In our last blog, we talked about how unique backsplashes can transform your kitchen.  Just as backsplashes are far from plain and simple, there are so many choices for countertops available now.  Many of them will give your kitchen the high-end look that you have always dreamed of. The only thing standing between you and your dream kitchen is that first step. Are you ready? Here are the 10 top kitchen countertops in 2020 that will help you choose your ideal countertop.

How to decide?

The kitchen countertop is one of the most crucial elements of most kitchens. It is where we plan meals, prepare food, and clean up and often eating meals on that countertop.  Having one that is stylish and upscale makes it more enjoyable. When it comes to choosing the right kitchen countertop, there are many questions need to be answered:

• What is the best countertop for your money?
• How much does kitchen countertop cost?
• What is the most durable countertop?
• What is the best material as a kitchen countertop?

If you are looking for some budget material, laminate countertops may be a good deal for you. In this article, we’ll only focus on countertops made of natural stone.

How much does it cost?

If you are renovating your kitchen or just decide to replace your kitchen counter, you may want to check the price tag first. In general, the most expensive ones are the granite countertops. They range from $70 to $300 per square foot. The others such as quartz countertops have a price tag ranging from $60 to $175.

If you are looking for something high-end, elegant, stylish, and sophisticated which will add a positive spirit to your kitchen, you may consider buying a granite countertop. Of course, while you choose the countertop, kitchen cabinets play an important role because the color, the feel and look of the cabinets must be consistent with your material.

Replacing a countertop will cost around $4000 in material (the fabrication and installation depend on the fabricator, but will be, at least as much as the material itself). While an inexperienced person can install some type of countertops, materials like granite and marble will definitely require expert installation. Trying to save money can be more costly if you don’t know to handle such precious natural stones.  *Price costs edited by Homework Remodels

Durability of Countertops

There are many trendy kitchen designs nowadays. Fashion may influence our choices but durability is also very crucial. Granite is the most durable material among other countertop options. Quartz comes second in terms of durability. Other materials follow these two.

Granite Countertops

Because it is a natural stone that can absorb heat easily and resist scratching and staining. This stain-resistant stone is also easy to clean. Most granite countertops come in 1 ¼” or 3cm sizes up to 10‘x 6‘. These sizes make it quite functional to use as a seamless piece of material in kitchens for countertops and kitchen islands. This is one of the best solid surface countertops on earth.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz can be found on earth easily. It is very abundant material. There are different types of quartz. The usage of quartz as a surface covering material is after the technological advances in natural stone cutting and mixing technology. This artificially created countertop is a cheaper alternative to marble and granite. It consists of resin and raw quartz.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a timeless and classic natural stone. It was once a symbol of luxury and richness. It was used in ancient cities to build temples, houses, statues. It is still a beloved and very popular natural stone that will add value and character to your kitchen.

Travertine Countertops

Granite is by far the first material that comes to mind when speaking of countertops or kitchen islands. But if you want to try something different, we have a wide selection of different travertine slabs as an alternative to granite. Travertine resembles marble rather than granite and its installation requires a technique called precision edging. It has a more tiled look than granite. Its maintenance is easier and it gives a more historical look to countertops. Because this stone dates back to days of the Roman Empire. Many sections of the Colosseum in Italy were made out of travertine.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone slabs are quarried as limestone blocks. It is mostly used to make kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, and other design elements. It is a sedimentary rock. It has been used widely throughout history in different buildings such as the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is elegant, beautiful, and tames bold colors. Of course, there are some disadvantages to this sensitive stone. It requires more care than granite or marble when it comes to care and maintenance of this natural beauty. You have to be careful when you put a hot pan on it or be careful not to scratch it.

Onyx Countertop

Onyx is a stone that has had many definitions applied to it over the centuries. Traditionally it will present as having distinctive bands… but not always. As a rule, it is somewhat exotic in appearance and therefore Onyx Slabs bring a level of desirable luxury into any modern space.

Exotic statements of nature… Onyx is a magnificent gift of nature. it is a gift of warmth that includes an incredible depth of color. The stone is formed by nature into translucent layers of marble. They provide a focal point wherever they are used. The onyx color palette goes from a rich neutral to exotic depths of color. Define your living space, your statement of design, and your appreciation of truly natural art. Enjoy entirely unique this gift of nature.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a sedimentary stone that has a talc-based component. Soapstone Slabs are easily worked into kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity tops. The material enjoys a depth of color and texture that allows for a highly stylized visual image inside the modern home.

Porcelain Countertops

For people who are looking for more alternatives, porcelain countertops may be the solution. Made from non-porous ceramic clay which contains minerals like kaolinite and silica, this material looks very elegant as a kitchen countertop. It is highly resistant to scratching, cracking, and heat. The only main downside of this elegant countertop is about its patterns. Patterns on porcelain countertops are only surface deep, meaning they lack the look of depth.

Slate Countertops

Slate is a metamorphic stone. It is usually quite fine-grained and can be found in basic grays, greens, and blacks. Also, more exotic color ranges exist that bring to space a uniqueness of spirit rarely found elsewhere. Slate slabs yield exquisitely interesting kitchen and bath tops.

Quartzite Countertops

Finally, we have reached the end of our list. Quartzite is one of the harder more durable building materials that you might choose. Quartzite Slabs contain very high quartz content and with that comes density, stain resistance, and minimal care requirements. A modern kitchen countertop is a perfect place for this material. The main difference between quartz and quartzite lies in its creation. While quartzite is 100% natural stone, quartz is a man-made material that is engineered with quartz crystals and strengthened by resin.

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