Kitchen countertops can play a central role in the kitchen. As the site of all food preparation, it’s expected to be durable, beautiful and economical. With so many options available today, it’s no wonder choosing a countertop material can seem like a daunting task.

Kitchen countertops can take up plenty of visual space. Whether as a backdrop or the main component, choosing the right material for your kitchen countertop is vital when looking to find the balance between utility and style. These are 4 essential tips for picking the right kitchen counter top material.

Here are 4 Tips on picking the right kitchen counter top material for your kitchen renovation.

1) Consider Your Options

There can be a whole host of materials to choose from when it comes to kitchen counter tops. If you have your heart set on a certain look but the material doesn’t match your lifestyle, luckily for you there’s probably another material that does.

Granite

Granite is a strong countertop choice and is available in a variety of shades such as black, white, green, coral and beige. Granite is available in two finishes and is a unique choice in the way that no two pieces are exactly the same. A polished finish will result in a shiny look that darkens the appearance of the stone, while a honed look gives off a more soft and matte feel. The costs for granite vary depending on things such as colour, finish and origin of the stone.

Marble, Limestone And Soapstone

Other natural stone materials such as marble, limestone and soapstone are softer than granite. These materials require a more delicate touch and greater care, with all stone countertops needing to be sealed periodically. Marble is one of the softer natural stones, which make it less durable and more prone to etching, however, there’s just no denying the luxurious look you get from it.

Engineered Stone Countertops

Alternatively, engineered stone countertops can come in a wider variety of colours than natural stone and are known to be more durable and easier to maintain. The cost, on the other hand, is roughly the same as granite.

Laminate

Laminate is the most affordable countertop material on the market and comes in an endless array of colours and designs. This nonporous acrylic is an ideal choice if you’re looking to go wild with colours and patterns, with its ability to shape itself into any design concept. The downside of laminate is that, it is susceptible to scorching if a hot pan touches the surface, while having a reputation for scratching easily. New technology in recent years has made it tougher but it’s still considered a budget option.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops have plenty of appeal, as one of the least expensive countertop options that also come in a variety of colours. Made up of artificial stone that is mostly a mixture of natural materials and an acrylic bonding agent, solid surface countertops are resistant to most household cleaning supplies.

Concrete

Concrete countertops are available in several different finishes; from trowel, to ground and pressed. Providing a unique industrial look, concrete can either be poured to suit or purchased precast. While the durability is excellent, it does stain easily, meaning you will have to use sealant to minimise this.

Wood

Classic wood countertops are a great choice with their ability to instantly warm up the kitchen. Not only do they look timeless in just about every kitchen, wood surfaces are also easy to maintain, when sourced from good manufacturers with high quality finishes. An ideal material in the kitchen, wood is said to also kill bacteria more quickly than any other surface. Wood is easy to clean and can be easily maintained by sanding out any scratches, but they must be oiled regularly to seal the surface in case of water damage.

2) Find The Right Fit

Based on your lifestyle and personal preference, homeowners need to assess the way they live before settling on a countertop surface. If you have three kids and are most likely to make a scrum of sandwiches on your countertop every day, then choosing white granite may not be the best idea.

Be sure to choose a kitchen countertop material that suits your needs in the home, while considering how that material can match your style needs.

3) Mix And Match

Deciding on just one material can be tough. If you can’t decide on one, then perhaps consider mix and matching the surface. You can often use a different material on an island than the rest of the countertops, to differentiate the space.

Another option is to inset another material into a countertop for specific tasks. Incorporating a butcher block can be common for chopping, while marble is a common choice for baking. Whatever you’re looking for in your kitchen counter top, selecting exactly what you want has never been easier.

4) Find Your Edge

Depending on the countertop material you choose and your requirements in the home, edges are another way of customising your kitchen counter top to your liking. Square edges are standard for most countertops but decorative edges like eased, bullnose, beveled, mitred and ogee are all available for you.

The right edging treatment will show off the beauty of your stone, while finishing your overall room style and providing extra decorative value. With virtually every countertop material you come across, there is a plethora of edging options for you to consider.

Have a look at our kitchen renovation gallery for inspiration!

If you’re looking for the best kitchen renovations in Adelaide, Finch Constructions can help you choose the right kitchen countertop for you. With over 40 years of experience, Finch Constructions’ friendly and professional team of custom home builders in Adelaide take pride in working closely with you to produce a renovation that exceeds your expectations.

Whether you’re looking for a heritage restoration or home renovations in Adelaide, Finch Constructions offer an extensive range of services. Contact us today to discuss your project and get a free quote.