Which Kitchen Countertop is Right for You?

When planning a kitchen remodel, nothing seems to stress my clients out more than selecting a kitchen countertop. And no wonder – the countertop not only defines the style of your kitchen, it also serves as its primary workhorse, sometimes acting as food prep surface, sometimes as trivet, storage area or even dining table.

Not to worry. The good news is that there is a huge variety of materials available, to fit every style, functional need and budget.

So how do you choose one?

Function First

Your kitchen is one place where function should definitely dictate form.

While design magazines are full of gorgeous kitchens with beautiful countertops, I’ve seen lots that would be a nightmare to actually cook in. Before you fall in love with a particular countertop, think about how it would work in your kitchen and with your lifestyle.

Start by asking:

How Do You Really Use Your Kitchen – Be Honest!

We all (well, most of us) have fantasies about what our ideal kitchen would look like. Country, with warm wood and homey charm to spare? Ultra-modern, all sleek stainless steel and clean lines? Or high-tech and stylish, with bamboo-and-leather barstools around a zinc counter?

Whatever your pleasure, if you’re like me, your kitchen fantasies definitely don’t involve things like searching desperately for space for the cassoulet you just pulled out of the oven, or scrubbing wine stains off the counter at 1 a.m. after a dinner party.

So consider what kind of kitchen countertop will really work for you:

If you love to cook, you’ll want to select a material that is highly durable and functional. You won’t want to worry about every little spill or whether a hot pan will leave an ugly burn mark on your counter.
Do you have an open floor plan and love to entertain? Then you’ll want to pay extra attention to the aesthetics of your kitchen and what best reflects your style.
If you’re a busy professional and/or parent, without much time to spare, you need something that’s easy to clean and maintain.

Your architect can steer you toward materials that fit your dreams and your needs. Yes, look at magazines, but also visit home design showrooms to see countertops in person to get a sense of how they look and wear in the real world. Ask friends how happy they are with theirs.

Once you’ve narrowed down the list of possible countertops, consult manufacturers’ websites for essential information about maintenance and cleaning.

Countertop Resources

I’ve put together a chart of common countertop materials and their qualities, including durability, maintenance, and price. (Keep in mind that there can be significant variation between brands, so always check with the specific manufacturer of a material for the most accurate information.)