Kitchen Countertop Buying Guide

Key Considerations

Any kitchen renovation research will show you that there is a very high ceiling to the amount you could pay for new counters. Thankfully KENT has an assortment of options for every budget. The two main cost factors will be your countertop material and area: if you have a larger kitchen, consider less expensive materials to stay on budget.

Maintenance
Will your new countertop stain easily? Expecting wear and tear on your butcher block? If you have a lot of cooks in the kitchen, opt for a stain resistant, easy-to-clean surface. You may need to be prepared to seal countertops or regrout tile if you have a high maintenance material in mind. If not, there are dozens of stain, and even germ, resistant countertops to choose from at KENT.ca!

Durability
When installing new countertops, it’s best to choose a material that will stand the test of time. Consider damage resistance to heat, knives, and impact, as well as ease of repair should damage occur. If you don’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you may be able to opt for a more sensitive material. Busy cooks can incorporate tile cooling plates or easily replaced sections of butcher block! Ask your local KENT Project Centre how to get the most mileage out of your new counters.

Colour
Neutral, dark, light...there are endless possibilities when it comes to the hue of your countertops. While bright options are available, they may impact future resale options if it’s a more unique decor preference. Try combining light and dark sections across counters and islands for design contrast, and incorporate colour and pattern in backsplashes that are easier to swap.

Materials
Choosing from the array of countertop choices can be daunting, but our 3D rendering of your future kitchen can help! Test the appearance of your choices quickly and easily once you’ve found your desired material and price point. We offer free in-home (or virtual!) kitchen consultations: simply give your local KENT Installation Services a call to set up your consultation! If you’re planning to install countertops yourself, always check your warranty first! Some countertop manufacturers require that their products be installed by a professional and a DIY installation can invalidate the warranty.

Laminate
Any kitchen renovation research will show you that there is a very high ceiling to the amount you could pay for new counters. Thankfully KENT has an assortment of options for every budget. The two main cost factors will be your countertop material and area: if you have a larger kitchen, consider less expensive materials to stay on budget.

Solid Surface Counters
They are made primarily with polyester or acrylic and mixed with a mineral compound to provide a wide range of colour and pattern options. They are more expensive than laminate, but less costly than stone. Because they are non-porous and have no grout lines, solid surface countertops are easy to care for and they give the appearance of a smooth, continuous surface. The other advantage of these counters is that they can be refinished if they become stained or damaged with use. On the down side, they aren't as durable as stone and they're not heat proof, so you have to be careful where you set those pots.

Natural Stone
Natural stone is a very popular option for high-end countertops, the most common being granite. There are a range of other natural stone options including marble, slate, soapstone and more. The benefit of stone is that no piece is exactly alike so you get a unique, natural look. It's generally quite durable, but this can vary depending on the type of stone. On the down side, stone is one of the more expensive options available and it can be etched, stained or nicked so it needs to be sealed regularly.

Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone that combines natural stone with a resin binder. Since it's non-porous, it doesn't require sealing or special cleaners and it is resistant to water, stains, and etching. Some brands also contain Microban which provides anti-bacterial protection. It is heat resistant, but not entirely heat proof. Quartz provides the look of natural stone, but requires less maintenance.

Tile
Tile counters can be made from a range of materials including ceramic, porcelain, glass or stone. Tile offers multiple design and colour options, it’s relatively inexpensive, and resistant to heat and water. On the other hand, tiled surfaces can be difficult to clean and may chip, crack, or break with heavy usage. You can save on installation costs by installing your own DIY tile countertops, just have our Project Centre point you to the right glazed tile and grout!

Wood
Warm and natural looking, wood counters won't hurt your knives and they can be sanded down to rejuvenate the surface. However, they require a lot of maintenance through regular oiling and cleaning and they can stain or mark easily. Instead of covering your entire countertop in wood, try a butcher block with the benefit of a wood work surface without the hassle of maintaining a large wood countertop!

Metal
Available in a range of materials from stainless steel to copper, zinc and more, metal counters provide a sleek, contemporary look. They are heat-proof and relatively easy to care for. It is, however; quite expensive and can be dented, scratched or fingerprinted.