Home Planning & Renovations

Choosing A Countertop Material For Your NYC Kitchen

By Tiffany Smolick

4minutes

You have been thinking about it for ages and it’s finally time to redo your kitchen countertops! If you are like the majority of our clients, there is a special material you have been dreaming of using for months, maybe even years. Even if you feel ready to make the commitment,  price or practicality can be an obstacle in people’s decision making for this remodeling project. Our consultants have compiled their thoughts on the pros and cons of popular countertop materials so help you make the leap!

Glass Countertops

The benefits of installing glass countertops are many! The non porous surface ensures its super easy to clean and keep bacteria from building up on the surface. (HGTV) It can be crafted into any shape, size and color so you can let your creativity loose when it comes to design. Glass is one of the more expensive materials to use, and it definitely emits a more modern feel, so it’s not the material to choose for a farm style or rustic kitchen. 

Stone Countertops

There are a few stylish stone countertop possibilities to bring your new kitchen remodel to life. Soapstone has many of the same benefits as glass in that it’s non porous and easy to clean. It also does not require yearly sealing and only a simple application of mineral oil once a year. (HGTV) Manufactured stone like Silestone offers a range of colors and is also heat and scratch resistant. Stone works best in contemporary and modern kitchens. 

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Concrete Countertops

Concrete is an energy efficient countertop material that brings in heat from your home and releases it when temperatures cool down. It is easy to customize by embedding other materials into the surface, staining, or stamping. (The Spruce) Because it is considered a premium material, remodeling with concrete countertops can increase the resale value of your home. However, it is unexpectedly expensive and can be difficult to install. 

Granite Countertops

Granite is by far the most popular first choice for many homeowners. It adds elegance to any kitchen design and offers tons of character to your space as no two slabs are alike! This does make matching slabs difficult, and there is a decent amount of maintenance required. (CountertopGuides) The durability and alluring natural stone aspects typically outweigh the potential obstacles of using granite countertops.

Tile Countertops 

Choosing tile for your kitchen countertops means choosing possibilities! There are an enormous amount of color, size, and style options. It can be tough to keep clean and is not as smooth a surface as some would expect due to the grout lines. (Country Living) However, many would say the benefits of easily being able to replace damaged pieces and the lower cost for material is worth it. 

Marble Countertops

This lovely material is currently in high demand all over and the trend doesn’t appear to be fading any time soon. Designers can choose from multiple colors and marble is similar to granite in offering unique patterns that bring a unique element to your home. If you are interested in renovating with marble in the kitchen, make sure the company you hire to install will warranty marble! (CountertopGuides) Marble is porous and absorbs liquid easily and many contractors will not take the risk.

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Wood Countertops 

If you are seeking a super cozy and warm kitchen feel, look no further than wood countertops. Wood is ultra heat resistant so have no fear of setting down pots and pans off the stove. As long as it is sealed correctly, this material is sanitary for all cooking prep including cutting up meat. Wood is a more budget friendly option, but as all lumber varies, prices vary depending on the demand for the type of wood. All wood expands and contracts with temperature, so it is important to keep an eye on movement of the countertops. (This Old House)

NYC Kitchen Countertop Solutions 

MyHome’s design consultants are ready to recommend the best material for your family and renovation goals. Visit our Manhattan showroom to view an array of countertop materials. Our team can also order anything you don’t find in house! Let’s get started with a completely free design consultation via Zoom.

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