Deciding on the material in your kitchen countertop is a big decision. There are a wide variety of materials with their own pros, cons, and prices. Fortunately, the experts at McHales KBA can help you narrow down your choices. We’ve compiled ten popular kitchen countertop choices to help you decide what material you want to put your food on.

*Costs don’t include labor or installation.

Granite

One of the most popular choices. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also resistant to heat and scratches. As for pricing, it’s one of the more expensive stones, it can vary wildly depending on the type of granite you choose. Average price ranges can go from $40 all the way to $200 per square foot.

Quartz

Interestingly enough, the quartz used in countertops isn’t the actual stone you find in nature. In reality, countertop quartz is a mix of resin and quartz that allows for a larger variety of color choices. This hard-working material is slightly more flexible than normal stone, so it’s less likely to crack during installation. Despite being man-made, it costs about as much as natural stone. You can expect to pay $60 to $150 per square foot.

Marble

This classic stone beloved by statue-makers is softer than other countertop stones, making it easier to work with. In addition, its heat resistant, cool to the touch, and comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors. However, these benefits are also its drawbacks. The softer stone can chip and scratch easier, and its porous nature means it can stain if not sealed properly. It’s also one of the more expensive options at $125 to $250 per square foot. If you’re looking for alternatives, white granite bears a similar appearance for cheaper.

Plastic Laminate

Laminate has a reputation for being cheap, but low price doesn’t always mean low-quality. Some of the better types of laminate are durable, waterproof, and attractive. However, don’t expect the same durability or hardiness that stone has. At $20 to $50 per square foot, it’s definitely a budget material, but it’s still a good choice if you’re on a budget.

Stainless Steel

Primarily used in commercial kitchens, stainless steel is becoming more popular with homeowners. When you see the benefits, it’s easy to see why it’s becoming more popular. It’s durable, easy to clean and maintain, simple to install, and gives your kitchen a sleek, modern look. As for price, it’s middle-of-the-road at $75 to $150 per square foot.

Recycled Glass

As the name suggests, recycled glass countertops are made from recycled glass, pigment, and resin/cement mixed together to form a kitchen work surface. These countertops are eco-friendly and fashionable, making them good for a home trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Depending on the glass used, expect to pay $50 to $125 per square foot. However, the exact range depends on the kind of glass used.

Cultured Marble

Cultured Marble is another alternative for those who like marble’s appearance but can’t or don’t want to pay for it. This material mixes crushed marble with pigments and resins in a mold to make various fixtures. It combines the beauty of marble with the durability of engineered stone. It’s much less expensive than marble at $40 to $140 per square foot, but it’s an attractive alternative.

Soapstone

Soapstone has been used in science labs and medical facilities for decades, but it also works great in the kitchen. It doesn’t require any sealing and is resistant to bacteria and heat. It also happens to be fairly affordable at $70 to $120 per square foot.

Travertine

Often called ‘black marble,’ travertine is a kind of limestone formed under extreme heat and pressure. Like marble, it’s very beautiful, but it’s high-maintenance due to its softness. In addition, it’s porous, so it has to be sealed properly and regularly. If you’re willing to take on the responsibility, travertine costs $50 to $100 per square foot.

Butcher Block

Wooden countertops look warm and inviting, and it’s easy to clean stains on it. However, it can also require a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to reseal it monthly, be careful about dinging it, and keep in mind that it expands and contracts with the temperature. However, it can last for decades if properly cared for. Depending on the thickness of the wood, it can cost $35 to $200 per square foot.

Why is McHales KBA a great choice for installing my kitchen countertop?

Since 1950, McHales Kitchen and Bath has worked to help Pennsylvania homeowners design their dream kitchens. Our showroom lets you see just how our products look under different kinds of lighting so you know how it’ll look. We know that anyone can sell a product, but we provide a tearless remodeling product. We have a thought-out process listed on our About Us page, so you know exactly what to expect when you call on us. If you need someone to help you remodel your kitchen countertop, call the experts at McHales KBA

By Michelle Fadeley