Kitchen Countertop Color
Kitchen countertops can be made from a wide variety of materials. The color and style options are nearly endless, and it’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each before making a final decision. This article will discuss some common styles and colors available and how to choose the best one for your kitchen.
Kitchen Countertops by Style
There are many different types of countertop styles available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. These include:
- Laminate – The least expensive option, these counters come pre-made in various colors and patterns that can be applied over the top. They tend to be thin and flimsy, but they are durable. The biggest downside is that the seams between panels can be very noticeable when you look at the counter close.
- Tile – This option gives you the most flexibility in both color and pattern. There are hundreds of different styles available to choose from, making it easy to find one that matches your counters and other decors in the kitchen. Tile countertops are very durable but require a great deal of maintenance to keep them looking new.
- Solid Surface – These materials resemble natural stone and come in an endless variety of colors and patterns. They are tough, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. The biggest downside is cost, as solid surfaces like Corian and other similar materials are one of the most expensive options.
- Wood – The sophistication and warmth of wood counters can’t be beaten. They look great with any style of cabinetry and add a living element to your kitchen. On the downside, they require regular maintenance to prevent them from looking worn, and the seams between pieces can be quite noticeable.
- Butcher Block/Marble – Both of these options stand up to heat, stains, and scratches better than any other material. On the downside, they require regular maintenance to keep them looking new and are very expensive. Marble is especially prone to cracking if it’s not cut correctly or if something heavy is dropped on it.
Standard White Countertops
This is the most common type of countertop, comprising about 60% of all choices. White counters can come in a variety of styles and can be made from manufactured materials like acrylic, quartz, or solid surface. The benefits of white counters are that they can be easily cleaned and offer a modern look to your kitchen.
On the downside, they show every type of blemish and scuff and sometimes require extra maintenance to keep them looking good. Solid surfaces like Corian tend to scratch more than quartz, which is especially hard and durable.
Wood Countertops
Wood kitchen counters offer a warm and natural element to any kitchen design. They come in both manufactured and solid varieties, with manufactured wood like plywood being less expensive as well as easier as it is available pre-made in a variety of styles. Solid wood countertops are more expensive, but they give you the most options for color and pattern. The downside is they require regular maintenance to keep looking their best.
Wood is especially vulnerable to moisture and heat, so avoid placing anything hot directly on the surface.
Flecked or Grainy Countertops
These materials include any surface with small flecks of different colors, such as granite and marble. They are the most luxurious option available and come in hundreds of patterns and colors that can be customized to your preferences. The downside is these countertops tend to be very expensive and require a great deal of maintenance to keep them looking like new. These materials are also very porous and prone to stains, which can be difficult to remove.
Marble Countertops
Stone countertops like marble offer a unique style that embraces the warmth of the natural stone. They are available in every color imaginable and come in both solid and engineered styles. Solid marble countertops are rare because they easily crack, so they are usually manufactured in large slabs. The downside is that marble is very porous and stains easily, requiring regular cleaning and sealing to prevent stains from setting.
Try Bold Colors like Blue, Gray, or Black
Weathered, grey tones such as blue or black can give your kitchen a whole new look. These colors go well with all different types of cabinets and help create a bold statement in your home. On the downside, these types of countertops are prone to staining because they show dirt easily. Be prepared to spend a lot of time cleaning your counters if you choose one of these colors.
Try Rich, Earthy Tones Like Gold, Copper, or Sandstone
These materials go well with rustic cabinetry styles and offer a warm and inviting look to your kitchen. On the downside, they are prone to staining and scratching because of their delicate nature.
Use a Neutral Tone Like White or Tan for Low-Maintenance Kitchen Designs
White counters are appropriate for traditional or modern kitchens that have little to no flaws in them. They are easy to clean and won’t show anything that’s dropped on them. On the downside, white is one of the most popular colors to use, so your kitchen will look like everyone else’s if you choose this option.
How to Choose a Kitchen Countertop Color
White counters are appropriate for traditional or modern kitchens that have little to no flaws in them. They are easy to clean and won’t show anything that’s dropped on them. On the downside, white is one of the most popular colors to use, so your kitchen will look like everyone else’s if you choose this option.
Wood countertops offer a warm and natural element to any kitchen design. They come in both manufactured and solid varieties, with manufactured wood like plywood being less expensive and more accessible as it is available pre-made in various styles. Solid wood countertops are more expensive, but they give you the most options for color and pattern. The downside is they require regular maintenance to keep looking their best. Wood is especially vulnerable to moisture and heat, so avoid placing anything hot directly on the surface.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to find the right countertop for your kitchen. However, finding the right color and pattern is an important first step, so choosing carefully is important. Other factors like cost and durability should also be considered.
When it comes to countertops, price is often a good indicator of quality. Solid wood counters are by far the best materials you can find because they offer durability and variety. Marble countertops are the second-best option, but be prepared to spend a lot of money and time maintaining them. Stone counters like granite and quartz are the cheapest materials available, so you won’t have to worry about spending a lot of money upfront, but these countertops require a great deal of care on a daily basis.