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Kitchen countertop styles change over time, as do all trends. Enjoy the countertop material you have if you are satisfied with it and it works well in your kitchen. However, some people believe that using a new material would improve the appearance and functionality of their kitchen. In this exploration, we will explain the most popular countertop materials so that you can make an informed decision for your kitchen and budget.
Kitchen countertops play a vital role in the look and function of a kitchen. Kitchen countertop materials, like all interior design trends, become outdated, often due to overuse, but also because designers are constantly looking for new materials to use.
Outdated Kitchen Countertop Trends
Design preferences change all the time, so because interior design is a moving target, you should use the materials you prefer in your kitchen. But if you are thinking about updating, check out some of these ideas to get a sense of the direction of kitchen countertop design.
Tile Countertops
Tiles became popular as a countertop material in the mid-twentieth century and remained so in kitchens into the 1970s and 1980s. Many homeowners loved tile countertops because they were a relatively inexpensive material that could be customized to match the style of the kitchen. Yet, tile and the subsequent grout lines were never ideally suited to kitchen countertops. The grout was prone to staining and discoloration, and the uneven surface collected food and dirt. Tiles are also less durable than modern countertop materials because they chip and crack easily, and the grout lines wear down over time.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops were once a popular and affordable kitchen countertop option, but their popularity has declined in recent years. Laminate countertops attempt to mimic the appearance of natural materials, but the designs are limited and appear artificial. Laminate is also subject to chipping, scratching, and burning. Once the damage is done, the entire surface must be replaced to be repaired. Moisture can cause the laminate to swell and warp, which is common because the seams and edges are prone to water penetration. This type of countertop can also reduce your resale value, as many homebuyers prefer more upscale options than laminate.
Waterfall Edges
The waterfall edge, which extends the countertop material vertically down either side of the island, has become a popular and widely adopted style over the last decade. This style, once the pinnacle of sophistication and luxury, has become an outdated trend due to overexposure and a lack of utility.
As with many trends, the more people who do it, the more others seek out alternative options. Designers are moving back to traditional slab countertops that sit atop cabinet style islands. The waterfall style is unsuitable for the practical kitchens that people desire today because it does not allow storage on the cabinet sides, limiting the fixture’s available storage and utility.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops were popular in the early 2000s for a very good reason. They are a natural stone, highly durable, and come in a gorgeous variety of patterns and colors, but this very popularity has led many kitchen designers to consider other kitchen countertop options. Granite countertops were popular in the early 2000s. Many homes adopted this same countertop type at the same time, and this has given some granite varieties a dated look.
Some people still want granite because it is cost effective and long-lasting. If you want to use granite in your kitchen, look for lighter and solid-colored options. The speckled brown and black varieties are the most outdated.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops, once associated with industrial kitchens, also became popular in residential kitchens. Stainless steel countertops are an extremely practical choice; they are durable, anti-bacterial, and stain-resistant, but they lack the warmth that many homeowners want to create in their kitchen. The hard surface of these countertops can amplify noise in the kitchen, making them a bad choice for people who want a quiet home. They can also be difficult to keep clean from fingerprints, smudges, and watermarks.
Marble Countertops
Let’s be clear, marble countertops will always be a timeless and beautiful countertop for kitchens, but the broad love affair with marble countertops might be waning. This is not because marble is any less beautiful; it is only because modern families want more durable and cost-effective countertop options that are still gorgeous.
As much as everyone loves marble, it is a soft and porous natural stone. This can make it chip, crack, and stain more easily than other, more durable options. If you still love marble, and many people do, consider using it just for an island, where it won’t receive as much wear and tear, and use an alternate material on the other countertops that receive more action.
Cool Countertop Materials To Take in Consideration
When choosing a countertop material, consider the cost, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance requirements to find one that meets your needs.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops have grown in popularity in recent years, and it is understandable why. This is a synthetic countertop made from 90%-95% crushed natural stone mixed and molded with a strong resin. The combination of crushed stone and resin produces a strong surface that can withstand constant wear and tear, resists heat, and is simple to maintain.
Quartz comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, many of which resemble natural stone. The price of quartz varies, with some types being relatively inexpensive at around $50 per square foot and others being more expensive, up to $200 per square foot.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is an authentic natural stone, similar to granite and marble, but because it is a metamorphic rock, it is harder than both. Quartzite has grown in popularity not only due to its dense nature but also because of its striking beauty.
Quartzite comes in a wide range of colors, each with intricate vein patterns that make the stone unique. The dense nature of the stone makes it extremely durable, heat resistant, and simple to maintain. Quartzite prices range from $80 per square foot at the low end to $220 per square foot for premium varieties.
Butcher Block Countertops
Practical and eco-friendly countertops are popular with the next generation of homeowners, and this is why many of them are turning to butcher block style countertops. Both wood and bamboo butcher block countertops are available. These have a warm and natural aesthetic that works well in kitchens, and they are cost-effective.
The average price for butcher block counters is between $50-$100 per square foot, depending on the thickness and type of wood. Bamboo countertops, similar to wood countertop varieties in terms of warmth and look, cost anywhere from $25-$100 per square foot for just the materials.
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone has never had the widespread appeal of marble or granite, but it is a natural stone variety with many similarities. Soapstone’s color ranges from deep gray to black, with distinct white veining. Soapstone is highly heat and stain resistant, but it is more prone to scratching than marble, granite, or quartzite.
Many people still prefer soapstone because it is warmer and softer than other natural stones, and many scratches and nicks can be oiled away. Soapstone costs $70-$120 per square foot, including labor and materials.
Sintered Stone
Sintered stone countertops are a relatively new addition to the kitchen countertop category. This is an engineered surface made from a combination of natural materials such as quartz, feldspar, and porcelain. These are formed and compressed at extremely high temperatures. The result is a countertop material that is highly durable to scratches, stains, and nicks. It is also heat-resistant and can be kept clean with only water and soap.
Sintered stone has a highly uniform appearance, with little variation in color and texture across its surface. It is available in large slab sizes, which reduces the need for seams. Sintered stone is relatively inexpensive, costing $60-$100 per square foot, including installation.
