Kitchen countertops: types, advantages and disadvantages

Kitchen countertops

The kitchen it is the space of our home to which we dedicate a greater budget. In the kitchen we not only cook, we also share pleasant moments with the family. Combining aesthetics and functionality is usually our objective when furnishing it, an objective that will also help us determine which is the best most suitable kitchen countertop.

Which one is the best countertop for your kitchen? There is no single answer; There is no such thing as a perfect countertop. The best countertop will be the one that best suits your needs. Are you going to give it continuous use? Are you looking for easy maintenance? How tight is your budget? Asking yourself these questions will help you determine the best options for you.

Determining factors for choosing a countertop

What is the best countertop for your kitchen? The answer will depend mainly on three factors: its aesthetics, the use that you are going to give it and your budget. We all know what we like, what we want, and what we can afford. However, choosing the kitchen countertop is still a complicated task for many.

Kitchen countertops

In short, there is no such thing as the perfect countertop. But if a series of factors that will be decisive when it comes to finding the most appropriate:

  • Aesthetics: You like? Does it fit into the overall style of the kitchen? What type of finish do the joints have?
  • Functionality: Is it shock resistant? And the heat? Do stains penetrate? Is its maintenance easy?
  • Price: Does it fit into the budget?

These factors will largely depend on the countertop material. Wood, stainless steel, marble, granite, Corian ... Each one of them provides countertops with unique characteristics that we must know in order to assess their suitability. This is where we usually got lost until today!

Materials for countertops: advantages and disadvantages

There is currently on the market a great variety of materials Among those to choose from, the most common being: wood, stainless steel, marble, granite, quartz and laminate. They all have their advantages and disadvantages and it will not be difficult for you to know them with our guide:

Wood countertops

Wood is a natural material that brings warmth to the kitchen and that fits in different environments. Kitchen countertops made of this material are not particularly expensive but they burn and scratch easily, so it is necessary to treat and varnish them regularly if we want to keep it like the first day.

Wooden kitchen countertops

  • Advantages: Its price it is about € 50/75 per linear meter.
  • Disadvantages: scratch easily and they burn when subjected to high temperatures. They are very porous so stains can penetrate and can deteriorate with moisture if they are not properly sealed. It is advisable to brush and varnish them twice a year if they are used regularly.
  • Recommended for: those looking for a specific style, second homes and kitchens with little use.

Stainless steel countertops

Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials in professional kitchens. It provides a modern look with an industrial touch to the kitchen, although it is a bit cold. It is a very hygienic material and that is it. if we talk about functionality, its greatest advantage.

Steel kitchen countertops

  • Advantages: Perfectly resistant to heat and corrosive products. It is easily cleaned with neutral soap or specific products.
  • Disadvantages: It is shock sensitive already scratches; always being necessary to use a cutting board. The fingerprints are noticeable and it is necessary to dry it well if we do not want unsightly fingerprints.
  • Recommended for: professional kitchens or homes where it is little used.

Granite countertops

Granite is a very popular natural material in kitchens. It is a heavy material that provides robustness to the kitchen and offers a great resistance and durability. Curiously, it is a relatively inexpensive material, unless we choose an imported one.

Granite Kitchen Countertops

  • Advantages: It is resistant to impacts and is difficult to scratch. Offers a good resistance At high temperatures and despite being a porous material, it is usually treated to "repel" stains. It is relatively inexpensive, around € 100 and € 160 per linear meter.
  • Disadvantages: long kitchen countertops they usually require several pieces and therefore together. When cleaning acids and abrasive products as well as wire scouring pads should be avoided.
  • Recommended for: Continuous use and a medium budget.

Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are those manufactured with a proportion of 90% or higher of quartz and resins.  Silestone or Compac are some of the commercial names of these materials available in a wide range of colors and finishes.

Quartz countertops

  • Advantages: Additives provide a great hardness to this material. It is shock resistant, does not scratch easily and being a non-porous material it is resistant to moisture. It is easily cleaned with mild soap and vinegar and baking soda can be used for the most difficult stains.
  • Disadvantages: Does not support very well high temperatures Therefore, it is recommended not to put pans fresh from the heat directly on this material. Its price ranges between 150/300 per linear meter, more expensive than wood but cheaper than corian.
  • Recommended for: Continuous use and a medium-high budget.

Corian countertops

Corian is a synthetic material made with acrylic resin and aluminum hydroxide. A highly ductile material that allows the manufacture of curved and complex parts without joints; which is why it is very popular in high-end avant-garde kitchens.

Corian Kitchen Countertops

  • Advantage. They can be manufactured one-piece countertops. It is shock resistant and easy to clean.
  • Disadvantages: It deforms with heat (resists up to 200ºC) and does not support stains well of wine, tea or coffee.
  • Recommended for: heavily used kitchens on a high budget.

Porcelain countertops

Porcelain material is 100% natural and therefore recyclable. They are manufactured from a process of dissolution and crystallization of ceramics with minerals such as quartz, feldspar and silica. They are very light and have different textures and finishes.

  • Pros: They have a high durability. They are resistant to shock, wear and direct heat. It is a non-porous material so it prevents the proliferation of bacteria, mold and fungi on its surface. They are very easily cleaned.
  • Disadvantages: They are expensive; around € 300-500
  • Recommended for: Family kitchens of great use and very generous budget

Laminate countertops

Laminate kitchen countertops are made from chipboard as a base and covered with a plastic material that can mimic almost any finish. Its durability is lower than that of other materials but it is the cheaper option.

Laminate kitchen countertops

  • Advantages: They are very cheap, between € 20-50 per linear meter. There is a great diversity of textures and colors.
  • Cons: Its durability is lower to that of other types of materials. They scratch and burn easily. In addition, they suffer in contact with water, so special care must be taken in the finishes of the plinth and the sink in order to avoid leaks.
  • Recommended for: Low-cost budgets, rental apartments ...

In addition to these, there are other materials like marble, a natural stone for those on a high budget; glass, a modern material that scratches easily; or concrete, whose use has grown a lot in the last decade.

Are you clearer now which kitchen countertop is the ideal one for you?


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