Countertops are one of the most important design elements to consider for your kitchen. Choosing the right material can be tricky, though. There are so many options out there for you to choose from these days!

There are pros and cons to each countertop material, but the choice really boils down to your preference, lifestyle, and of course, budget. Let’s run through our top four favorites!

Quartz

I don’t know about you, but our kitchen is the heart of our home. It’s where we gather and where we gab about everything under the sun. It is the most used space in our house, and I feel like I am cleaning the kitchen at least 10-times per day!

For us, the very nature of the kitchen makes quartz an automatic top contender for countertop material. And quartz countertops are practically maintenance-free – can I get an amen! My favorite thing about quartz countertops is that they are stain-resistant! They are also scratch, heat, and impact-resistant, which becomes invaluable when used in the kitchen.

Quartz is available in many colors and patterns, which is excellent news if you love choices and are great at making decisions.

And, thanks to their non-porous surface, quartz does not need to be sealed like a natural stone. Speaking of which, let’s talk granite.

Granite

No discussion of kitchen countertops would be complete without bringing up the perennial top choice; granite. People love this stuff – until we talk about quartz.

But I get it. Traditional granite countertops give a kitchen that high-end look that adds the perfect touch of something special.

Just be sure to clean up messes fast because this natural stone doesn’t stand up to stains like quartz, making it a bit more high-maintenance. Speaking of high maintenance, enter marble.

Marble

There is a reason so many timeless sculptures and works of art were created with marble. The timeless appeal of marble makes it attractive to those looking for that super high-end look. If you’re envisioning a sophisticated space, the rich veining and majestic depth of marble is the way to go.

However, this mom of four is terrified of the scratch and stain-prone nature of it all! These reasons alone make marble an absolute impractical choice for our home. But it might be great for you!

If you can cope with daily upkeep and have a laid-back mindset when it comes to the imperfections caused by everyday life, you can make it work. Keeping up with the maintenance of your marble countertops is vital.

Wood

Wood countertops are a timeless choice. We love the warmth of the aesthetic and the literal warmth to the touch compared to other countertop material choices like stone, tile, or concrete. The cozy feeling of wood makes it a classic that rarely falls out of style.

Choosing a kitchen countertop involves some education and, indeed, some maintenance. Our best advice is to have your countertops sealed and maintain them regularly. Always use the correct cleaning solution for your stone and finish. Wipe up those spills as soon as they happen, and use care when placing items on the surface. And, invest in coasters, hot pads, trivets, and cutting boards!

We believe the most important thing you can do is make a choice that works with your lifestyle so you can enjoy your beautiful kitchen.

Of the top four favs, what’s your pick? What is your style? Is cooking kind of your thing? Is your kitchen a gathering place for friends and family? Is your house the center of all entertainment?

These are important considerations! We are experts in custom home builds and will help you choose the best finishes for your new home, including kitchen countertops.