What are the different options available for kitchen countertops?/Different types of countertops based on materials. ~ PARAM VISIONS

A material needs to contain certain properties to be qualified as a countertop material. The required properties are,

1. They should be scratch-proof.

2. Should be dense & hard.

3. Should withstand temperature to a higher degree.

4. Should be stain resistant.

5. Should be impervious without any veins over the surface.

6. Should be durable without any alteration in its shape.

7. Should be appealing in nature to beautify the kitchen.

8. Should have a smooth & glossy surface.

9. Should have luster & sheen.

10. Should be available in a variety of colors, designs, & patterns.

11. Should be available at a reasonable price.

12. Should be hygienic & easy to maintain.

13. Should not chip or crack due to normal impact loads.

14. Should be seamless without any intermediate grooves or joints.

Practically, it is not possible to have a material that is 100% perfect to be a countertop material, possessing all the above-said properties.

So, the countertop materials that have the maximum number of these properties are shown under the best option category.

Best option:

1. Artificial quartz slab:

These are the engineered materials made with the suitable properties required for countertops. They are sturdy, hygienic & easy to maintain.

Quartz countertops are manufactured by adding approximately 10% of resins & pigments to the 90% of natural quartz. They have a beautiful appearance as they are men-made material, having a range of colors, designs, & patterns.

2. Granite countertop:

One of the most popular countertops widely used all over the world. They are hard & durable types of materials having good resistance to heat & scratching.

Granite countertops are made of natural stones & are available at an affordable price range.

3. Marble countertop:

When compared to granite stone, marble is not the preferred material as a countertop material. Some marbles contain veins & we need to be careful while selecting the marble slab as a countertop material.

It needs regular sealing for its maintenance & long life. Some of the advantages which make them a countertop material are their luxurious look, resistance to cracking, versatile natural colors, heat resistance, etc.

4. Acrylic solid surface countertop:

Solid surface is manufactured by mixing polyester resin, acrylic, & pigments with mineral powders. It mimics the appearance of natural stones & is manufactured in a variety of colors.

Solid surface countertops are seamless & non-porous materials. When compared to natural stones they are soft, which makes them susceptible to scratches. But the good thing is, the scratches can be buffed out where & when necessary.

5. Nano white countertop:

Nano white is a crystalline glass, manufactured by using silica & other natural minerals. Nowadays, nano white is becoming more popular as a countertop material.

To understand the nano white countertop properly, it is discussed in detail in a separate article as linked below.

Go through the article 👇

👀. What is Nano white countertop?

6. Dekton countertop:

Dekton material is made by blending quartz stone, glass, & porcelain at a high temperature & pressure. This fused material is more dense & compact, making them an ideal choice for countertops.

They are scratch-proof, stain-resistant, & can withstand heat to a higher degree.

Other options:

7. Concrete countertop:

A concrete countertop can be molded in any required shape. We can add different oxides to create a colorful top surface. Concrete is hard & dense to withstand any impact loads. They do not provide a luxurious look to the countertop.

8. Kadappa stone countertop:

Kadappa is a naturally available blackish-grey colored countertop material. They can be wax polished to get a shiny look. Kadappa is one of the cheaper options to make the kitchen platform. Usually, they are chosen to be a base material for the countertop to provide support.

9. Slate stone countertop:

Another greenish-grey colored natural stone, similar to the Kadappa material. They can be polished to get a smooth & lustrous surface. They are soft in nature which makes them susceptible to dents & scratches.

10. Tile countertop:

Tiles are installed over the concrete slab layer to make the countertop. Wider choices in colors & patterns are available to build the countertops. They require regular maintenance in cleaning the joints.

This type of countertop is not hygienic, as the grooves & joints help in the growth of microorganisms.

11. Laminate countertop:

Laminate countertops are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, & designs as it contains a printed layer. They are not the preferred material as they are susceptible to burns & scratches. They are less durable type & need utmost care.

12. Stainless steel countertop:

This type of countertop is chosen for industrial & commercial kitchen purposes. The splash or spill should be cleaned regularly to avoid the spots. They are non-porous & durable.

They are not ideal for homes as they absorb heat & lack appeal.

13. Butcher's block countertop:

Wood pieces are bonded to form a larger countertop slab. The surface texture depends upon the type of wood chosen. As wood is a porous & soft material, the surface needs to be sealed.

14. Epoxy countertop: