How to Choose Countertop Materials for Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Custom kitchen cabinets can be incredibly beautiful. They can expand your organizational and storage capabilities immensely. They can make a dramatic aesthetic statement, too. However, they’re not enough on their own. None of the other benefits would be possible without a countertop to cover it all up and provide a work surface. Of course, you have a ton of options when it comes to countertop materials, so how do you choose? Actually, each option brings something unique to the table. We’ll explore what you need to know below.
Wood
Wood countertops have been around since time out of mind. They are durable, can be quite beautiful, and are available in a broad range of styles. Today, butcher block countertops are the most frequently used version. They’re classic and look great with almost any aesthetic, from country chic to cottage-style kitchens. However, they may look out of place in luxury builds, and may not be the right choice for all counters in your kitchen. Many people choose to use a butcher block for the island work surface and another material for the rest of the counters.
Laminate
Laminate is durable, affordable, and incredibly simple to customize in terms of color and even texture. Laminate can be installed directly over solid wood counters tops to maximize protection and durability, and it holds up very well to wear and tear. Laminate can also mimic other materials, including natural stone. However, it does have a few drawbacks. For instance, because laminate is ultimately a type of plastic, it doesn’t hold up well to hot pots and pans set directly on top of it. If not properly sealed, prolonged exposure to moisture can also make it peel.
Stone
There are multiple types of stone used to create countertops for custom kitchen cabinets today. Some of the most common include:
Granite: Bold and beautiful, granite is durable and stands up well to things like heat. However, it is heavy, which means your custom kitchen cabinets will need to be very strong to support it. It will also need to be resealed regularly to prevent staining.
Marble: Marble is even more iconic than granite and can lend stunning beauty to your custom kitchen cabinets. It is strong and durable, elegant and versatile. However, it will need regular resealing to prevent stains, and it is prone to scratching and chipping.
Soapstone: Subtle and beautiful, soapstone is gaining prominence in the world of custom kitchen cabinets. It is durable, but it will require oiling and polishing, can crack over time, and is prone to nicks.
Quartz: Quartz countertops are only partially natural stone – the rest is made up of a binder made from resin. These counters are beautiful and are easier to care for than marble or granite. However, it is one of the more expensive options when it comes to topping your custom kitchen cabinets.
Stainless Steel
There’s no denying the fact that stainless steel has made serious inroads into the world of kitchen design. Once relegated to appliance surfaces, today, it can be used for countertops and islands, as well. It’s sleek, modern, and easy to sanitize, making it a great choice for food preparation areas. It’s also impervious to heat and cold and will last indefinitely with just a little bit of TLC. However, stainless steel is not for everyone. It is prone to scratching and will show fingerprints constantly. It can also be dented and is loud when used with pots and pans. Cleaning with the wrong chemicals can also etch the surface.
Tile
Tile was once heavily used in kitchen design but faded out over time. Today, it’s back in a big way. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in any type of kitchen, whether you’re going for classic, rustic, or luxury. Tiles are durable against heat and cold, hold up to nicks and scratches, and they also resist staining better than natural stone. The range of colors and shapes also ensures that you can get a custom aesthetic, and you can even tie your countertop into your backsplash with ease. However, tile is not perfect. Tile can crack and chip and the surface is always uneven, making it difficult to perform some tasks. Moisture may also penetrate unsealed grout, leading to mold growth.
Concrete
One of the most interesting countertop materials for custom kitchen cabinets, concrete is incredibly easy to customize and design. You can achieve almost any color or texture, including mimicking more expensive but less durable materials. Concrete is affordable but can last for decades with just a little bit of care. You can even have inlays set into it that add to its aesthetic or usability. It is a good option for kitchens that see heavy use and is more heat resistant than some surfaces. It also holds up well against nicks and scratches. However, concrete can become stained over time, and it is heavy, so your kitchen cabinets will need to be strong to support the weight.
Making Your Decision
As you can see from the information above, there are many options to help you top your custom kitchen cabinets. You need to consider each option, its pros, and cons, and determine how it would tie into your kitchen’s design and aesthetic, as well as your usage needs. Do you do a lot of meal prep? If so, durability and ease of cleaning should be at the top of your list. Do you want something ultra-luxurious? Natural stone may be the right choice.
At Knotty Nuff Wood, we design custom kitchen cabinets and other furnishings from high-quality wood and other materials. We have years of experience with countertop materials and would be more than happy to help you understand the various choices out there, what they bring to the table, and ensure that you’re able to make an informed decision. If you’re in Orange County or Los Angeles County, get in touch with us today to learn more about your options when it comes to custom kitchen cabinets, countertops, and custom woodworking.