13 Dec What to Consider Before Choosing Your Countertop Designs & Materials

Choosing from countertop designs and materials can be an overwhelming undertaking. After all, there’s far more to choose from in today’s selection of materials and designs than ever before. So, what should you look for in your countertop material? Regarding the design, which option best complements your overall kitchen or bathroom aesthetic?

Here, we break down your options and suggest the best materials based on how you use your kitchen. One of the main factors in any material is durability, and those who create daily chef’s-level meals know that countertop designs and materials need to hold up very well, look good, and suit your style. Yes, it’s possible to hit all the marks when it comes to choosing your countertop designs and materials.

How to Choose the Best Countertop Designs and Materials for Your Renovation

When our Quad Cities neighbors consider the design of their kitchen, imagine what materials best suit. For example, would a white quartz composite complement your overall aesthetic, or would you prefer a marble or maybe even a butcher block? Maybe the versatility of a manufactured countertop that introduces some color appeals to you? Without further adieu, here are our top countertop designs and materials to help you choose your best option.

Quartz

Quartz is the most popular counter material in the country, and with good reason. This engineered stone is highly durable. It’s fairly resistant to scratches and chips. This amazing material, about 90% quartz and 10% resin, is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as busy kitchens and bathrooms. For families or those who entertain frequently, quartz is the ideal countertop material.

Design-wise, quartz is also a good choice. That’s because, as it is an engineered stone, it is available in a wide array of patterns and colors. While the cost of this material, as well as installation, may give sticker shock, the durability and resale value make up for the investment time and time again.

Marble

If your aesthetic is high-end, then marble is your best choice for countertop designs and materials. It’s a natural stone with a clean and contemporary look.  Marble instantly elevates any kitchen or bathroom design. The material is unique as it is natural, so unlike quartz, there will be variations in the consistency of your countertops’ appearance. 

Marble isn’t nearly as durable as other countertop designs and materials, and it does require a bit of maintenance and care. Natural stone tends to stain easily, so immediate spill clean-up is a must. Sealant must be routinely applied. While marble is considered the best material for a high-end look, it’s relatively affordable.

Butcher Block

Nothing warms up the look of a kitchen like wood. That’s why butcher block countertop designs and materials have been around for so long. Butcher block countertops are created from all types of wood, including cherry, maple, oak, and walnut. Some countertop designs include teak wood. These different foods reflect your design ideas, and the finish you decide on also projects an aesthetic. 

Butcher block countertops are highly durable, and you can cut directly on the surface if you please. Although once the wood is sealed (recommended for durability), it may not be suitable for prepping food directly on the surface as it can create scratches. Because of the porous nature of wood, if left unsealed, the wood is extremely risky for stains and bacteria. 

As with other wood surfaces, this type of countertop material needs maintenance and care to continue looking beautiful. As countertop designs and materials go, butcher block is extremely budget-friendly.

Concrete

Concrete countertop materials and designs are very specific but certainly popular. Made trendy by home design TV shows, concrete adds a touch of modernity to the farmhouse look and industrial chic to any modern home. With its bold design and indestructible nature, concrete may be a fantastic option for you.

There are a few factors you’ll need to consider with concrete. However. This material takes as long as four weeks to set up and dry. If you’re under a time constraint, concrete may not be the ideal choice. Also, concrete stains easily and needs to be sealed regularly. The sealant options are endless as far as color and design. 

As far as durability is concerned, this isn’t the optimum choice. Concrete can crack (just like your driveway, patio, etc) but is easy to mend. On the other hand, it may not look its best once mended. Concrete can be fairly easy on the pocketbook, depending on the design you choose.

Countertop Designs and Materials in The Quad Cities

For more on choosing your countertop designs and materials, contact Seiffert Building Supplies. We’re the go-to for all of your renovation needs, all around the house, as we have been for more than a century. Our Quad Cities neighbors trust us, and you will too.

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