Casual Popular Countertop Materials

For other homeowners it may seem a bit too unique.

Popular countertop materials. Popular Countertop Materials The days when your only choices were plastic laminate or wood butcher block are long gone. Soft handsome soapstone is a countertop favorite because despite its pliable texture its heat-resistant and doesnt readily absorb stains although you should wipe up spills promptly to be safe. Limestone also has a natural-stone look without heavy veining or graining and it resists heat.

Granite is another classic countertop material that comes in a variety of colors and designs. Today there are dozens of surfaces available ranging from natural-stone and renewable acrylic sheets to quartz composites and tinted concrete. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns quartz typically ranks close in popularity to the perennial top choice.

The price range for each surface will vary with some being more dramatic than others. Quartz countertops are often regarded as affordable and reliable. Zincs tone darkens with time adding patina.

The chart below compares the main characteristics of the most popular countertop materials in todays market including granite marble quartzite soapstone porcelain and engineered quartz. Practically maintenance free engineered quartz countertops are stain acid scratch heat and impact resistant and thanks to their non-porous surface dont need to be sealed like natural stone countertops. The most common options are granite marble soapstone limestone and slate.

Use a gray-toned speckled granite to add an interesting dimension to the kitchen with its layers of various hues. Limestone pictured and marble are classic materials. For the right homeowner it has a hip trendy appeal reminiscent of the zinc countertops found in Paris bistros.

Tile concrete and granite are some of your options. Zinc is the most common metal on earth but is fairly uncommon as a countertop material. Countertop Comparison Chart What Material is Best for You.