Countertops are heavy-use mainstays that strongly define a kitchen’s overall ambiance and mood. If it’s time to refresh your kitchen’s appearance, a new countertop will make a huge difference.
While planning your project, you’ll likely have a lot of questions, including…what’s the most affordable material to use? What countertop material is the most popular right now and why? And what characteristics do I need in a kitchen countertop?
In this article, we’ll cover all of that and more as we explore 2023’s kitchen countertop trends.
Stain- & Heat-Resistant Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops have been and continue to be one of the most popular types for home and business owners across the United States, and they are the primary choice for industrial kitchens.
Stainless steel countertops are highly resistant to heat, stains, and bacteria, making them ideal for kitchens. They’re also relatively low-maintenance and have a clean, contemporary appearance.
You can select from all types of customizable options, including stainless steel built-in sinks, drain boards, farmer apron-style sinks, integral backsplashes, islands, L-shapes, and straight counters. You can also choose between raised V-shaped edges, basic square edges, or marine edges with slight lips on top.
Stainless steel countertops can be polished to a shine or have a matte finish. They also can be paired with stainless steel cabinetry to create an ultra-modern atmosphere.
Benefits:
- Heat-Resistant
- Stain-Resistant
- Bacteria-Resistant
- Versatile Options
- Eco-Friendly
- Extremely Durable
- Low-Maintenance
Disadvantages:
- Easily Scratched
- Easily Dented
- Loud
Low-Maintenance & Eco-Friendly Stone
Stone is a perennial favorite material for kitchen countertops because they are environmentally friendly, extremely low-maintenance, and highly durable. The two most popular varieties are quartz and marble. Let’s learn more about each of these trending kitchen countertop types.
Quartz
Quartz is a man-made material composed of 10% polymeric binder mixed with 90% crushed-up materials, including ceramic, glass, granite, marble, and silica.
You’ll find quartz available in numerous colors, ranging from brilliant whites and fresh grays to deep blacks, browns, and other warm shades in between.
Being man-made, quartz is highly customizable. You can choose between numerous patterns, colors, and finishes to turn your kitchen design dreams into beautiful realities.
Benefits:
- Resists Etching When Exposed to Acids
- Ultra-Durable & Long-Lasting
- Simple to Keep Clean
- Eco-Friendly
- Heat-Resistant
Disadvantages:
- Not as Versatile Compared to Other Materials
- Expensive
- Can Get Scratched
- Needs to Be Sealed
Marble
Marble is a natural, metamorphic stone with timeless appeal, although it’s not quite as popular for countertops as granite or quartz.
Marble countertops are revered for their luxury status, resistance to heat, and wide range of color availability. However, marble is also a high-maintenance product that scratches and etches easily.
And while every marble countertop has unique veining and originality, they are also more prone to staining and dulling than many other materials. However, with routine sealing and upkeep, marble can serve you well for decades.
As marble comes at various quality levels, its pricing is highly diverse. Expect to pay anywhere between $75 and $225 per square foot to have a marble countertop competently installed.
Advantages:
- Heat Resistant
- Aesthetically Pleasing
- Durable If Well-Maintained
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Not Resistant to Scratches
- Not Resistant to Staining
- Requires Routine Sealing
Concrete Is the Most Popular Material
Concrete countertops remain the most popular material available due to their affordability, versatility, and durability, especially compared to other materials like marble or quartz.
Concrete countertop kits allow you to transform your kitchen’s appearance quickly, cost-effectively, and dramatically. And if you get tired of one color, you can easily and quickly upgrade your countertop with an overlay kit.
Concrete is also heat-resistant but is quite porous and requires periodic sealing to keep it from staining, cracking, or scratching. You can have a concrete countertop expertly installed at lower prices when compared to stone, but the installation price will vary based on color, size, and finish.
Benefits:
- More Budget-Friendly Than Stone & Stainless Steel
- Eco-Friendly
- Highly Customizable
- Simple to Install
- Heat Resistant
Disadvantages:
- Not Low-Maintenance/Requires Periodic Sealing
- Susceptible to Cracks and Stains
Purchase Concrete Countertop Kits & More From Stamped Concrete!
If you need supplies for a concrete countertop project, turn to Stamped Concrete. Based in the United States, we’re a leading supplier of decorative concrete supplies, including concrete countertop overlay kits and colorants. Visit our online store to view our products, or reach out to our professionals for help selecting the right materials and supplies.
