It isn’t easy choosing the best material for your kitchen and bathroom countertops. This is because there are plenty of options, and the wrong choice could result in a waste of money as well as a desire to complete further home renovations down the line. Picking the right countertop isn’t based solely on looks. Factors such as durability, price, ease of maintenance, and availability are equally important to consider as you’re making your final decisions.

Understanding the options available to you helps to make this process a little easier. Here are a few of the best materials for kitchen and bathroom countertops that tick all the boxes:

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1. Laminate

Laminate has been used by many people since it became popular in the ‘50s and ‘60s. It is also a very inexpensive option. There are a few downsides to laminate. Edges can chip easily, and if too much heat is applied directly, the surface can melt. It’s also seen as an element which doesn’t add value to a home’s resale value because of its low cost.

2. Wood

Wood countertops are usually picked because they give a room a very organic feel. Wood countertops are also often budget-friendly, typically at about half the price of stone and metal options. The downsides to wood are that it requires regular maintenance. Certain variants of wood are also a bit on the pricey side.

3. Stainless Steel

This type of countertop is used commonly by restaurants and other places in the foodservice industry. This is because stainless steel is very durable, easy to maintain, as well as anti-bacterial and scratch-resistant. Stainless steel is also a green choice since it’s very easy to recycle. The main downside to stainless steel is that since pots and plates make more noise when hitting the surface, cooking is a louder affair. It also isn’t completely immune to dents and scratches. The price of the countertop depends on the gauge of steel used which can make it approach the cost of certain types of marble countertops.

There are many other countertop choices for your kitchen or bath, but these are some of the most widely used options. Have a look at them, and see if they might work for your kitchen as well as the bathroom. If you have further questions, Alair Homes is here to help. The choice you make should work on both an aesthetic level, as well as a functional level, and we’ll provide you with the information you need to decide if your choice checks both of these boxes and ultimately, works well for your family.