There are plenty of options when it comes to kitchen countertop materials. While the way your countertops look is an important aspect, there are many other factors to consider as well. Your budget always plays a big part in decision making.

You should also think about what you may be using your countertops for. Someone who does a lot of cooking may need something more durable and heat resistant. A homeowner who prefers to order take out may opt for something more visually appealing but less durable.

Check out the pros and cons of the following countertop material types to help you decide which option is best for you.

Cultured Marble

• Moderately priced
• Highly heat resistant, can handle hot pans on surface
• Scratchable and affected by harsh chemicals due to soft surface
• Can be a bit more difficult to clean and maintain
• All stains should be wiped up quickly
• Requires resealing about once a year

Granite and Natural Stone

• Slightly higher price range than other surfaces
• Visually appealing
• Plenty of variations available including unique grains, colors, and customizable finishes
• Highly heat and scratch resistant
• Unaffected by harsh chemicals
• One of the most durable countertop options when properly sealed

Laminate

• One of the most budget-friendly countertop options
• Somewhat stain resistant
• Can scratch and scorch and may not be ideal for heavy-duty cooks
• Be sure to use cutting boards as knives can ruin the finish
• Can be more difficult to clean and maintain
• Only heat resistant to 150 degrees
• Available in a wide variety of colors

Quartz

• One of the higher-priced countertop options
• Somewhat heat resistant, but can scorch
• Scratch resistant and unaffected by most chemicals
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Practically maintenance free
• Wide range of colors available

Solid Surface

• Medium price range
• Can scratch easily but can be repaired
• Will melt when exposed to high heat
• Not as easy to clean and maintain
• Comes in a variety of colors and can emulate stone, wood, or plastic
• Durable

Wood

• Moderately priced
• Visually warm and welcoming feel
• Long-lasting
• Several species of wood to choose from
• Highly heat resistant
• Scratches can be buffed out or add to an aged wood look

If you are planning on upgrading your countertops, Blue Water Kitchens & More can help. Be sure to stop by our showroom in Lakeport to see samples of all our countertop materials. Give us a call at 810-385-8791 for more information.

For many households, the kitchen is where families prepare and share meals, as well as begin and end their days together, so it’s no wonder that it’s often the first room to get upgraded during a home renovation. Unfortunately, many people don’t get as much use from their kitchen setup as they could, which can lead to daily inconveniences. If you’re planning a remodel or looking for ways to add function and organization to your kitchen, take a look at this infographic from Blue Water Kitchens & More in Lakeport, MI. Please feel free to share this information with your neighbors and friends.

Islands are a wonderful upgrade to any kitchen. While they may just look like a nice place to sit and enjoy a meal, islands should also be functional. They should fit the specific needs of your home and both complement and complete your kitchen.

Seating arrangements

If you don’t plan on using your island to do much cooking or food preparation, you may want to include plenty of bar stools or chairs for dining. Don’t forget to take knee clearance into account so you aren’t bumping into the island all the time. If you’ll be using your island to prepare meals, you may not want as many seats so you don’t have to keep moving them out of your way.

Everything and the kitchen sink

Your island doesn’t just have to be a place to eat or serve a buffet style meal. There are plenty of island additions you can make including a kitchen sink. Dishwashers, stoves, cabinets, drawers, and wine cellars are just a few things you can add to your island to free up regular counter space. Be sure to add electrical outlets. You may need to arrange for plumbing or an additional gas line if you plan on having these extras built in.

Size and space considerations

It’s very important to make sure the size of your island is proportionate to the size of your kitchen. Islands don’t have to be rectangular, they can be square, oval, and even L or T-shaped. Be sure to allow plenty of room to be able to walk between the island and existing counters and to open all cabinets and drawers. A good rule of thumb is to leave a minimum of 36 inches of aisle space, with 42 inches between counters being ideal.

Other factors

There are a variety of countertop styles to choose from, and your island doesn’t have to match the rest of your kitchen countertops. You may also want to add extra lighting over your island. Blue Water Kitchens & More can help you improve and upgrade your kitchen. From kitchen design to cabinets and countertops, we have you covered. Schedule your free consultation today at 810-385-8791.