The Best Kitchen Countertop
Materials Have Pros and Cons

Tile Kitchen Counter Tops

Viewed as one of the best kitchen countertop materials for years, tile is still sought after today for all of its colors and textures that makes for a beautiful surface.

Choose from ceramic, porcelain, granite, slate, and many other types of tile to get the look that you want.

Tile kitchen countertop materials also give you a lot of design creativity due of the wide range of tile sizes that you can use. Most tile is durable, practical, easy to clean, and counters can be installed for a reasonable price.



Advantages:

• Cost less then most countertops depending on the tile that's selected
• Large selection of "countertop rated" tile to choose from
• Can stand up to high heat from pots and pans
• Most tile is very durable and stands up to wear and tear along with water exposure
• Easily repaired by replacing individual tiles
• Is stain and scratch resistant
• Sealers for grout joint last much longer then in the past
• Real stone tiles can be applied in larger-sizes with minimal joints for a cost that is much less then solid slab countertops
• Grout is much more durable then in the past
• Can coordinate with a tile backsplash
• Can be installed by most do it yourself homeowners

• Grout joints require sealing and can stain and discolor if not maintained
• Can chip or crack if heavy objects are dropped on the surface
• Grout joints provide a place for bacteria, mold, and mildew growth
• Is an uneven surface with joints and tile irregularities making it harder to clean and work on then a smooth surface

Wood Kitchen Counter Tops

Wood adds warmth and beauty that's well suited for traditional or rustic interiors. The look is unlike you'll find with other materials. Hardwood is one of the best kitchen countertop wood species and is commonly used. Softer wood can be used also with the durable finishes that are available today.

It's more common though that you'll find wood counter tops that are milled at a fabricating plant and made to fit perfectly into your kitchen.

With all of the wood species and board orientations that you can get, you're sure to find the best kitchen countertop to suit your taste.

Advantages:

• Provides a warm and unique surface unlike other materials
• Large selection of wood types and finishes allows for either furniture-like results or adds distressed character to the surface
• Selection of board orientation including face, edge, and end grain which allows for different looks and uses
• Many finishes from high gloss to matt
• Bamboo countertops and reclaimed wood is eco-friendly
• Numerous and custom edge profiles available
• Can be sanded and refinished
• Has a warm temperature compared to stone, tile, or engineered tops

• Expensive in that it can cost as much as natural stone
• When mineral oil is used it needs to be applied every four to six weeks
• When sealers are used they need to be reapplied as necessary
• Can be damaged by water especially around sinks
• Can be rather easy to ding, scratch, and/or scorch

Laminate Kitchen Countertops

When you think of laminate countertops, you probably think large selection, economical, durable, and easy to maintain.

You probably don't think of them as being the best kitchen countertop that you can get but with all of the options that you have today, you can get an attractive and durable surface.

Choose from over 200 colors, patterns, and textures from the largest producer of this product; Formica Corporation. New laminates that are out include a pattern that only repeats every 60" that mimic real stone.

This material has been in widespread use for over 50 years and still commonly used in homes today. You can choose from laminates made by a few makers giving you a broad selection.

Advantages:

• Huge selection of colors, patterns, and textures
• Available in a limited number of 60" repeat patterns from Formica that imitate real stone
• Inexpensive compared to other options
• Can possibly be homeowner installed
• Numerous edge profiles
• Easy to maintain
• Somewhat durable

• Will not hold up to high heat and will scorch
• Will scratch, stain, and possibly chip
• Needs to be replaced as opposed to repaired if damage is unacceptable
• Shows wear over a period of years depending on the finish selected
• Seams where countertops and edges come together are apparent
• Susceptible to water damage at joints
• Special edge treatments add significantly to the cost

Conclusion

Using the best kitchen countertop is a big part of what make up a well-designed kitchen. Countertops will pull everything together enhancing the overall beauty of your room! They make a statement in your kitchen along with your other main finishes and are what most folks notice first.

Aside from looks, the best kitchen countertop should be affordable, durable, and require an amount of maintenance that you're comfortable with.

The main kitchen countertop materials described in this and the last couple of pages are the main choices that you have for your new kitchen design.

There are a few other options such as recycled paper countertops, granite transformations, and others but they have not seen widespread use. Most homeowners use one of the materials that are described here. If you weigh the pros and cons of each, it will help you make a selection of the best kitchen countertop for your new space.

As you can see, there are not only a lot of beautiful tops to choose from, but also advantages and disadvantages to consider. If you think you want help with your decisions, consider getting a designer. Angie's List in a great way to find the right people and companies in your area to help you get your new kitchen done the way you envision it...

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To find out more about the individual tops, go to the kitchen counter tops page.

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