Best Countertops for Kitchen and Bathroom

Many of our customers find themselves getting overwhelmed when choosing the best countertop for their home.  There are natural stone options such as granite and quartz, man-made options such as solid surface and laminate, and even exotic options such as soapstone and recycled glass.  Each option often has multiple color and pattern options to choose from, making the decision even more complicated.
 
So, what are the best tops for your kitchen or bathroom?  Well, that depends on your budget and situation!  Each has pros and cons, so to help you choose the best one for you, we’ve outlined the most popular options and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
 
Marble – a durable natural stone, marble has less color choices than some other natural stones like quartz and granite. While it will stand up to regular food prep, it may show knife marks. It’s a more expensive option that must be sealed often.  The cost of marble can vary greatly, generally running between $40-$100/sq. ft.
 
Quartz – an option that has become increasingly popular in recent years is quartz.  Since it’s made of engineered stone, it’s very durable, patterns tend to be more uniform than granite, and requires no sealing.  The cost of quartz tends to run between $55-$75/sq. ft
 
Granite – available in a wide variety of colors, granite is durable natural stone and one of the most common countertops in homes today.  Unlike quartz, it requires regular sealing to prevent stains from soaking in.  The cost of granite is commonly $40-$60/sq. ft.
 
Concrete – a newer option in the world of countertops, concrete is very hard and durable.  At one time, concrete was poured on site, but due to recurring issues, slabs are usually premade.  There are different color options available, and there are various materials that can be embedded, such as glass.  The cost of concrete countertops can get expensive, from $65-$135/sq. ft.
 
Laminate – a manmade surface created from plastic, laminate has been available for decades and was once the most common countertop found in American homes.  It’s the most affordable option and comes in slabs that are ready to install.  In recent years, new high-definition and similar options have become available to make the laminate appear more stone-like.  The cost of laminate is an average of $10-$20/sq. ft, with HD options running higher.
 
Solid surface – made from ATH, epoxy/polyester, an acrylic, solid surface is low-maintenance top with invisible seams and many color options.  Solid surface tops can come with matching sinks, cutting boards, and other accessories.  The cost of solid surface varies a lot depending on the color, from $50-$120/sq. ft.
 
Tile – coming with an infinite number of color and pattern options, stone and ceramic are the most common countertop tile materials.  Ceramic tile requires a backing of some type and should be floor-grade to ensure durability.  Stone tile options are the ideal way to bring in stone without a slab stone price.
 
Wood – a perfect natural bacteria-killer, wood counters are a less common, but beautiful option made from extremely dense hardwood.  Pieces of wood are glued together in three different ways: wide plank (wide planks of wood), end grain/butcher block (short, square pieces of wood), or edge grain style (long, thicker wood strips).  Wood requires maintenance that if not completed, can lead to warping.

Joliet Home Remodeling can help you understand the pros and cons of each countertop option and help you choose the one that’s best for you!

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