Popular Kitchen Countertop Options | A Quick Guide

[@kitchinsider]

Kitchen countertop options are such a vast topic, that even this 'quick guide' felt quite long. There is so much more to dive into with each material. If you would like me to go into more detail about a particular material, let me know in the comments and I can add it to my video list! Thanks!

[@davidfletcher682]

Any thoughts on bamboo counter tops? I'm considering it for a new kitchen.

[@domenicamassaro8221]

Two things: now porcelain countertops are also 2 cm width and the vein goes through the whole body of the slab. And it can be damaged from porcelain knives. And from your list stainless steel is missing but it is a great choice too.

[@sabajess9083]

Do you think black quartz over white cabinets works for small kitchen or make small kitchen looks smaller?

[@kalpanaganesan8149]

What about quartzite? I went for it due to following reasons 1) It's natural, has beautiful formations but does not etch or stain like Marble(at least the ones I got) 2) Durable(heat resistant and water resistant) 3) Minimal sealing like Granite(I loved Granite for maintenance reasons, but felt it was looking outdated) 4) UV resistant unlike quartz

[@bSwanson-io4ro]

No mention of soapstone!! Doesn’t need sealing, durable, extremely heat and stain resistant. Not to mention it has a wonderful “hand feel”. Only 2 cons: 1) Always dark (although can have gorgeous green/blue/gray undertones and streaks) and 2) very soft, so like wood will eventually develop a “patina” of little scratches. It is a wonderful product though.

[@wheelerdealer2105]

Soap Stone. Tell us what you think of it. I know it has it's cons but I like it overall. Granite has become so common I want something a bit different. Good job on your videos. Thanks

[@victorespiritu3431]

Thanks for this video! We are building our kitchen and it’s good knowing all these

[@stephanieheintzman163]

Hi! Thanks for adding the brand examples! I've been told they dont offer porcelain in France, but they do offer these brands... Just call it ceramic

[@artycrafty9209]

Gosh this was so informative, the real definitive guide. A lot to think about but it will for sure help to make my mind up. Thank you as usual. Ramon.

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks! Pleased to hear it was helpful! 😊

[@Danadu82]

I have to admit, in a “unlimited budget dream kitchen” scenario, a mix of porcelain and marble. The porcelain as countertops with a cooktop and cooling element integrated is very appealing. Adding some marble as a backsplash or focal point on a wall is an attractive idea.

[@HISnown4ever]

Thanks, Good info short and concise. Clearly laid out and easy to follow.

[@dw298]

Really useful video. Obviously well-conceived and produced.

[@CoedtwrchWild]

Brilliant video as always! Would love to hear about more options, e.g. slate, stainless steel, copper… I had granite for over 20 years, with a big family of quite… um *exuberant* cooks. The granite had a bumpy surface, v new at the time, I think the supplier said we had one of the very first, a ‘prototype’, it didn’t even have a name, they were almost reluctant to sell it because it was experimental, though I’ve seen it several times since. They said the bumpy surface was produced with intense heat treatment, it was off black and speckled grey/quartz’ish. I liked it because it looked more natural, not too shiny like a posh hotel foyer. We religiously re-sealed it for the first (😂) month or so, then forgot/didn’t bother. It was treated badly, v badly; wine, lemon juice, hot frying pans, massive, fat spitting trays of roast potatoes etc etc. The only thing we didn’t do was cut directly onto it but this was because it would’ve blunted our knives, not out of respect for the surface. It was cleaned properly twice a day or so, and after twenty years of this extremely violent use, it still looks great; (the area with the greatest use may be slightly darker, but apparently I’m the only one who can tell), it honestly looks as good as it did on the day it was installed. Was it the bumpy finish that protected it from the deep and abusive horrors inflicted? Or are granite retailers just rather over keen on selling expensive sealers? I’ve currently got smooth, unfinished, unsealed slate, and (🫣) I’m treating it in exactly the same way, so far, after two years of frankly intense cooking, (regularly for over 15-20 people), it’s fine. Am I magic?

[@boomcity4942]

Shortly after the project is completed price will be forgotten unless you are unhappy with your choice. For me natural stone creates a timeless feeling of artistic quality and enchantment well worth the investment. I still remember my favorite granite countertop in a home that I helped design and sold 11 years ago. I don’t remember how much it cost and even though I will never see it again I know that someone else is enjoying it today. I was leaning towards granite, but after your explanation I will take a second look at quartz. Whatever I choose will make me feel good whenever I walk into the room. Thank you!

[@amrix1]

Another informative video...great content and simple breakdown of the pros and cons of each countertop...👍

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks! 😊

[@MaryWatson-v3c]

Thank you. Quartz it is for me.😊

[@gwirs]

BTW great video and channel, thank you so much!

[@Bg-xk1uw]

I'm building a new kitchen and DIYing it. This is very helpful, thank you! I suspect I'll be doing a blend of wood and something else, depending on price. Knowing I'll have to be resealing the wood is a definite plus to me informationally since I can plan ahead now. Passing on all of the composite stone types after reading on the sometimes very nasty manufacturing processes.

[@travelsizearchitect]

I really like your channel! good luck in growing it fast :)

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! Pleased you're enjoying it! 😊

[@Pixelated_Moon]

Thanks for such a detailed yet concise overview. I've wanted quartz for a long time, but it wasnt until I started planning my new kitchen a couple of months ago that I learned it isn't 100% natural. I thought it would have similar uniqueness, hardness, and heat resistance as granite, but with more subtle veining and base color similar to marble. Evidently what I had in mind is actually quartzite. Unfortunately, that was quoted a bit too much over budget. I can't decide if the strength and heat resistance of granite or the artificial but delicate marble-ish pattern and non-porous, easily maintained nature of quartz are worth more to me than the other. 🤯

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks! 😊 Quartz and quartzite often get confused. I love quartzite, but yes, sadly most are on the pricier side. Tricky to pick between granite and quartz, both are great choices really. Good luck!

[@travelsizearchitect]

Quartzite is actually a great material, and one of the best: it is almost as hard as granite, and much less porous than marble. as a bonus - etch-resistant (unlike marble). when it comes to pricing, you might look around and find other suppliers. Quartzite countertop producers define five categories when it comes to natural stone, including quartzite. Category 1 is the cheapest. The price of quartzite does not necessarily have to do anything with the quality or durability of the material, but it is mostly a matter of how rare the material is. Category 1, the cheapest quartzite usually comes from huge quarries, which means that the producers are able to mass produce the slabs and keep the prices low. Category 5, that costs the most expensive, does not necessarily mean that it is of better quality or more durable. The rare materials that look exotic are usually significantly more expensive. these two articles will probably help you get more info about quartzite countertops :) poshchiccool.com/how-to-choose-the-best-quartzite-slab-for-your-kitchen-countertops/ poshchiccool.com/quartzite-kitchen-countertops-material-qualities/

[@morganethuret3666]

I’m thinking of quartzite. Is quartzite quartz or granite? I’m a bit confused. What are tie pros and cons?

[@kitchinsider]

@@morganethuret3666 Quartz is man made. Quartzite is completely natural (so more like granite in that sense) It's a very tough material with some beautiful looking options. You will need to seal it and just be a bit more aware of spills. I wrote a bit about it here: kitchinsider.com/quartz-vs-quartzite-kitchen-countertops/

[@lauratempestini5719]

So thorough !!!! Thank you!

[@allans7281]

Great channel you’re one of my favorite reviewers I went with a Dekton

[@KwameEdwards-sm7dy]

Great presentation

[@aychkay3534]

Incredibly helpful! Thank you!

[@kitchinsider]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ps4402]

Great explanations and comparisons. We are looking towards porcelain, because of the low maintenance and look of stone.

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! It's a great choice, very easy to maintain!

[@Whatisthis94]

Loving my porcelain counter top and backsplash up to ceiling with no wall cabinets. As said, porcelain just plain looks spectacular and i love the sheen. Fabrication is very pricey since only a few folks are experts - at least here in Vegas. Also, looked at Quartzite but opted for the modern clean porcelain. Can’t go wrong but it can be a pain in the neck in terms of selection, fab, and installation

[@ps4402]

@@Whatisthis94 Thanks for sharing your experience. Good to hear the positive opinion form someone who actually has porcelain. We are in the Philly area and think there will be fabricators.

[@andrea9797mdd]

I was considering porcelain but I read it was more prone to chipping, especially around the sink. That's why I went with quartz. But porcelain is beautiful and heat resistant too.

[@Xingqiwu387]

Outstanding overview of countertop options! Thank you for this excellent presentation.

[@kitchinsider]

Glad you liked it!

[@swetha0585]

Thanks Michael for a great video, could you also make a video on kitchen cabinets and materials

[@raymollyraymolly722]

Well done. You presented very well 👌

[@morganethuret3666]

I love your channel and your clear oral and written content. Please continue. Wish you more and more subscribers. I’ll buy my countertop next week. Please answer me about quartzite :) It’s cheaper than Dekton here in Paris.

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! I've just replied to your other comment about quartzite 😁

[@suec9816]

excellent info, thank you

[@thehomelylife]

This was very helpful. I was thinking of going with quartz and after seeing this, I will still be going with quartz! It just seems to have a lot of plus points and I like the idea of not having to seal it.

[@bramblewoodstudio]

I wanted to ask what you think about Linoleum countertops, I've been obsessed with Reform CPH lately and they offer that as a countertop options, but I have found hard to find review of that specific material as a countertop. Would love to know the pros and cons.

[@iamjohancastellanos]

Great video. Thank you ♥️

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! And thanks for watching!

[@KK-cs6ou]

This was very useful video thank you

[@gwirs]

What about poured concrete slab?

[@EvaHuis]

Thank you for this video, so informative! I wonder what your opinion on concrete worktops is. We’re considering it for our island (inspired by the Blakes design you shared) but might choose a composite with a similar look.

[@ChristopherDraws]

We've recently bought our first home, and the kitchen needs almost entire renovation (including even the double-glazed window unit, which has blown), so your videos have been so useful whilst we're looking at options. My husband really wants a stainless steel wrapped worktop - which you didn't cover, and I wondered why? We also want to put an integrated induction hob in the worktop, and I'm struggling to find any info or advice online if induction + steel worktop would be a problem. Would you happen to have an opinion or some advice on doing this? Many thanks!

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks! Pleased the videos have been helpful! I did actually film a section on stainless steel (as well as concrete and quartzite) but cut them as I thought the video was too long and I wanted to focus on the most popular choices. Maybe I'll make another video with these other material options. Great question about induction! I've personally never combined the two (I think i've only done 3 stainless steel countertop projects and they were all gas) but I think it should be fine. I don't think you would get any interference. You need to place a magnetic material in direct contact with the induction zones, which the countertop shouldn't be. On top of this, stainless steel countertops are usually 304 grade steel (sometimes 316) and both are austenitic stainless steel so should not be magnetic. But never a bad idea to just double check with the manufacturer of the hob.

[@tomruth9487]

Great video, you pretty much nailed it. Concrete is another option, I used to be in the business. Not the best solution but it's attractive.

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I might do a not so common countertops and talk about concrete. What's your experience with it?

[@tomruth9487]

@@kitchinsider Our experience with it was that we got a lot of phone calls with customers not happy with the durability. New sealers have helped, so it might be better now in that area. The price was always a problem, but now I just priced a quartz job in the San Francisco Bay area and it came out to $168. per square foot. So maybe concrete will become an option again. I think customers have to know what it's like and there are many advantages if they can deal with the "patina" as it ages. Certainly quartz is more durable than concrete. With concrete you can cast the countertops and then cast tiles any size and shape for the backsplash to match. It has a look that you will never get with other products. My my favorite uses for concrete is other areas and not kitchen countertops. It's great for fireplaces, wall or floor tile and bathrooms. I just did a bathroom vanity top with some new sealer and it seems to be doing very well, looks the same as when it was new. Btw, you are right about Corian, I did a countertop where they had minerals in the water and it did not do well over time. I was surprised.

[@___dh__dh__]

@@tomruth9487 Are you a contractor in SF? We're doing a kitchen remodel right now and we're looking for some help, let me know if you're available!

[@markstewart5112]

We are selling plenty of Solid Laminates worktops at the moment. Not a bad bridging worktop between a standard laminate and quartz but looks best in a modern kitchen because of the depth option.

[@kitchinsider]

Nice! I quite like some of the solid laminates I've seen. As you say, a good middle ground. It might make my not so common countertop material video.

[@Lovelygardendays]

I’m considering compact laminate because I thought you could use for an under mount sink🤔Also thought it was more heat resistant and looks slimmer 😮

[@kitchinsider]

@@Lovelygardendays Yes, you can have undermount sinks/drainer grooves in compact laminate. It doesn't have a substrate, it's a solid surface of laminate layers. Which is also why it's slimmer (in general). I'm not sure if it's 'more' heat resistant, than regular laminate countertops but it's at least the same.

[@Lovelygardendays]

@@kitchinsider thank you ☺️

[@JessicaJLandi]

I wish we could find a good wood-look porcelain for our countertops. Such limited choices in porcelain.

[@neilpickup237]

While being safe to use a knife on may be an indication of the durability of a surface, I would ALWAYS use a chopping board. Not only does a worktop (wood excepted) damage your knives, but the board allows you carry what you have cut to the pan, or if preparing ahead flip it easily to a waiting bowl or plate. I have had a granite worktop for well over a decade now (Angolan Gold - basically black with a metallic fleck) and have found maintenance a breeze. Most of my meals are prepared from scratch, so my kitchen is used as intended rather than just for making drinks, heating ready meals and dishing out take aways. With the exception of the occasional use of a 'wonder wipe' wrapped several times over a blunt knife around the base of the tap, I have found a microfibre cloth in diluted washing up liquid (as in the strength used to wash the dishes) followed with a quick buffing-up with a dry towel enough to keep the surface pristine. Basically the same process my mother insisted on when I was a child for her Formica worktops. While I work, I always 'wipe as I go' - perhaps that, along with not using harsh cleaning product is the reason why I haven't needed to re-seal etc. for over a decade? Another advantage with granite, and I presume other cut and polished rock, is that being cold and smooth it is the perfect surface for rolling out pastry and making dough etc. I did however, have one major problem with the granite - a slowly worsening crack above my washing machine. Whether this started from a small chip, or a fault in the original material I will never know. I was fortunate enough to be able to come up with a plan to remodel my kitchen. By adding a tall housing unit for my oven and microwave along with shuffling some of the other units around, I was able to loose 600mm of worktop (90% of which was under the microwave anyway). I worked it so that when the worktop was shortened, the off-cut included the crack. I reckon that the money saved by not having to replace the worktops, because as you rightly mentioned each sheet can be quite different, covered the majority, if not more than the cost of the re-modelling required. Not that I didn't take the opportunity to upgrade and make improvements too, which added quite a bit to the overall cost! I treated myself to a combination microwave with steam which although a different make to my existing oven actually compliments it rather well, a requirement as one is directly above the other. I also added three plinth drawers, not a massive amount of space because the base unit legs restrict their width, and obviously the depth is rather limited, but as for getting that plate which takes up so much cupboard space but you only use for the turkey at Christmas, and all those other difficult to stack and access shallow trays out of the way, they have actually freed up far more usable space than they provide. P.S. You never mentioned stainless steel (presumably because it is mainly for commercial kitchens) or tiles, once so popular in those 'show kitchens' - are these still fitted, or have they fallen out of use because of a perception that grout can never be hygienic? Or, perhaps we just share a dislike, and that whatever your budget may be, there is always a better alternative. I remember someone I knew re-edging an old very much the worse for wear Formica worktop and tiling the surface. Unfortunately it wasn't that long before cracks started to appear as the old worktop material continued to expand! But my all time least liked surface (also not mentioned) is polished concrete. PPS. You mentioned that you will be covering backsplash options next, which will presumably also include care and maintenance. I have found a microfibre cloth in the same washing up liquid solution, but this time buffed up with a linen tea towel the perfect (and cheapest) way to keep stainless steel free from marks - far better than any of the many proprietary products I have tried. I came across this totally by accident as I was wiping and buffing-up the glass hob and noticed tomato splashes on the brushed stainless steel backsplash panel fixed to wall behind, and used what I already had in my hands. I was both delighted that I finally had something which worked, but annoyed that I had wasted so much time, effort, and money on products which did not. You just need to remember that on brushed stainless steel, it is both easier and quicker to clean and buff with the grain.

[@kitchinsider]

Great nuggets of advice! Thanks! And good job keeping and reworking the granite! I did actually record about stainless steel (as well as concrete and quartzite) but cut them as I thought the video was too long and I wanted to focus on the most common materials I see/use. I've never done a kitchen project using tiles for the countertop. Just fallen out of favour I suppose. Certainly ripped a few out over the years though!

[@neilpickup237]

@@kitchinsider Thanks, I think that far too often people unnecessarily just throw away and replace; sometimes even with someting inferior. With careful thought, it is sometimes possible to achieve something even better at a fraction of the cost, both to your pocket and the environment.

[@kitchinsider]

Completely agree! 👍

[@coreenoxley7968]

Great information!! Subscribed!! Any tips on small U- shaped kitchen with no windows? Thanks

[@poisonedchalice]

Which one would you go for? Great video as always 👍🏾

[@swatisvetlana2495]

Wish you’d added micro cement to the review!

[@5610winston]

Blue pearl granite with a white granite backsplash with garnets in the matrix.

[@Jon-hb6gx]

Really helpful video, thank you! Could you cover the topic of concrete worktops some time?

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! It's on the list! 👍

[@Jon-hb6gx]

@@kitchinsider Amazing! Thank you! 🙂

[@EtreTocsin]

porceline slab..all the way…I am way too clumsy for anything else…well butcher block is nice too becuase if i goof it up I can easily repair it myself

[@lisahandley2552]

marble, but you said dream kitchen. thanks.

[@kitchinsider]

I think I'd go marble for my dream too! 😊

[@michellemichelle2639]

Can you use laminate as a wall backsplash to place on the wall up to ceiling?

[@randyp5070]

Yes

[@darlene19668]

Love laminate when it's fabricated in my home and placed in one piece

[@ann-elisenicholas956]

My kitchen is a work space, perhaps I should stick with laminate.

[@zeveroarerules]

We have a polished Jasberg Granite at the moment. It has not been sealed in 30 years. Nothing can happen to it. Not even acidic stuff like vinegar can do anything to it... I expect the same from my Star Galaxy one to be honest. Dekton would have been my second choice. But I have to wait for another whole year for the house with my new kitchen to be finished.

[@kitchinsider]

Wow! That's very good going. I know darker granite is typically denser and more resistant. So hopefully the star galaxy will be too! I'm sure the wait will be worth it! 😊

[@laurelbraswell7687]

What about Soapstone?

[@sophia-tx2pm]

I am thinking stainless steel. What are pros and cons pls. Planning it for 2023. Everyone looks at me strangely when I say it

[@kitchinsider]

I talk about stainless steel a little bit in this video. Hope it help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/joSUeqOwm9earq8

[@idalily3810]

For price and durability, it's hard to beat granite.

[@mjchmb]

I was thinking about putting stainless steel in my kitchen

[@bensavage6389]

I would go with the porcelain countertops so that it matches my toilet and I can see when it's clean to eat off.

[@alonline139]

Would you consider drainage grooves in your next kitchen?

[@kitchinsider]

Good question. In the past, yes. However, these days I'm personally going off them, so probably not (assuming it has a dishwasher).

[@s.p.1536]

Thanks for your concise and informative video. Do you offer consultations?. The proposed plans are made, but because our unique window situation, not yet decided. We are in the Netherlands. The current proposals could be sent by email.

[@janettempest716]

Quartz

[@cynthiadefehr6272]

Could you speak to Quartzite?

[@kitchinsider]

I talk about Quartzite in this video 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/joSUeqOwm9earq8

[@tomblake6743]

What about concrete?

[@kitchinsider]

Concrete is an interesting one. Has its pros and cons like all of them. I actually recorded a section on concrete (and stainless steel and quartzite) but felt the video was too long (for a quick guide) and they were't as common/popular (at least around here). Maybe I'll add it to another video. Thanks for watching!

[@ewe392]

​@@kitchinsider Does the video exist

[@kitchinsider]

@@ewe392 kzbin.info/www/bejne/joSUeqOwm9earq8 👍

[@janettempest716]

Quarts

[@sarahofer4368]

In my experience, many countertop materials have a tendency to crack;-(

[@kitchinsider]

Oh no....😮😬

[@janettempest716]

Granit

[@averageuserX]

where's concrete?

[@soulfood56]

Informative. Thank you.