What is the best kitchen countertop: 10 Types of Countertops for Your Kitchen

10 Types of Countertops for Your Kitchen

Learn about the types of countertops, characteristics, durability, and more.

By

Timothy Dale

Timothy Dale

Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.

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Editorial Process

Updated on 01/19/23

Reviewed by

Deane Biermeier

Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier

Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Review Board

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

There are many types of countertops available to customize your kitchen. However, before selecting an ideal countertop material for your kitchen, it’s important to consider the characteristics of each, including the durability, appearance, longevity, resistances, and maintenance requirements.

Whether you are looking for natural stone, like marble and granite, or you prefer the look and feel of concrete or ceramic tile, each option has different characteristics and knowing them can help you choose the best one for your needs. Use this guide to the most common types of countertops to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each, so you can discover the best types of countertop materials for your kitchen.

Pros and Cons of the Top Kitchen Counter Surfaces

• 01
  of 10

  Granite

  The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  One of the top choices for kitchen countertops is granite. This material is a popular option that is durable and tough, allowing the granite to stand up to impact and abrasive damage. Additionally, this material is resistant to heat, making it an ideal choice for the kitchen.

  Granite is a type of natural stone that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Select the color and undertone that suits your home aesthetic or opt for something that will stand out from the rest of the room. Just keep in mind that due to the weight of granite, this type of countertop is better installed by a professional, instead of trying to DIY the project.

  If it is taken care of properly, a granite countertop can last for decades. Granite is easy to clean, but it is a porous natural stone, so you will need to apply a new sealant over the granite about once every three to five years.

  Pros

  • Resistant to heat and abrasion

  • Strong and durable material

  • Many colors and patterns

  Cons

  • Premium price material

  • Requires regular sealing

  • Heavy and difficult to install

• 02
  of 10

  Soapstone

  essentialimage / Getty Images

  Using soapstone as a kitchen countertop material is an excellent way to avoid stains because soapstone is an entirely non-porous naturally occurring stone. It has a high percentage of talc, giving the surface a soft texture, similar to a soap. The soapstone is also heat-resistant and bacteria-resistant, though it is susceptible to scratches and dents.

  Any minimal damage to the soapstone can actually help develop the unique patina that appears gradually as the surface of the soapstone oxidizes, giving the material a unique look. You can also select the color from a variety of gray shades that have blue or green undertones with marble-like veining.

  In order to keep soapstone kitchen countertops in good condition for years to come and to help develop the patina on the surface, it’s recommended to treat the countertop with mineral oil about once per month during the first year after installation.

  Pros

  • Unique veining and color patterns

  • Non-porous, resistant to heat and stains

  • Patina can create an antique appearance

  Cons

  • Takes time for the patina to develop

  • Must be treated with mineral oil

  • Surface is vulnerable to abrasive damage

• 03
  of 10

  Marble

  The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  Similar in price to granite, marble is a high-end kitchen countertop material that is known for its aesthetic appeal. Marble comes in a wide range of colors, each with marble veining or naturally occurring pattern made from mineral deposits, making it an excellent option for anyone that wants a unique countertop design.

  Marble holds up well against heat and it is resistant to cracking, chipping, or breaking, allowing it to last for years without problem. However, this luxury material is vulnerable to scratching and staining, which is why it’s necessary to have the marble sealed at least once a year to keep it in good condition.

  Pros

  • Reistant to heat, cracking, and breaking

  • Attractive material with unique marble veining

  • Durable, long-lasting material

• 04
  of 10

  Quartz (Engineered Stone)

  The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  Engineered stone quartz is an ideal option if you don’t have the budget but want the natural stone appearance of marble or granite. This type of countertop material is made of about 90 percent quartz particles, mixed with other minerals to create a strong, durable product that is resistant to staining.

  The nonporous engineered stone quartz comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose the best design for your kitchen aesthetic. It’s an easy-to-clean material that is resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria, making it a great choice for the kitchen where food is prepared.

  Due to the non-porous design, you don’t need to worry about sealing the countertop regularly. However, it’s important to avoid placing hot objects on the engineered quartz because it is vulnerable to heat damage and may begin to melt. Additionally, engineered quartz can fade under direct sunlight, so consider the layout of your kitchen before choosing this material for a new countertop.

  Pros

  • Easy to maintain, no sealing required

  • Resistant to mold, mildew, and stains

  • Wide variety of color options

  Cons

  • Vulnerable to heat damage

  • Susceptible to scratches

  • Direct sunlight can fade the color

• 05
  of 10

  Solid-Surface Material

  The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  Solid-surface material is made out of a blend of acrylic particles and resins that have been pressed into sheets to create kitchen countertops. This type of material was first designed as an alternative to natural stone countertops, which its creators sought to mimic.

  The main benefit to solid-surface material over natural stone is that solid-surface material is more cost-effective, making it an excellent middle-tier option for your kitchen. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, including duplicates of granite and marble.

  The seams on the material are almost invisible and it is resistant to stains, so you can expect the countertop to stay in good condition for years. However, solid-surface material is not heat resistant and it’s vulnerable to abrasive damage. Take care with how you use the countertops to avoid damaging the material.

  Pros

  • Resistant to staining

  • Seams are virtually invisible

  • Available in many colors and patterns

  Cons

  • Moderately expensive

  • Vulnerable to damage from heat

  • Susceptible to scratches and dents

• 06
  of 10

  Ceramic Tile

  The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

  More commonly used in the bathroom, ceramic tile is an interesting option for the kitchen countertop that can be installed by an experienced DIY to help save on the cost of installation. Ceramic tile counters are typically made by laying individual tiles over a cement-board core with thin-set mortar adhesives.

  Putting in a ceramic tile countertop is an inexpensive option for the kitchen. It’s hard, durable, and resistant to heat, though the size of each tile can impede the functionality of the countertop, making it more difficult to prepare food and keep clean.

  This material comes in a wide selection of colors, patterns, and styles, so you can get the look you want for your kitchen. Just keep in mind that ceramic tile is brittle and prone to cracking. The grout lines are also vulnerable to staining and can be difficult to clean.

  Pros

  • Affordable countertop material

  • Relatively easy for DIYers to construct

  • Range of colors and patterns

  Cons

  • Grout is prone to staining

  • Tile sizes can restrict functionality

  • Tile is brittle and vulnerable to cracking

• 07
  of 10

  Laminates

  The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  A go-to kitchen countertop option for many DIYers is laminate because it is an inexpensive choice that’s relatively easy to install due to the lightweight design. Laminate is made of particleboard, resins, plastic, and pattern paper that has been seared together using a combination of heat and pressure.

  This material comes in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns, making it easy to find the right look for your kitchen. The nonporous surface keeps out mold and bacteria while preventing stains from forming on the countertop.

  Despite being made with heat and pressure, laminate is vulnerable to heat damage, so it’s important to avoid placing any hot pots or pans on the surface of a laminate countertop. This material also has a shorter lifespan than most other countertop options and it is prone to peeling.

  Pros

  • Easy to clean and maintain

  • Inexpensive countertop option

  • Resistant to mold, mildew, and stains​

• 08
  of 10

  Wood or Butcher Block

  The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  Wood has long been used for the construction of homes, chairs, tables, and more, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that you can get wood countertops made similar to a butcher block. These countertops are typically composed of maple, oak, teak, ash, or possibly even bamboo, giving you a range of options to choose from for your kitchen aesthetic.

  The wood is tough and durable, allowing it to stand up to years of use without failing. However, the fibrous nature of wood means that the surface of the countertop can become scratched, stained, or even burned. You can sand and reseal the wood about once every two to three years or as necessary to restore the original appearance of the countertop.

  However, it should be note that the wood needs to be regularly oiled and would benefit from being sealed to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from seeping into the fibrous countertop.

  16 Modern Kitchens With Butcher Block Countertops

  Pros

  • Durable, long-lasting material

  • Environmentally friendly countertop option

  • Attractive country-style appearance

  Cons

  • Susceptible to moisture and stains

  • Porous material is vulnerable to bacteria

  • Must be oiled and sealed frequently

• 09
  of 10

  Stainless Steel

  Robert Daly / Getty Images

  Stainless steel is commonly used in commercial kitchens due to the nonporous construction that makes it easy to keep clean. This is one of the types of countertops for the kitchen that resists mold, mildew, and staining, though the longer you leave a splash or spill, the more difficult it is to clean.

  Consider stainless steel for your kitchen countertop if you are looking for a modern aesthetic for the kitchen that is highly heat resistant. Just make sure that you are prepared to deal with the high frequency of water spots and fingerprints that get left behind on the smooth surface.

  Also, it’s necessary to mention that stainless steel is susceptible to scratches, dents, and other abrasive damage, so make sure that you use cutting boards to protect the surface of the countertop.

  Pros

  • Impervious to heat damage

  • Easiest material to clean

  • Resistant to mold, mildew, and stains

• 10
  of 10

  Concrete

  Andreas von Einsiedel / Getty Images

  If you want a truly unique kitchen, concrete may be a good choice for your countertops. Due to the heavy weight of the material, concrete countertops are usually cast in forms right in your kitchen for custom installation. Though, it’s necessary to note that this custom work does come at a higher price than other popular countertop options.

  Concrete countertops can be color-tinted or may have decorative textures added to improve the look and feel of the material. It’s scratch-resistant and heat-resistant, though the porous construction is vulnerable to moisture, bacteria, and staining.

  To keep the concrete countertop in good condition, it’s important to regularly seal the surface of the material. It should also be noted that the home shifting or tension being applied from over-tightening the faucet or other connected fixtures can create stress within the concrete. If tensile stress builds up in the concrete it can crack over time.

How to Choose Countertops That Match Your Kitchen Colors

10 Most Durable Countertops for Kitchens

By

Lee Wallender

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Editorial Process

Published on 02/08/23

Reviewed by

Deane Biermeier

Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier

Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Review Board

John Keeble / Getty Images

A durable countertop makes cooking more pleasurable and it enhances the value of the kitchen and home. Hot pans, spills, and scratches are just a few of the stresses applied to countertops every day, so durability is a major factor to consider when shopping for countertops.

What Countertop Durability Is

Countertop durability is a collection of qualities that help a countertop remain functional and attractive for as long as possible, under normal conditions. Durability qualities include hardness, heat resistance, crack resistance, warp resistance, and stain resistance.

A countertop can be highly durable in one way but not durable in another way. For example, granite, one of the hardest materials for countertops, falls short in the category of crack resistance. Yet solid surface material, which is softer than granite, is virtually impossible to crack.

So, countertop durability is about striking the right balance of durability qualities that work for the space and for your needs.

5 Durability Qualities to Look for in Countertops

• Hardness: Harder countertops are more resistant to chips, scratches, and gouges. Granite, tile, and quartz are among the hardest countertop materials.
• Heat resistance: Some countertop materials are better than others at resisting heat from pots and pans. Ceramic tile counters and stainless steel are virtually impervious to hot cookware.
• Crack resistance: Hardness does not necessarily confer crack resistance. Granite is hard, but it is prone to cracking. Laminate and solid surface will not crack under normal conditions.
• Warp resistance: Countertops that are less likely to become distorted or misshapen are more durable. Any countertop that incorporates wood—such as laminate or wood counters—may be subject to warping.
• Stain resistance: A countertop material that resists stains is more durable. Porosity is one factor. All materials are porous to some degree. But countertops that are less porous are less apt to absorb liquids and bacteria. 

Tip

Countertops that remain durable with lower maintenance requirements are easier to care for and will last longer. Plus, the ability of a countertop material to be repaired or refinished is important to maintaining the material over the long term.

• 01
  of 10

  Quartz Countertops

  Quartz is a synthetic countertop material made from natural quartz, other minerals, and binding resins. Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, plus it’s non-porous. This makes quartz one of the most durable countertops you can buy for your kitchen or bathroom.

  Cost

  Quartz is one of the more expensive countertop materials, with prices ranging from $60 to $120 per square foot, including installation.

  Pros

  • Scratch-resistant

  • Stain resistant

  • Non-porous

  • Will not delaminate

  Heat Resistant vs. Heat Proof

  Quartz countertops, and to a lesser extent, solid surface, are heat resistant but not heat proof. Both materials contain resins. When an extremely hot pan is placed on either surface, they may turn brown or yellow, a condition called resin burn. Technicians can often repair resin burn in countertops.

• 02
  of 10

  Solid surface countertop material is a synthetic mixture of acrylic or polyester resins with natural minerals and pigments. Solid surface is easy to clean, stain resistant, and hard enough to resist ordinary scratching. Corian, Avonite, and Swanstone are representative brands of solid surface countertop material.

  Cost

  Solid surface usually costs less than quartz or granite countertops, at about $50 to $80 per square foot, installed.

  Cons

  • Not the most durable option

  • Can melt, warp, or burn under high heat

  Mohs Scale of Hardness

  • Quartz: 7
  • Porcelain tile: 7
  • Granite: 6 to 7
  • Concrete: 6 to 7
  • Marble: 3
  • Soapstone: 2 to 3
  • Solid surface 2 to 3

  10 is the hardest material (diamond) and 1 (talc) is the softest.

• 03
  of 10

  Formed deep in the earth, granite is an igneous rock that is later quarried and fabricated into one of the hardest and most durable materials for kitchen countertops. Granite imparts style and value to any home. Though countertop trends come and go, slab granite countertops maintain a high level of popularity and buyer acceptance.

  Cost

  One of the most expensive countertops, granite costs about $50 to $120 per square foot, installed.

• 04
  of 10

  Tile Countertops

  Tile countertops are notable for being one of few countertops that can easily be installed by a do-it-yourselfer. It’s also one of the few countertops that are truly heat proof, not just heat resistant. When you consider that tiles are fired at temperatures up to 2,500 F, a hot pan from the stove will be no problem for the tile.

  Cost

  One of the least expensive durable countertops, tile counters range from $20 to $40 per square foot installed.

  Cons

  • Seams and grout can be difficult to clean

  • Tiles are prone to chipping and cracking

  • Grout is not waterproof

• 05
  of 10

  Laminate countertops are made by layering thin laminate material on top of a fiberboard base. Wrapped edges help avoid the distinctive black line common to laminate countertops of the past, plus they reduce edge-chipping. Laminate has seen a resurgence in recent years, with more homeowners attracted to tougher transparent wear layers and realistic imaging.

  Cost

  Laminate countertops are one of the most affordable options for durable countertops. Prices range from $20 to $60 per square foot installed.

• 06
  of 10

  Maple, acacia, white oak, and black walnut are just a few of the hardwoods that are used to make wood countertops. All species rank high on the Janka scale, a hardness rating system much like the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Wood is a gorgeous, natural material for countertops—in fact, the only durable countertop that’s sourced from organic, sustainable materials.

  Cost

  Wood countertops can cost as little as $15 per square foot, on up to as much as $150 per square foot, depending on the wood species you choose.

• 07
  of 10

  Sleek and austere, concrete countertops are made from a mixture of cement, aggregate, and water. While simple concrete counters can be built by a DIYer, most concrete counters require professional fabrication and installation. Moderately durable, concrete countertops are not limited by the shape of the kitchens or cabinets: They can be custom-made to fit any kitchen.

  Cost

  With looks that resemble granite and quartz, concrete countertops are typically less expensive than granite or quartz. Prices of concrete counters in a kitchen range from $40 to $100 per square foot installed.

  Pros

  • Durable

  • Heat-resistant

  • Customizable

  • Modern appearance

• 08
  of 10

  Stainless Steel Countertops

  Long used in professional kitchens, stainless steel is a metal that is resistant to stains and scratches. It is completely heat proof. Non-porous and easy to clean, stainless steel countertops usually need to be professionally installed.

  Cost

  With installation costs ranging from $55 to $120 per square foot, stainless steel is one of the more expensive countertop options.

  Pros

  • Scratch-resistant

  • Stain-resistant

  • Non-porous

  • Crack-proof

  • Easy to clean

• 09
  of 10

  Like granite, marble is a natural stone created within the earth by high heat and pressure. Unlike granite, marble is a limestone. So, while marble is relatively durable and resistant to heat, it is prone to scratching and staining.

  Cost

  Marble countertops are typically more expensive than other materials but in line with granite and quartz, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 per square foot installed.

  Cons

  • Prone to scratching and staining

  • Must be sealed frequently

  • Easily chips or cracks

• 10
  of 10

  Soapstone countertops are valued for their tactile qualities, often described as soft or velvety. Soapstone, a metamorphic rock, contains a high percentage of talcum, the material used to make baby powder. Chemically inert, soapstone has long been used for countertops in science laboratories. It’s also notable among durable countertops for being heat proof and scorch proof.

  Cost

  Soapstone countertops are as expensive as granite or quartz countertops: around $75 to $120 per square foot installed.

  Pros

  • Heat-resistant

  • Not susceptible to cracking

  • Treating repels acidic liquids

  • Soft to the touch

  • Can be sanded smooth

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. How Heat Resistant Is Quartz Countertop? Caesarstone

2. Mohs Hardness Scale. National Park Service (U.S.)

3. Granite and Granodiorite FAQ. National Park Service (U. S.)

4. Preserving Historic Ceramic Tile Floors. National Park Service (U.S.)

Which countertop is best for the kitchen — Quartz Style (Moscow)

When choosing a countertop for a kitchen set, it is important to pay attention to many factors. You can make the right choice by knowing the features of the materials used. First of all, it should be – a beautiful appearance, water resistance, resistance to thermal and mechanical stress. This article will help with the choice of which countertop is better to choose for the kitchen.

Attention! Any variation of the stone does not pose a threat to use in terms of environmental safety. Natural stone passes environmental control, artificial components are produced using safe technologies.

Types of materials for the production of countertops:

Not the last place in the purchase of a kitchen set is occupied by materials for kitchen countertops. Giving preference, any hostess is guided by appearance and practicality. Beautiful and durable options for countertops will make any kitchen set a luxurious element of the interior.

Natural stone

Not all materials are comfortable and reliable in operation. In countertops made of natural stone, a respectable appearance is combined with high strength indicators.

Marble

Most buyers prefer marble as a durable and strong stone. Natural material brings an atmosphere of luxury to the interior of the kitchen. The marble countertop has a wide range of colors, which gives this stone beauty and exclusivity.

Pros

• Attractive
• High temperature and mechanical resistance
• Product strength
• Environmental
• Long life

Cons

• Heavy weight
• Constant feeling of coldness
• High cost
• High probability of background radiation
• High maintenance

Granite

Just like marble, it is a natural rock, yielding to it only in beauty. Resistant to chemical and mechanical stress.

Pros

• Large selection of colors and patterns
• Strength

Cons

• High price
• Heavy weight

Artificial stone

Quartz agglomerate is the closest to natural analogues, as 90% consists of quartz chips. This type of artificial stone, which is slightly inferior to natural in quality. He is afraid of high temperatures, because it contains polyester resin and pigments.

Pros

• Available in a wide range of colors
• Very strong and reliable
• High environmental friendliness
• Optimal combination of price and quality
• Does not absorb odors
• Antibacterial

Cons

• Heavy weight

Porcelain stoneware

Porcelain stoneware worktops have higher specifications and are more affordable. The strength indicators of this material are on a par with stone countertops, which means it will last a long time. Looks stylish and effective. The non-porous surface prevents mold from penetrating into the structure of the material.

Pros

• Not afraid of blows
• High temperature resistance
• Easy maintenance, dirt can be washed off with soapy water
• Non-porous surface

Cons

• Complicated restoration of product
• Form restriction

Important! When buying kitchen furniture, you must be guided by what material the countertop is made of. You also need to decide which countertop is best suited for the design of the room.

Dimensions of the countertop

In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you should carefully consider all the nuances and rules of how to choose a countertop for the kitchen.

Length. Usually, the dimensions depend on the wishes of the customer and on the area of ​​​​the room, but it is necessary to focus on the standard length parameters: 1000, 1260, 2460, 3050, 4100 mm.

The standard width and depth of modern worktops is 600 mm. The width of the tabletop corresponds to the depth of the cabinet on which it will be installed. In a large kitchen, the work surface can be made wider. And if every centimeter is important, then you can reduce the size to 51 cm. The division of space into zones requires additional measurements and standards are not appropriate in this case.

Thickness. Standard parameters – 27-38 mm. However, you don’t always have to rely on templates.

The determining factor in choosing the size is what material the top is made of. A product made of natural stone is extremely durable, and you will have to pay a lot for the extra thickness. Therefore, do not make the countertop too thick.

Equally important is the aesthetic appearance and harmonious combination with the interior.

Surface Care Rules

To prolong the life of your worktop surface, certain care rules must be followed.

• Furniture polishes must not be used on countertops. The content of fat and wax in them contributes to the adhesion of dust.
• Any stains must be wiped off immediately.
• Cutting boards and coasters should be used regularly.
• Do not use abrasive paste or metal brushes to remove stains.

Help. The design of the kitchen directly depends on the type of countertops. To create a cozy and sophisticated style, you need to decide which countertop material is better to choose.

Additional features and specifications

Each material has its own characteristics and is good in its own way. It is important for yourself to decide which countertop to choose for the kitchen.

Additional characteristics of the countertop

• Artificial stone has a thin upper reinforced layer that prevents moisture from being absorbed into the surface of the quartz agglomerate, which must not be disturbed. A countertop made of quartz agglomerate usually does not have a substrate, which has a positive effect on its operation. Because, for the kitchen, the lack of a moisture-resistant substrate means fewer problems. A countertop made of artificial stone without a substrate weighs more, so transportation is more difficult and more stress is placed on the supporting elements.
• Natural stone, on the contrary, is excellently restored and polished. It is impossible to find two identical stones in color and pattern. Each product is unique.
• Worktops with more inclusions are the least likely to show damage, making them ideal for any kitchen.

How to choose a kitchen worktop? Consumers have been asking this question for decades. Many manufacturers of kitchen furniture offer different types of custom-made countertops to choose from as standard sets. This will allow you to choose the best option for high-quality furniture, which, with good care, will last for many years.

How to choose the color of the kitchen worktop

The worktop is the main work surface in the kitchen. If you already have an idea of ​​what material it will be made of and what the finished kitchen will look like, then it’s time to choose the shade of the work surface. In its selection, you can build on the design of a kitchen set and other furniture, as well as focus on an apron, walls, flooring and other surfaces. In the article we will talk in more detail how to choose the color of the countertop, what interior elements to support it and what shades will be the most practical for the kitchen.

How to match the worktop to the fronts

The most obvious reference when choosing a worktop is the fronts of the kitchen unit. Shades do not have to match: contrasting combinations also look beautiful.

Several harmonious examples:

• Snow-white facades + dark matt color of worktops for a white kitchen;
• Cream, sand or beige fronts + natural wood or brown granite work top;
• Gray or ash fronts + white or dark gray top.

It is also possible to make the work surface to match the facades or individual cabinets (if they are in different shades in the set). But in this case, it is important to add contrasting elements to the interior in order to slightly dilute the monochrome kitchen.

Top in the same color as the backsplash

Another option is to have the top and backsplash in the same color or overlapping shades. If the apron is not plain, but tiled with a pattern, any tone from those used in decoration will do.

You can order a work surface made of the same material as the apron – you get a single harmonious space for cooking.

Read on the topic: How to choose an apron for the kitchen

Contrasting shades

The work surface does not have to match the color of the facades, backsplash or walls in the kitchen – contrasting shades also go well with each other and additionally enliven the interior.

But when you look at a color catalog, it can be hard to spot the exact contrasts right away. In this case, here are a few design tips:

• A win-win for the brave – a classic contrasting pair “black + white”;
• In a kitchen with blue fronts, a worktop in warm tan tones will look advantageous;
• If the kitchen has light green or turquoise elements, the contrasting worktop should be mahogany or reddish granite, marble;
• Softened version of the contrasting kitchen – fronts in warm pastel shades and a dark wood worktop.

Universal option for any kitchen – white or gray

Sometimes you don’t want to understand color combinations. In this case, you can choose any of the light colors – they will visually add space to the kitchen, and besides, they will fit almost every headset.

Two versatile options:

• White countertop – it will suit dark, white and colored kitchens equally well. A snow-white work surface will harmoniously look indoors in a Scandinavian style or in minimalist, high-tech styles, but, in general, it can fit into any interior.
• Grey. This is also an achromat that goes with every bright shade and is suitable for a white or dark kitchen.

NB! By the way, the gray countertop can be made of steel – so it will echo the chrome-plated kitchen appliances and faucet.

All kinds of pastel colors (sand, caramel, beige, milky) can also be classified as universal, but make sure that they match the temperature of the kitchen interior.

Stone worktop: rocks, shades and patterns

If you choose natural stone as your material, be prepared that the palette of colors and patterns available here is very limited. There are not many types of stone that are suitable for kitchen design in terms of characteristics, and this must be taken into account. At the same time, of course, a natural stone countertop will serve for decades and cannot be compared with artificial counterparts in appearance.

What are the most common “stone” colors of countertops in the interior:

• Granite is a stone with a recognizable granular texture, which can have gray, coffee, pinkish, scarlet, black, green undertones.
• Marble is a light stone with red, black, greenish, chestnut veins. An example of such a countertop can be seen in the ARABESCATO kitchen with a white marble top with dark veins.
• Quartz countertops can be almost any color, the rarest option in nature is white quartz.
• Travertine is a finishing stone that is usually gray, brown, golden or white.
• Onyx is a stone that is easily recognizable by its characteristic large stains. Can be coffee, yellow, beige.

Another option is an artificial stone top. The quality of the material will naturally be lower, but the choice of textures in this case is much wider and is not limited to the natural characteristics of the stone.

Read on: Is the countertop made of natural or artificial stone?

How to choose a shade of natural wood

If the worktop is made of wood, it is important to match it with other wooden elements in the kitchen – consider the appearance of parquet or laminate, kitchen door, dining table and other furniture. There is such a pattern here: the color of the tree in the interior should be one, maximum – two. The third wood shade in the kitchen will be out of place.

Examples of available types and shades of wood for kitchen design:

• Oak – white or bleached, stained, golden, chestnut, and also dark wenge with pronounced veins;
• Beech – light golden wood;
• Walnut – dark wood with a reddish undertone, the color can be medium or deeper;
• Alder – has a warm honey tone without dark patches;
• Ash – light or dark, with distinct lines.

Rarer options are tops made from pressed bamboo stalks, as well as cherry or greyish terrado.

Is it worth it to use bright colors in the kitchen

Sometimes designers do not recommend choosing bright facades or countertops for the kitchen: red, purple, lemon, turquoise and the like. The reason is that sooner or later you will “get tired” of any saturated tone. There is a deal of truth in it.

Therefore, if you still want to make the work surface bright, choose diluted, muted tones – they are not so active and look more noble. Be sure to reinforce the bright countertop with something else: furniture upholstery, decor, or other details.

Worktop companions

It is important that the worktop matches the color of every other element in the kitchen. But in addition to the obvious options, when the color of the countertop is selected to match the color of the facade or apron, any other piece of furniture can be a “companion”.

For example, a work surface can be supported by:

• Dining group – based on the shade of the table or the upholstery of the chairs.
• Window sills. Usually the window sill is at the same level as the countertop, so it would be an interesting solution to make both of these surfaces from the same material.
• Floor covering. If there is porcelain stoneware on the floor, then you can pick up a stone countertop that is close in tone and pattern to it. A wooden worktop is an excellent match for laminate or natural parquet.
• Curtains and other textiles in the kitchen (up to cloth napkins under the plates).
• Upholstered kitchen furniture – bench, sofa or kitchenette.
• Wall paper, plaster or paint.

NB! To choose the color of the countertop for any “companion” as accurately as possible, take a small fragment of the desired shade with you to the store. It can be a sample of tile or laminate, a piece of wallpaper or kitchen textiles with which you plan to support the work surface.

Which colors are the most practical

If you often and a lot cook at home, it is important to choose not only a beautiful but also practical work surface – one that will be less likely to get dirty.

Suggestions here:

• The most practical kitchen worktop colors are grey, brown, bleached wood, white (ideally veined or mottled). Also easy to clean will be a countertop in shades of beige. On any light surface, water droplets and dust are much less noticeable than on a dark one, so you can wipe them less often.
• Work surfaces in black and other dark tones get dirty quickly, especially solid ones without pronounced woody or granular stone texture. They literally attract dust, they show the smallest stains and scratches. Therefore, if you still choose a spectacular dark surface, be prepared for the fact that it will require careful maintenance.

Read on: Gold Kitchen Design – How to create a luxurious kitchen, not a fancy one?

Summing up

It is important to combine the worktop with other interior elements. There are many options: a kitchen apron, window sill, headset facades, floor, wallpaper pattern and even textiles in your kitchen can act as a companion – from curtains to napkins.