The Best Material for Kitchen Countertops

The Best Material for Kitchen Countertops

Homeowners always ask us what’s the best material for kitchen countertops — and the answer is that it depends on you. There are 4 main kitchen countertops that we install, and each one is right for different customers for different reasons.

Ultimately, your sense style of style, your needs, and your budget will determine the kitchen countertop you want. While we can’t tell you what’s the best material for kitchen countertops, we can help you find which one is best for you.  Read on for all the details, broken down by a kitchen installer who does it all.

 

The 4 Best Kitchen Countertops Compared

If you’re renovating your kitchen right now, you’re in luck. In 21st century kitchen design, there are more options and they look better than ever before. The 4 best kitchen countertops are:

  • Laminate
  • Acrylic Solid Surface (AKA: Corian)
  • Quartz
  • Granite

Each of these counters have distinct strengths and weaknesses you need to consider when making your choice. At Kauffman Kitchens, we install all 4 kitchen counter types — because all 4 are great! It’s just a matter of matching each person with the right material.

 

Laminate Counters

Laminate kitchen counters with gas stove

Laminate countertops are made by applying plastic-type material to a surface composite board. While once laminate was the budget option and it showed, 21st century laminate looks absolutely stunning — while retaining the budget price point. At Kauffman Kitchens, we build these countertops in our own workshop which lets us offer them at even better prices.  The bountiful styles paired with the price makes laminate the best material for kitchen countertops for many homeowners.

Want to see it in action? Click to view one of our very own kitchen remodels with a Laminate countertop design!

Strengths

  • Resistant to scratching
  • Impervious to wine, coffee, and permanent marker stains
  • Approximately half the price of other counters
  • Wide variety of colors available
  • Non-porous for bacteria resistance

 

Weaknesses

  • Matte look that some homeowners don’t like
  • Edges have visible seams
  • Laminate counters can look worn sooner than others
  • Standing water can get under the laminate
  • Laminate can be burned
  • Won’t have the same pattern variety as granite

 

Acrylic Solid Surface (Corian) Counters

White kitchen corian counters

Corian is the most well-known acrylic solid surface countertop — and has almost become synonymous with the material. Another man-made countertop material, Corian has many of the advantages of laminate but with a more high-end style. One of the acrylic advantages that homeowners love is that the same material can be used for the countertop and the backsplash, without showing a seam between the two.

Contact us to see just how elegant a Corian counter could look in your home.

Strengths

  • No seam between counter and backsplash
  • Can sand the surface to eliminate damage and to get a new look
  • Non-porous for bacteria resistance
  • Wide variety of colors available
  • Kauffman Kitchens is trained by Dupont, the Corian manufacturer

 

Weaknesses

  • Scratches easily, especially in black
  • Matte look that some homeowners don’t like
  • More expensive than laminate

Learn more about Kauffman’s commercial work.

 

Quartz Counters

Quartz Countertop installed in Lancaster PA

For some homeowners, quartz makes for the best kitchen countertop as it provides the look and feel of real stone, backed by several practical advantages.  Simply put, stone looks and feels different from non-stone countertops. It boasts a much shinier appearance as opposed to the matte looks of laminate and Corian — and the temperature and texture are undeniable.

View photos from our Terre Hill kitchen renovation, where our team installed a stunning Cambria quartz counter to this beautiful custom kitchen.

Strengths

  • Most durable material
  • Looks similar to granite
  • Low maintenance
  • Resistant to scratching
  • Resistant to heat and burning
  • Cold feel of real stone
  • Non-porous for bacteria resistance

 

Weaknesses

  • Seams are visible
  • Higher price point

 

Granite Counters

Granite Counters Installed with Dark Cabinetry

For a long time, granite countertops were synonymous with upscale kitchen luxury. While there are more deluxe options than ever before, for some, granite is and will always be the best kitchen countertop. While granite is a strong and durable material, the real reason it stands out is the truly distinct visual flair. As a fully natural product, granite countertops have a truly one-of-a-kind pattern that can NEVER be repeated or copied. In addition, the depth of the pattern is un-paralleled — and some homeowners say that granite almost has a 3D quality to it!

Take a look at how the Kauffman team incorporated Granite countertops in a kitchen remodel project in Ephrata, PA!

Strengths

  • No two granite countertops will look the same
  • Pattern never repeats
  • Huge color variety
  • Exotic looking material
  • Low maintenance
  • Resistant to scratching
  • Resistant to heat and burning
  • Cold feel of real stone

 

Weaknesses

  • Material is porous which can trap bacteria
  • High price point

See our full project gallery.

 

Installing ALL the Best Materials for Kitchen Countertops

At Kauffman Kitchens, we design and install dream kitchens for homeowners throughout Lancaster and Chester Counties. Every single one of our kitchen designs begins with a conversation between the homeowner and our experienced designers. We’ll help you find your style and the best kitchen countertop material for your home!

         
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