When creating your luxury kitchen, materials matter above all other aspects of the space. If you use cheap wallpaper and linoleum flooring, for example, your kitchen will not be considered luxury at all. Let’s focus on the types of materials that homeowners use for their countertops and look at some of the many kitchen countertop ideas.
Concrete Countertops
The advantages of concrete countertops include durability—it is a tough material which will last for a very long time, creativity—it can be created in a freestyle manner which allows for creative shapes, and versatility—it will match other materials very well and will complement concrete flooring.
The disadvantages are that concrete countertops can develop tiny cracks over time, they can look industrial unless sealed properly, and they can be expensive because they are custom-made.
Marble Countertops
The advantages of marble countertops include heat resistance, uniqueness, and their cool feel.
The disadvantages are that marble is more porous and softer than some of the other materials, so they can scratch and stain easily; marble requires sealing once every year or two and they are super expensive.
Granite Countertops
The advantages of granite countertops include heat and scratch resistance, almost 3,000 colour options to choose from, and hope value increase.
The disadvantages of granite countertops include their high price (although they have been getting less expensive lately), they absorb stains (but can be sealed to avoid this), and they have very large seams—if granite is installed in parts, the seams are more visible.
Soapstone Countertop
The advantages of soapstone countertops include resistance to heat—soapstone stoves from the 1800s are still in use today, they are easy to care for and don’t require sealing, and they are stain and acid-resistant.
The disadvantages of soapstone countertops include their relatively softness—their corners will soften over time—and they are expensive.
Quartz Countertops
The advantages of quartz countertops include their uniform pattern, they require little maintenance—quartz doesn’t require sealants or polish, and they are non-porous and resistant to stains and scratches.
Their disadvantages are that they are not heat-proof—be careful not to put hot pans or pots directly on the countertop and they are expensive—this material costs about the same as granite.
Now that you have luxury kitchen countertop ideas, you are on the road to successfully renovating your kitchen. Weigh the pros against the cons and figure out which type of countertops you want for your kitchen.