are regaining popularity despite people’s preference for a contemporary, minimalist look.
Price:
The price is very reasonable as a tile can cost $2, while with installation, the overall expense can range up to $2000.
Durability:
With proper maintenance, a tile countertop should last 50 years or longer.
Pros:
- Different and durable.
- Customizable.
- Reasonably priced (installation can be expensive).
Cons:
- Requires routine sealing.
- Cracks easily; finding replacement tiles that match is challenging.
- Keeping grout joints clean is challenging.
- Standing water can harm it.
We have discussed the top 5 materials for countertops that people use today. If you want to decide, use this information when buying a countertop while considering your kitchen counter height, so the countertop is easy to use.
Conclusion
You are now prepared to begin your search for the best countertops for your kitchen because you are aware of the questions to ask yourself and the advantages and disadvantages of various materials. We hope you make a wise decision!
