Decisions about renovations to your home do not come lightly and there are many decisions to make. From the moment you decide that you want to start a home renovation, you must determine your budget, plan, pick out materials, and the like. One popular home improvement project is redoing the kitchen, which includes replacing the countertops. Choosing the right type of material for your kitchen countertop is important as you will use this area day in and out. Most of the decision surrounding your kitchen countertops will be about personal preference but there are some criteria that you should look at before you choose just any countertop. If you are getting ready to shop around for new countertops for your kitchen, this blog is designed to help you get a good idea of how the different materials are ranked.
Criteria for Ranking Kitchen Countertop Material
As you start to shop around, there are some different criterion you mainly want to focus on when you are choosing a countertop material. You should consider the following:
- Value – When looking at the cost of the materials plus the cost of installation, are you getting a good deal? What exactly will you receive for the money you are spending?
- Appearance – What do you love most about the countertops? What does it look like aesthetically?
- Resale value – Will the countertops add value to your home when you go to sell it. In other words, will you get a return on your investment?
- Clean up and stain resistance – What is it like to care for the countertops? Are there any special chemicals you must use? How well will the material resist staining from food and drink?
- Heat resistance – If you place a hot pot on the countertop, will the surface become discolored?
Rating of Different Countertop Materials
Below, we will break down the different countertop materials for you to choose for your kitchen. Each one will be ranked based on the criterion mentioned above.
Concrete Countertops
If you are looking for a modern and contemporary look for your kitchen, concrete countertops are the perfect choice. They offer an industrial look to them, but they can often be a bit difficult to care for, so you want to make sure that you are well prepared to have them installed.
Value:
Concrete countertops can be quite pricey, which may come as a surprise since concrete itself is generally not expensive. The reason behind the high prices is due to the special type of concrete needed to create the countertop. This type of counter requires a professional installation by experienced professionals and can run anywhere from $75 to $150 per square foot installed.
Appearance:
Concrete countertops are a great choice for someone who is looking for a modern and contemporary look for their kitchen. Concrete itself can be tinted to take on any shade of color you want it to. For example, you can choose from greens, blues, dark reds, and more. The one thing that makes this option distinguishable from others is that it is a seamless countertop and can be formed into all sorts or shapes including a U and an L.
Resale Value:
These types of countertops are a toss up when it comes to buyers. Some may like them and others may not.
Clean Up and Stain Resistance:
Concrete is able to stain quite easily unless you have it sealed on a regular basis. Any type of dyed or acidic food and liquids will need to be wiped up quickly to ensure they do not stain.
Heat Resistance:
You definitely will want to make sure that you use protective trivets prior to placing any hot pot on the counter. Hot pans can burn concrete and leave marks behind.
Reclaimed Wood Countertops
If you are someone who likes the look of wood, then reclaimed wood countertops are an excellent choice for you. These types of counters are made from recycled hardwoods, which means they are green and in return help save the environment.
Value:
While the wood is recycled from other wood, it is not always cheap. In fact, installation must be done by a professional and you can expect it to cost you anywhere from $110 to $325 per square foot of installed counters.
Appearance:
One of the nice things about reclaimed wood is that it can have several different appearances depending on the type of wood and species as well. You will find that there are many different beautiful options available, and you would be hard pressed to find two that are identical to one another. These types of countertops are extremely attractive and draw in the eye.
Resale Value:
Reclaimed wood counters are a nice green option but they are not as popular with all home buyers. In fact, you may not receive any return on investment.
Clean Up and Stain Resistance:
Wood countertops need to be sealed to ensure that they remain in good condition. Sealing the wood can be done as a DIY project. If you do not seal the wood regularly, you will find that food items do stain it.
Heat Resistance:
You will find that wood countertops do have excellent heat resistance properties and you do not have to worry about discoloration or burn spots from hot pots and pans.
Porcelain Tile or Ceramic Countertops
Porcelain tile or ceramic countertops are a very popular option in homes and can be found in most homes. These types of counters are also an excellent DIY project and that is why many homeowners choose it. You will find that porcelain tiles or ceramic are also used commonly as backsplash.
Value:
You will receive an excellent value for the money when you choose porcelain or ceramic tiles. These types of countertops are built for just pennies on the actual dollar and you can expect to pay somewhere between $20 and $40 per square foot.
Appearance:
The tiles themselves are beautiful and quite attractive as an option in your home, but the seams connecting the tiles is often one of frustration, especially when it becomes dirty. The uneven texture of the tiles can also be a problem for look and function.
Resale Value:
While these are a common choice for countertops in home, they do not net as much of a return on investment as most buyers expect.
Clean Up and Stain Resistance:
These countertops do hold up quite well to stains but the grout itself can be difficult to clean when it becomes dirty. You will need to regularly seal that grout to ensure it remains stain free.
Heat Resistance:
When porcelain and ceramic is made, it goes through a high heat process, which makes it very resistant to heat. This type of countertop is almost impossible to burn.
Zinc Countertops
Zinc can be formed into countertops and used in homes; however, it is not commonly used. It does have a nice appeal and trendy look to it and is commonly found in upscale restaurants around the world.
Value:
Since zinc is considered a specialty material in countertops, it can be quite pricey and expensive for homeowners. If you do choose to have it installed in your kitchen, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $225 per square foot.
Appearance:
Zinc appears as a dark gray matted finish and is not shiny like stainless steel – in fact, think opposite. If you like this type of look, then zinc countertops are an ideal option as they are quite unique, and you will not readily find them in other homes. One thing to be mindful of is that zinc is a soft metal and can scratch easily, which can detract from its appearance overall.
Resale Value:
This may be a harder sell. Not only does zinc require a bit more care, it is a very unique and specialized type of countertop material, which means it will take a special buyer.
Clean Up and Stain Resistance:
Over time, a dark patina will develop on the zinc countertops. Some people like this look while others do not, but you need to be aware of it. If the zinc countertops come into contact with vinegar, dark spots will eventually develop all over it.
Heat Resistance:
This type of countertop will definitely resist any type of burns from hot pans.
Laminate Countertops
These types of countertops are another popular option in the home and are even used in the bathroom. They are ranked as one of the top options in countertops.
Value:
Many economical options exist for laminate countertops. It is important to note that laminate countertops can quickly become expensive depending on the quality of the materials you choose; however, in general it remains one of the most economical options. You can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $45 per square foot.
Appearance:
Laminate has a distinct appearance and may be too “fake” looking for some individuals. Manufacturers such as Formica have improved the look of laminate counters over the years and most look very nice. If you want something affordable and decent, you should choose laminate.
Resale Value:
Laminate is not always the first choice for realtors or even some buyers, but it is a common choice and buyers expect to see if in homes. You will find that the resale value is mediocre and you likely won’t get much return on investment, if any at all – maybe just break even.
Clean Up and Stain Resistance:
You will find that these types of countertops are easy to clean, and you can simply just wipe up any spills with a damp rag or sponge. While stains are not a huge worry, if you do have a staining product such as food dye, fruit punch, or something of that nature, you will find that once the countertop is stained, it can be hard to remove it.
Heat Resistance:
Despite the counters being laminate, they are quite resistant to heat, and it would take a lot for a hot pan to burn the surface or cause discoloration.
Granite Countertops
You have likely heard people talk about granite countertops and how they desire them in their own kitchen. They have always been a premium countertop option for homeowners. The trend that has followed this option continues to remain and makes it an excellent option for any home improvement project.
Value:
You can expect to pay money for a granite countertop. It has always been expensive and will continue to be expensive. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $350 per square foot of installed counters.
Appearance:
You have likely heard how beautiful and luxurious granite countertops are. They come in a rich, deep, and complex appearance that shines through and it is nearly impossible to duplicate two countertops. Because of this, you never have to worry about your countertop looking like someone else’s. In addition, granite is one of the most preferred stones for appearance and looks.
Resale Value:
Granite adds a lot of resale value to your home, and you should have no trouble impressing buyers. You will receive a good return on your investment.
Clean Up and Stain Resistance:
Granite is a type of porous stone, which means that it will stain easily. You will need to have the counters sealed at least yearly to protect them.
Heat Resistance:
In general, granite is almost impossible to burn and you do not have to worry about any hot pans being placed on it.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Over the years, the popularity of stainless steel countertops has risen and fallen. While this material used to only be found in restaurants and commercial kitchens, it is readily available for homeowners to have installed in their kitchen. Stainless steel has been rated one of the trendiest options for counters.
Value:
This type of countertop material is expensive, and this is due to the types of materials used. In addition, it can be difficult to find someone qualified to install it for you. You can expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $300 per square foot.
Appearance:
Stainless steel sports a very distinct and attractive appearance that people love. The countertops themselves shine and have a nice patina to them as well. The biggest downside to the appearance of stainless steel is that it always looks the same. This material cannot be painted, tinted, or resurfaced.
Resale Value:
You will find that your investment will pay off when it comes to stainless steel. You will receive a return on investment, but it is important that the countertops be installed professional.
Clean Up and Stain Resistance:
While the name of the metal is stainless, the steel can actually be stained by food and drinks. Fortunately, you never have to worry about rust.
Heat Resistance:
You never have to worry about burn marks due to heat. You can place a hot pot right on the counter and nothing will happen.
Quartz Countertops
Highly regarded as one of the best possible options for countertops, quartz is an excellent choice and looks wonderful too. Homes that have quartz countertops in them sport a modern and luxurious look. One benefit of quartz countertops is that it is made from leftover stones, which means it does not require any type of quarrying and this makes it a green option for those who want to spare the environment.
Value:
You can expect to pay a bit for these types of countertops as they are expensive but considering what they can offer, they come out to a good deal. You can expect to pay anywhere between $50 to $200 per square foot of installed counters.
Appearance:
Countertops made from quartz look amazing and have a deep richness to them. There are many options available to choose from including some that look just like granite. One nice benefit of quartz is that you will find it never has any cracks or flaws in it.
Resale Value:
Buyers love quartz countertops as much as they love granite, so you will find that you get a great return on investment and they definitely add value to your home.
Clean Up and Stain Resistance:
You do not need to seal quartz and it will hold up well over time and against stains. Strong chemical substances dropped on the countertop can ruin it though.
Heat Resistance:
Quartz counters are considered one of the best when it comes to not burning from pots and pans.
Should You Refinish Your Countertops?
Refinishing your countertop is an option that you have available to you and this process makes it possible for you to completely provide a new look to your current countertop without having to replace it. A thick coating will be applied to the surface of the counters to transform them.
Remember, what someone likes and does not like appearance wise is subjective so some may fall in love with the refinished product and others may hate it. A refinished countertop can look amazing when done right but it will never be a marble or granite top.
Nothing is cheaper than a refinished countertop either, so you will be saving yourself a huge amount of money to have it done. In fact, you can get DIY kits as low as $250 at the local big box store.
Choosing to resurface your countertops is a personal one. It is important to weigh the cost along with the pros and cons of a full replacement or a refinish.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that replacing your countertops comes with a big decision on what material to choose. There are pros and cons to each option. We have evaluated some of the most popular options based on several criterion to help you better understand and decide which one makes the most sense for you.