Most families spend a lot of time in the kitchen, which is why many kitchen countertops serve multiple purposes. Families may use these surfaces for meal prep, homework, as a home office desk, for entertaining, and so on. If you’re building a new custom home, the type of countertop you choose will depend on how you intend to use it and your personal preferences. When you build with Adair Homes, you have several options for kitchen countertops.
Here are some of the pros and cons of various materials to consider when making your decision.
Tile Countertops
Tile countertops can be made from ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone. Although some people associate the tile aesthetic with older homes, design options have come a long way and you can now create a tile countertop with a modern vibe, a traditional look, or anything in between.
Some of the advantages of tile countertops include:
- Many options - With nearly unlimited design options, they can be customized with different tile shapes and patterns.
- Easier repairs - You can replace a single tile instead of an entire slab.
- Lower cost - Tile countertops are generally less expensive than other types of materials.
Some of the reasons you might not choose tile countertops for your home include:
- Rougher texture - The work surface isn’t smooth (although large tiles can minimize seams).
- Regular maintenance required - Grout between tiles can become stained and worn over time and requires regular sealing.
- Can impact health - Grout can also harbor bacteria, especially when it’s not maintained well.
- Less durable - Tile can crack or chip, which could lead to more frequent repairs.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate kitchen countertops are made from a synthetic plastic material. Like tile, this is another type of countertop that is often associated with older homes, but modern laminates are both stylish and durable.
Some of the reasons to consider laminate countertops for your kitchen include:
- Low cost - Laminate is typically less expensive than granite, quartz, and marble.
- More durable - The synthetic materials used to create laminate countertops often last a long time when well cared for.
- Low-maintenance - Laminate is a smooth, seamless material that is resistant to stains and easy to clean.
There are some potential disadvantages to choosing laminate countertops, such as:
- Design limitations - While there is a wide variety of beautiful laminate options, the general perception is that they aren't as nice.
- Shorter life span - Although laminates are fairly durable, they do tend to have a shorter life span than other countertop materials.
- Difficult repairs - Burns, chipping, or other damage is difficult to repair and might require replacing the entire countertop.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a 100 percent natural material sourced from quarries. Every slab has its own unique characteristics.
Granite is a popular material choice for kitchen countertops for a variety of reasons:
- Low-maintenance - Granite is easy to maintain and resistant to stains, heat, chemicals, and scratches.
- Durable - Because it is resistant to so much, granite tends to have a long life span.
- Stylish - The unique look of each slab is appealing to many homeowners.
Some reasons you might not want granite countertops include:
- Less durable - Although granite is a highly resilient material, it is less durable than quartz, and sunlight will cause granite to fade slightly over time.
- Some maintenance - Granite is a porous material, which means it requires periodic sealing.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are made from a mostly natural material that is a blend of natural quartz aggregates, color pigments, and polymer resins that bind the particles together.
Many people choose quartz kitchen countertops for the many advantages they offer, including:
- Design - They come in a range of natural colors and tones to match almost any aesthetic.
- Durability - Quartz is more durable than granite, tile, and laminate.
- Easy maintenance - They are easy to maintain and are stain-resistant.
- Longevity - Unlike laminate and granite, quartz is resistant to fading when exposed to UV light.
- Sanitary - Quartz provides a nonporous surface that makes it more sanitary than tile.
Some of the potential disadvantages to installing quartz countertops include:
- Aesthetic - Quartz has a more homogenous, or consistent, look and feel than granite or marble.
- Can suffer heat damage - Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, which could be a challenge if you cook often.
- Higher cost - Quartz has a higher cost than tile or laminate countertops.
Adair’s Options for Kitchen Countertops
Adair Homes offers tile, laminate, quartz, and granite kitchen countertops, so no matter your budget or your style preferences, we can help you choose the perfect fit for your new kitchen and custom order materials for you. Emser Tile provides modern options in a variety of shapes and sizes to help you create a custom look. If you choose granite countertops, our partner FLOFORM slices whole granite slabs directly from a quarry, cuts them to the desired size, and hones them down until they’re smooth.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Adair Homes process and the customization choices you have, find a design center near you and schedule an appointment today.