One of the costliest components of building or remodeling a kitchen can be the countertop material. You can spend as little as $20 per square foot and as much as $225 per square foot. That is a big difference. The good news is that you have many options available to fit every budget. Let’s explore 4 attractive and durable countertop options that can meet your specific budget.
Stone
Granite, marble, and quartzite counters are top-of-the-line when it comes to beauty and strength. These natural stones are available in many patterns, veining, and colors. They are all able to be polished to a highly reflective and easily cleanable finish. All these stones will last a very long time and are also timeless in their appearance and elegance. A natural stone countertop, as well as composite stone countertops, such as quartz, will cost anywhere from $100-250 per square foot, depending on the supplier.
Concrete
Poured concrete is also a very durable countertop surface that can be polished and sealed. Color pigments and aggregates can be added for a customized appearance. The beauty of concrete is the ability to shape it to accommodate curves, different edges, and built-in drainage. Like stone, concrete is durable and strong. It will have to be resealed periodically, just like natural stone. The average price of installed concrete countertops ranges from $65 to $135 per square foot.
Solid Surfacing
Solid surfacing countertops are made from acrylic and polyester polymers. As the name implies, the surface is solid and uniform for the entire depth of the counter, similar to stone. This material is not generally designed to mimic natural materials. That said, the color and pattern options are seemingly endless. This material is lighter in weight than stone and concrete, which is a plus if weight is of concern. A solid surface countertop can run from $40 to $150 per square foot installed.
Butcher Block
There is nothing warmer than the look and feel of natural wood, especially in a kitchen. Butcher block is comprised of solid pieces of wood that are glued together into a continuous block or slab. The surface is sealed, generally with a natural oil that does have to be periodically reapplied. While wood can be damaged by knife cuts and hot pans, it can be sanded and refinished to its original appearance. Butcher block is ideal for farmhouse and cottage-style kitchens. Depending on the species of wood chosen, a butcher block countertop can cost anywhere from $20 to $70 per square foot.
There are so many options for kitchen countertop installations to choose from. These are just 4 of the more popular and attractive choices to consider. With all of these options, it is highly recommended that you have a professional do the installation so all the cutouts and customizations fit seamlessly into your new kitchen.
About the author:
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.