When designing custom kitchens for our customers in Pensacola, FL, we often get asked about which materials make the best countertops.
As remodel professionals, we certainly have our favorites. Of course, your options largely depend on style, functionality, and budget.
To give you a better idea of what options are available for custom kitchens, here’s a list of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops
Worktop Materials for Custom Kitchens
Countertops are a main focal point in a kitchen and must withstand plenty of wear. For this reason, most options involve stone or composite, manmade materials.
1. Granite
Granite has incredibly hard stone characterized by small flecks of materials within. It’s a popular choice for remodeling professionals because it looks great and can withstand pretty much anything.
Granite comes in various colors and grades, including white, pink, yellow, and black. This makes it suitable for different styles, and it’s easy to match granite against the rest of the kitchen.
Lower-grade granite may be soaked or dyed to change its color, but this fades over time.
Pros
- Hardwearing
- Heat and stain resistant
- Antibacterial
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
2. Quartz
Quartz countertops are another popular choice for custom kitchens. They have a similar appearance to granite but are made by mixing minerals into resin. It means they’re very hardwearing.
Using resin means you have more flexibility over shape and color. When hired as a contractor for kitchen remodeling, we’ve used all kinds of colors of granite countertops.
Although manmade, quartz countertops come with all the benefits of granite. But, they also carry the same drawbacks. In fact, quartz is often more expensive than granite.
Pros
- Wide range of colors and shapes
- Hardwearing
- Antibacterial
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heavy
3. Laminate
Laminated kitchen countertops are usually a layer of plastic or wood stuck onto an MDF core. They’re budget friendly and fairly versatile. Laminate countertops don’t usually appear in custom kitchens, but it can happen.
The biggest benefit of a laminate worktop is that you can make it look like any other material. For example, a thin layer of vinyl could make it look like granite, or you could use wood instead.
But, as you can imagine, laminate countertops don’t last as long as proper materials. As remodel professionals, we advise avoiding laminate where possible because it’s not a cost-effective option due to its reduced lifespan.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Suitable for any kitchen style
- Easy to clean when new
- Flexibility over shape and color
Cons
- Can burn or melt
- Scratches harbor bacteria
- Don’t last as long as proper materials
4. Solid Wood
Wood is an interesting choice for custom kitchens. Hardwood looks great in classic kitchen designs and is a more cost-effective option than stone. Plus, it’s far easier for your contractor to install.
But, wooden countertops require maintenance. To keep them kitchen-safe, you need to clean and varnish them at least twice a year otherwise they can scratch and wear.
You must be willing to put in this work, as poorly maintained wooden countertops look awful. The range of options is extensive, though, and you can easily find one for any style of kitchen.
Pros
- More cost-effective than stone
- Plenty of options
- Age well if properly maintained
Cons
- Easier to scratch than stone or laminate
- Must be cleaned and maintained twice a year
6. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the worktop material of choice in commercial kitchens. While it doesn’t pop up much in custom kitchens at home, it’s a suitable option for industrial themed spaces.
It’s popular in commercial settings because it’s easy to clean, waterproof, strong, and can withstand plenty of damage. Stainless steel is also resistant to even the strongest cleaning chemicals and won’t tarnish over time.
Better yet, it’s easy for the contractor to install because it’s lightweight and easy to shape. But, it can be challenging to make stainless steel look nice in larger kitchen areas because it has quite a clinical feel.
Pros
- Hardwearing
- Waterproof and stain proof
- Waterproof and stain proof
- Easy to adapt and install
Cons
- Not the nicest looking option
7. Glass
Glass countertops were never really possible in older custom kitchens because we were limited by technology. However, we can now make large and surprisingly durable glass countertops.
Glass countertops are sleek, modern, and easy to customize to your space. You have a wide range of color options, and your contractor can easily change the size and shape.
As you might expect, glass requires regular cleaning to look nice. It’s resistant to stains but marks easily, meaning you might spend a lot of time wiping it down.
Pros
- Highly adaptable to styles and spaces
- Very durable
- Wide choice of colors
- Sleek, modern appearance
Cons
- Expensive
- Necessary to clean it regularly
Final Thoughts On Custom Kitchen
We at Bilco Builders often help our clients decide on the right materials for custom kitchens. Countertops take a lot of thought because they’re one of the biggest areas in the room.
If you want more advice on custom kitchens in Pensacola, FL, and need remodel professionals, contact Bilco Builders. Our skill and experience will help create the custom kitchen of your dreams.