5 Unique Custom Countertops Ideas & Trends
Custom Countertops set the tone for your kitchen – they take up a lot of visual real estate and determine how you use your kitchen. As such, it’s important to take form and functionality into consideration. To find a good fit, choose materials based on durability and ease of maintenance.
But regardless of which material you choose, you can still customize based on color, the style statement you want to make, and whether you’ll integrate it with the backsplash and kitchen storage. Keep in mind countertops may dictate overall kitchen design and are sometimes chosen before kitchen cabinets.
With that in mind, check out the following kitchen countertop materials to help you make the right decision before splurging on a big home improvement update.
1. Laminate
Granite or laminate? Now, this is a question you might find yourself asking when choosing a countertop material. Laminate is a non-porous acrylic that closely resembles granite and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It’s a great choice for homeowners who want the look and feel of granite on a budget.
Laminate countertops are stain-resistant, easy to clean, and incredibly versatile design-wise. However, these countertops have a relatively short lifespan and are susceptible to burns and delamination.
2. Granite
Granite is a natural stone that was once only found in expensive, high-end kitchens. Today, granite is one of the most popular countertops materials due to its heat-resistant and scratch-resistant properties. It’s an extremely hard substance that doesn’t chip or crack, making it an excellent choice for those who value durability.
The potential downside of granite countertops is that granite is a porous material, requiring to be sealed once in a while to maintain its surface and avoid liquids seeping in.
3. Quartz
Unlike granite, quartz requires no sealing or polishing and has as much impact resistance as natural stones like granite and marble. Quartz countertops are, therefore, best for the low-fuss cook who wants a beautiful solid surface that’s durable, long-lasting, and stain-resistant. Plus, the non-porous characteristic of quartz surfaces makes them highly resistant to mold and bacteria contamination.
Quartz also comes in a wide array of colors, ranging from midnight black to crisp white. It’s an engineered stone that will add a sophisticated feel to your kitchen and make it that much easier to cook and entertain.
4. Marble
Nothing quite matches the natural beauty of marble countertops. They’re stunning – there’s no question about it – but are marble countertops really worth the investment?
Marble provides a near-perfect work counter for all kinds of cooking activities, and it’s a durable material that endows your kitchen with a timeless elegance. You can count on marble countertops to remain as icy as central air even when you’re cooking in the middle of a heatwave.
That said, marble countertops require quite a bit of work as they need to be polished and sealed on a regular basis. Marble is a porous, high-maintenance surface that requires a lot of care to retain its glossy sheen. It’s the perfect addition to your kitchen if you don’t mind the extra work.
5. Soapstone and slate
These are metamorphic materials that make beautiful countertops. Both soapstone and slate can be fabricated into sinks or integrated into kitchen islands to match the countertops.
The difference between the functionality of the two is that soapstone is porous while slate is not. Of the two, slate is virtually maintenance-free and comes in five subtle colors: green, red, gray, purple, and black.
Update Custom Countertops for Your Kitchen with Avery Home Remodeling
We’re kitchen contractors in Clearwater, Fl, who specialize in customizing kitchens. We’re here to bring your ideas to life and create the home of your dreams. Contact us to schedule a free consultation for countertop installation and general home remodeling tips.
