10 Countertop Materials to Consider for Your Lancaster Kitchen

Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting process. A chance to replace outdated or worn-out elements with fresh, new designs that are just your style and make you happy: what could be better?

There are a lot of decisions that you’ll need to make as you embark on remodeling your Lancaster kitchen, and one of the biggest is what type of countertop material is right for you. Next to cabinets, the kitchen counters are the biggest design element in your kitchen, and they affect everything from function to aesthetics to remodeling costs to resale value.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to help. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of ten popular types of countertops, and be confident in your ability to decide what’s best for you.

#1. Granite Countertops

Always a popular choice, granite countertops are known for their durability and high-end look. They are sure to catch the eyes of realtors and prospective buyers and definitely raise your home’s resale value. Granite countertops can be made of one large slab of granite, meaning it may be possible to have a seamless countertop. You can also choose modular granite countertops, which are made of large tiles of granite pieced together to form the surface of the counter. Granite (both slab and modular) does require some maintenance—it needs to be sealed periodically to protect the surface from stains.

Pros of Granite Countertops:

• Durable and strong
• Resistant to heat and abrasions
• Lots of color choices available—no slab of granite is the same!
• Popular among homeowners and raises the resale value of your home

Cons of Granite Countertops:

• More expensive choice
• Require regular sealing
• Heavy and harder to install than other options

#2. Marble Countertops

Marble is perhaps the most beautiful natural stone for countertops due to its delicate and unique veining. It is relatively durable although it is softer than granite and more susceptible to scratches. Marble, like granite, needs to be sealed and maintained. It is a fairly expensive choice for countertops but is very popular and desirable. 

Pros of Marble Countertops:

• A high-end choice that raises your home’s resale value
• Every piece is different and unique
• Resistant to heat, cracking, and breaking
• Long-lasting

Cons of Marble Countertops:

• Need maintenance
• More expensive option
• Vulnerable to scratches and staining

#3. Quartz (Engineered Stone) Countertops

Quartz countertops are made of 93-95% crushed quartz (and other stones sometimes) and 5-7% resin. A quartz countertop is harder than granite and more durable, although it is not nearly as heat-resistant. It does not require sealing or other regular maintenance, and it is easy to keep clean. Quartz comes in many colors—the most popular are white, gray, and black—and can even be designed to look like marble.

Pros of Quartz Countertops

• Easy to maintain (no sealing required)
• Non-porous, so they're resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria
• Many colors and styles are available
• Less expensive than granite and marble, but still give the stone feel

Cons of Quarts Countertops

• Not heat-resistant—always use trivets or potholders!
• Lighter colors can yellow after years of direct sunlight, and darker colors may fade
• Not completely scratch-resistant
  
  

#4. Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone countertops are a unique choice in that they develop a beautiful patina over time. Because of their high talc content, they have a warm, milky look that complements many kitchen designs. Generally found in shades of gray leaning toward blue or green, soapstone can also come in black or white. It has beautiful veining that is more subtle than that of marble. Soapstone is softer than granite and can be scratched pretty easily. The good news is that scratches can usually be removed with either mineral oil or light sanding.

Pros of Soapstone Countertops

• Come in unique natural colors and patterns
• Develop a lovely patina over time
• Non-porous, so they're resistant to stains
• Can withstand heat

Cons of Soapstone Countertops

• More high-maintenance than some other choices. Need to be treated with mineral oil once per month over the first year to aid in the development of the patina
• Surface is vulnerable to scratches
• Takes time for the patina to develop

#5. Tile Countertops

One of the most affordable options, ceramic tile can be a good choice for countertops. It’s durable, impervious to stains and heat, and comes in countless colors and designs. On the minus side, it can be hard to keep the grout lines clean, and it also doesn’t help your resale value as some prospective buyers may find it too hard to maintain.

Pros of Tile Countertops

• Come in lots of colors, styles, and patterns
• Durable and heat-resistant
• Inexpensive
• Can be a DIY project, easy to install
  
  

Cons of Tile Countertops

• Hard to keep the grout lines clean
• Grout may need to be resealed sometimes
• Do not add to the resale value of your home
• Tile is brittle and can crack
  
  

#6. Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface is a material originally designed to mimic the look of stone countertops. Made of acrylics, polyester, and resin, the solid surface is shaped into slabs for countertops. They’re easy to maintain and clean, and they come in more colors and patterns than just about any other type of countertop. Solid surface countertops can be installed with no seams, and can also be designed with a sink integrated into the countertop. These countertops do not resist heat and can sometimes crack, but overall, they hold up well.

Pros of Solid Surface Countertops

• Lots of different colors and styles (can mimic stone or be colored)
• Resistant to staining, easy to clean and maintain
• Seams (if there are any) are basically invisible
• Affordable option

Cons of Solid Surface Countertops

• Vulnerable to heat damage and scratches
• Can be dented
• Seen as a less-desirable option by prospective buyers
  
  

#7. Wood Countertops

Wood has always been a popular choice for countertops. It is an eco-friendly option that will last a long time and look more beautiful with age. Wood complements many kitchen designs and styles. It definitely needs upkeep, though. Because wood is an organic, porous material, it needs refinishing and sealing to keep it from harboring bacteria or becoming damaged by water. With care, wood countertops can add warmth and life to your kitchen.

Pros of Wood Countertops

• “Green” option, especially if reclaimed wood is used
• Beautiful and warm
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons of Wood Countertops

• Must be oiled and sealed regularly and may need to be refinished sometimes
• Vulnerable to stains
• Can harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew because of the porous surface

#8. Laminate Countertops

Once seen only as a budget option, laminate countertops are slowly making a comeback as they are being constructed out of higher-quality, better-looking materials. Laminate countertops are made of particle boards, plastics, paper patterns, and resins. The products are melded together using heat and pressure to form a fairly thin board that is glued to a wood substrate to make the countertops. Laminate comes in a variety of colors and designs, some of which look like granite or marble. Laminate is affordable and easy to maintain, but it will not raise your home’s resale value.

Pros of Laminate Countertops

• Inexpensive, durable option
• Lots of colors and styles to choose from
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Resist mold and mildew and scratches
• The newer laminates look better than ever

Cons of Laminate Countertops

• Laminate is notorious for peeling
• Not heat resistant
• Susceptible to scratches and denting
• Don’t help your resale value
  

#9.  Concrete Countertops

Not just for ultra-modern kitchens, concrete countertops can be made to look at home in just about any space. You can choose from many different colors, from the traditional gray to terra cotta, navy, black, brown, and more. There’s even the option of embedding pieces of glass or metal into the concrete for texture and to add interest.

Because it is poured into molds, concrete countertops can be made in just about any shape and design to fit your kitchen perfectly. Concrete is durable, but it does require a fair amount of maintenance, needing to be resealed regularly. It’s also very heavy and may require that your floors and lower cabinets be shored up.

Pros of Concrete Countertops

• Heat and scratch resistant
• Can be molded to fit any size and shape of kitchen
• Countless options in terms of color and design
• On-trend and will raise your home’s resale value

Cons of Concrete Countertops

• More expensive option
• High maintenance, requiring resealing regularly
• Can crack if the house settles
• The sink needs to be supported on a frame so the weight isn’t on the countertop
  
  

#10. Stainless Steel Countertops

While stainless steel kitchen countertops used to be seen only in industrial kitchens, they’re becoming more and more popular at home. They are functional, durable, easy to care for, and they look great. Stainless steel is another on-trend option that you may love in your kitchen. It is more expensive and, while it generally cleans up like a dream, it can stain if a spill is left too long. Overall, it’s a great choice for countertops.

Pros of Stainless Steel Countertops

• Impervious to heat
• Durable and easy to clean
• Resist mold, mildew, bacteria, and stains
• Stylish, clean look

Cons of Stainless Steel Countertops

• Can be scratched or dented
• May show fingerprints and watermarks
• Can stain if a spill is left too long
• More expensive option
  
  

We hope that reading through this information has helped you narrow down your countertop choices for your Lancaster kitchen remodel. Check out our kitchen gallery page for more ideas and inspiration.

If you find yourself needing expert help, here at McLennan Contracting we have professional designers ready to listen to your wants and needs and help you make the best decision for your kitchen. If you’re ready to begin the process, if you’re wondering how much a kitchen remodel in Lancaster costs, or if you have any other questions, contact us today. We’d love to help you transform your kitchen into just what you want it to be.