Your Handy Guide To Kitchen Countertop Materials

Learn about their characteristics and which is best suited for your needs.

Deciding on the best kitchen countertop materials can be quite a tricky affair when considering various factors. Aesthetics aside, you’ll also need to look at durability and resilience as well as maintenance and cost.

Here’s a look at 8 of the most common kitchen countertop choices among Malaysian homeowners:

1. Granite

There is so much to love about granite counters! It is one of the most sanitary, resilient natural materials you’ll come across. In terms of price, granite countertops typically fall within a middle-to-high end range. But cheaper options are available as well such as Chinese granite that averages RM15 to RM25 per sqft. In addition, granite goes well with popular décor styles in Malaysia such as contemporary, modern and minimalist (white granite) kitchens.

The main drawback is that there are fewer colour and pattern options to choose from, and that it may look dated to some. Also, because granite is naturally porous, you should apply a new sealant to the granite once every 3 to 5 years to prevent moisture from seeping within. Be sure to ask your vendor about the warranty, the origin of the granite, and the recommended timeframe for resealing.

2. Marble

Let’s start with the good – marble is timeless, beautiful and a symbol of luxury. Each slab is unique, featuring intricate veining and swirls that add a distinctive touch to your kitchen. It complements a variety of design styles, including modern, Scandinavian, minimalist, and traditional kitchens. Similar to granite, marble is resistant to heat, cracking and breaking, ensuring its durability for years to come.

However, high-grade marble can be very costly and requires regular maintenance. Furthermore, Malaysian cooking tends to use plenty of stainable ingredients like turmeric and soy sauce; this spells bad news for the easy-to-stain and scratch marble. If you’ve already set your eyes for a marble counter, consider opting for darker tones and sealing it regularly (at least once a year) to prevent stains. Although marble is heat-resistant, it is best to avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the surface, as this may cause discolouration or cracking.

3. Quartz

If you want a luxurious look like marble or granite without the high-maintenance and cost, quartz is a great option. Made of about 90% quartz particles mixed with other minerals, this countertop material is non-porous, strong, and durable, and does not need to be resealed. Quartz comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, allowing you to match with various design styles from modern to minimalist.

However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading or discolouration of the surface. This makes it less ideal for outdoor kitchens or areas that are exposed to significant natural light.

4. Solid Surface

Solid surfaces are an excellent choice if you prefer the look of stone without the associated cost. This versatile material can complement both traditional and modern kitchens, thanks to its availability in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures. Additionally, solid-surface countertops are easy to clean and maintain, requiring only mild soap and water for regular upkeep.

The main drawback is that solid surface countertops are relatively soft compared to materials like granite or quartz. They can be scratched or dented more easily, especially by sharp objects like knives. Therefore, it's advisable to use chopping boards to prevent damage to your counter surface.

5. Laminates

Looking for an inexpensive option that is relatively sturdy and still capable of style? Then laminates could be your best bet! Laminates come in a range of colours and patterns making it a good fit for most, if not all décor styles. Moreover, you might be better off with laminate materials if you love redecorating due to its lightweight design which makes it relatively easy to install making it a go-to option for many DIYers.

As the most affordable material, laminates are prone to damage from hot pans, scratches, and stains. You’ll need to handle them with care, and be aware that they may require replacement within 3 to 4 years, depending on usage. You can get higher-end options for better durability, but it will cost more, though not as much as premium materials like marble or concrete.

6. Wooden

For rustic, homely kitchens, nothing beats handsome wood counters! It’ll pair perfectly with many different types of décor styles such as Scandinavian (especially when painted white), country, French, contemporary, traditional, rustic and mid-century modern. Pricing can vary to meet most budgets with the average cost being RM200 per foot run.

Given the traditional Malaysian cooking methods, which involves pounding and grinding of spices, wooden counters can wear out faster than other materials. Plus our tropical climate makes wooden counters susceptible to mould and mildew. To protect them from moisture and stains, light sanding, oiling, and sealing should be done every 2 to 3 years. To safeguard the counter from scratches, dents, and heat damage, it is recommended to use cutting boards and trivets for hot objects.

7. Concrete

Old-school or raw looking kitchens find a home with concrete materials! This heat and scratch resistant material is also stylish and durable. It comes in a range of colours and cuts that can fit with almost any kitchen size and colour theme. Décor styles that mesh well with concrete surfaces include industrial, oriental, modern and contemporary.

In terms of maintenance, it does require sealing to keep it from staining. You’ll also have to wax it every 4 to 6 weeks to give it greater stain-resistant strength. Also, since this is a premium stone, expect prices to be in the same range as marble and other similar materials due to the custom work involved.

One possible downside is that concrete countertops can develop minor cracks over time, which are typically a result of the natural settling process, but this can be easily fixed. However, some homeowners appreciate these imperfections, seeing them as part of the countertop’s character.

8. Stainless steel

If you are looking for a long-lasting kitchen counter that can withstand heavy use, stainless steel makes for an incredible choice. Its sleek and shiny quality will give your kitchen a clean, modern and high-end appearance that can also ‘seamlessly’ match the metallic kitchen appliances. In addition, stainless steel is rather apt for smaller kitchens thanks to its reflective surface. This material is also resistant to stains, heat and corrosion.They are also very easy to clean and has antimicrobial properties, making it a hygienic surface for food preparation.

Depending on factors such as thickness, finish and customisation option, stainless steel can be rather expensive though, since it is long-lasting and timeless in appearance; this material is often worth the cost.

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