Kitchen Countertop Styles

Kitchen countertops come in a variety of styles. You'll want to think about the material your countertop is made of, what the backsplash looks like, how high the counter is, and how appliances and outlets are integrated.

Granite

If cost is no object, then granite is the countertop for you. You'll spend a lot for this, but you'll get what you pay for. It holds up well to heat, comes in a range of colors that is limited but stunning, and practically defines elegance for a kitchen. On the down side, granite countertops will require more maintenance than most, including periodic sealing. And if it cracks or stains, which may not be likely but is possible, you're going to be inconsolable.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone may be the answer to some of those problems while still providing elegance. It's also expensive, but it's easy to care for and doesn't stain easily.

Tile

A tile countertop is a less expensive option that's quite attractive. It's easy to clean and maintain, though you may find the grout dulling over time, even if you seal it. Tile countertops can take the heat of pans directly on the surface, which is nice.

Wood or Butcher Block Countertops

Wood or butcher block countertops look fabulous and are easy to clean, but a carelessly placed pot can burn them and they can be damaged by water or stains over time. Laminates like formica are a low cost attractive option. They're cheap and easy to maintain, but they can chip over time in a way that's impossible to repair. Stainless steel countertops are noisy but durable and handsome.

Backsplash

The backsplash of the countertop is the area against the wall that protects the wall from splashes and stains. Often the backsplash is made of the same material as the countertop, but it doesn't have to be. You may want to consider using tile for the backsplash to add a dash of color and design.

Countertop Thickness

The thickness of the countertop is another thing to consider. The counter doesn't need to be very thick to provide the protection you need. But a thicker countertop can do a couple of things. First, it can give an extra feel of solidity to the counter. Everything will just look sturdier and better constructed. Second, it can raise the height of the counter by an inch or more. If you're a taller person, you may have noticed how your back can begin to ache from doing simple cooking and cleaning in the kitchen. A raised countertop may help you not to contort your body so much by bending over the counter.

Appliance Integration

Another thing to consider is how the appliances are integrated into the counter. One trend is toward flush integration. Stove tops are flat affairs that form a continuous line with the counter. Control panels flip open for use and flip shut to provide a flat, flush surface when not in use.

Related to this trend, modern countertops are sometimes hiding the electric outlets in various ingenious ways. Recessing the outlets behind cabinetry may be one way to achieve clean lines while still running your appliances. For more permanent appliances like a toaster oven or a coffee maker, you can even snake the cords through holes in the cabinets to outlets that are entirely hidden from view.