There are a wide variety of materials from which countertops for kitchens are made. Durability, cost, ease of installation, heat and water resistance, and other factors should be taken into account when choosing kitchen countertops. Whether you decide on granite kitchen countertops, tile countertops, or some other material, always weigh utilitarian needs against your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Color plays a role in any kitchen remodel ideas. Countertops, in particular, should coordinate with cabinets. There are a variety of materials that may look good with your cabinets and appliances, and you should decide which one looks best and which goes well with the rest of your kitchen decor.

Trendy Countertops for Kitchens

Here are some fashionable materials being used for contemporary kitchen countertops:

• Environmentally-friendly: made from recycled materials that include paper, plastics, industrial glass, aluminum, or other materials, these materials also are long lasting.
• Lumicor: blended with clear resins, such as acrylic or PETG, and decorative materials, Lumicor offers a glass-like sheen that mimics wood, stone, or other materials. It is UV resistant, durable, non-porous, and weighs half as much as tempered glass while more impact resistant.
• Onyx: this natural, semi-precious stone offers a translucent appearance, though it is expensive, easily scratched, and not very stain resistant.

Man-made Materials for Kitchen Countertops

Here are a number of man-made materials used for kitchen countertops:

• Concrete: easily colored to look like other materials, concrete countertops are good for oddly shaped kitchens, as they must be custom made, though this also makes them expensive. They are durable, heat resistant, and non-porous once sealed.
• Glass: extremely hygienic, glass countertops are fairly durable, though they do not come in a variety of colors. They show fingerprints and water stains easily, and are difficult to repair.
• Laminate: very inexpensive, sturdy, and coming in numerous colors, laminates are easily damaged and difficult to repair.
• Stainless steel: heat resistant and durable, steel countertops are perfect for professional kitchens. Though easy to clean, they are also expensive, noisy, and not easily modified.
• Tile: durable and easily cleaned, tile countertops resist heat and are easily installed. While tiles do not stain easily, grout does.

The Natural Choice

Natural countertop materials include:

• Stone: a variety of types of stone are used for kitchen countertops, including granite, marble, quartz, soapstone and pyrolave. Granite kitchen countertops are especially durable and non-porous, and come in many colors. Similarly, marble and quartz kitchen countertops are incredibly durable, with quartz never needing to be sealed or polished and marble being a favorite among bakers. Soapstone too is a non-porous material, and is often treated with mineral oil. Pyrolave countertops are made from enameled lava rocks and highly resistant to grease, alcohol, water, and cleaning solutions.
• Wood: wood offers a rustic look with a wide array of grains and finishes. Wood countertops can be sanded and re-sealed easily, but over time can show water stains.