If you are considering changing the kitchen in your home or directly installing a kitchen, choosing the type of material for the countertop is an important choice.
At Cocinas Plus we are going to guide you so that you can learn more about the different materials for kitchen countertops that we can install, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
You can also be inspired to adapt the countertop material to the design of your kitchen.
Remember that at Cocinas Plus we are specialists in the design, manufacture and installation of designer kitchens.
We could say that the best material for a kitchen countertop is one that is versatile, affordable, resistant to the passage of time and that combines with any type and structure of kitchen. Unfortunately, this material does not exist, although there are materials that adapt to the aesthetics of the kitchen, its functionality and are resistant to the passage of time.
Each kitchen has a different approach and style, so each material, whether due to its appearance or shape, will adapt better or worse to the aesthetics and structure of the kitchen.
The materials to install on kitchen countertops are diverse, as well as with different porosities :
Porous countertop materials generally have a more elegant aesthetic than non-porous countertop materials, such as granite or marble. These types of materials are very resistant to temperature and the passage of time, which is why they are common in kitchens where the use of hot pots and pans is frequent. On the other hand, it is a material that requires periodic maintenance and cleaning , since being porous, it is more likely to accumulate dust or liquid.
They must be sealed once installed and once annually after installation.
They are also usually very durable materials and have the advantage that they are very easy to clean and maintain due to their low porosity. Their smooth surface repels any type of liquid or stain and they are very easy to clean. They are materials that do not require regular sealing; on the other hand, they do not usually have the attractiveness of natural stones and can have a more monotonous and uniform appearance.
As a general rule, all materials intended for kitchen countertops tend to be very durable and resistant to the passage of time, although they must be well cared for and, over time, sealed with certain periodicity.
At Cocinas Plus we will guide you through every step of your kitchen design so that the choice of countertop material adapts to your needs .
Below, we are going to list the best materials for kitchen countertops from our criteria.
The porcelain material is characterized by being a highly hard , which gives it great resistance to impacts and scratches.
One of its main characteristics is its low porosity , which gives it great resistance to stains, since it does not allow the penetration of liquids, a characteristic that makes it ideal for installation as a kitchen countertop.
It is heat resistant , withstanding high temperatures without damage, and is immune to chemicals, protecting it from cleaning agents and acids that could deteriorate other materials.
On an ecological level, porcelain is composed of natural materials, without resins or toxic products .
Granite is a highly durable and resistant , and can last for decades if given proper care. It is an ideal material for kitchen countertops due to its ability to withstand bumps, scratches and high temperatures .
Its impermeability , when well sealed, makes it resistant to moisture, stains and the growth of bacteria, making it a hygienic option. It is easy to clean and maintain.
Granite countertops are very elegant in a room, since the natural stone offers various patterns, providing dynamism to the kitchen.
Granite is an expensive material and requires an appropriate support structure due to its weight.
Marble is a popular choice for kitchen countertops due to its elegant and unique appearance , with natural veins that vary in color and pattern, and a wide range of shades such as white, gray, beige and black. Its glossy finish brings luminosity and sophistication to the space.
Marble is a very durable material and resistant to high temperatures , although it is softer than other materials such as granite, which makes it susceptible to scratches and wear if not properly cared for.
One of its most notable disadvantages is its high porosity , which makes it vulnerable to stains from liquids such as wine or oil, so it is important to seal it periodically and constantly clean it with non-abrasive products. Despite these disadvantages, its cool surface makes it ideal for baking.
Natural wood is an attractive material for kitchen countertops due to its warm aesthetic and its ability to provide a unique and welcoming style, especially with hardwoods such as oak or teak, which offer good durability.
In addition, its restoration capacity by sanding and its sustainability , when it comes from renewable sources, make it an environmentally friendly option.
Natural wood as a kitchen countertop material also has disadvantages, such as its sensitivity to moisture , which can lead to warping or mold if not sealed properly, as well as its vulnerability to scratches, dents, and extreme heat.
Laminate countertops are a popular and economical for kitchens thanks to their resistance to wear , ease of maintenance and wide variety of aesthetics:
They offer moderate durability for daily use, withstanding bumps, light scratches and stains, although it is advisable to avoid cutting directly on their surface.
They are very easy to clean with mild soap and water, but abrasive products should be avoided as they could damage the finish.
Aesthetically, they offer a wide variety of designs that imitate materials such as stone or wood, although they do not achieve the same tactile sensation or durability.
Stainless steel countertops are an ideal option for restaurant kitchens and are gradually being incorporated into home kitchens due to their durability, resistance and ease of maintenance .
