Choosing a countertop surface material that suits your lifestyle is the first step to a functional kitchen. Your counters are, after all, where cooking actually happens. We could also argue that your counters are the backdrop and the main event in any kitchen: They take up a lot of visual real estate. And the materials and options you choose, whether shatterproof compound slabs or handmade tiles are for advantage as much as for style.
That said, choosing the right countertop can be tricky. First, there are so many options: How do I know what marble I want? And what’s the difference between countertops? Come to think of it, what exactly is quartz anyway? Between natural, engineered, and man-made materials and the color options with each.
Ahead, you’ll find everything you need to know about countertops. But before fall in love with any of the kitchen countertop materials, here’s a checklist of which material you can use for your ideal kitchen countertop ideas:
- Color and design
- Size and shape of the material
- Integration with backsplash
- Durability and ease of maintenance
- The total cost of ownership
And with that in mind, read on to see how to make the best decisions for your kitchen according to the kitchen countertop materials.
1) Wood countertop in Johor, Malaysia
Or you could opt for classic wood countertops instead. Paul Grothouse of Grothouse Lumber says “wood kills bacteria more quickly than any other surface,” which is ideal in a kitchen. Not only do they look timeless and classic in just about every kitchen, but wood surfaces are also pretty easy to maintain when sourced from a good producer with high-quality finishes.
Sealing them makes them more long-lasting, though they will show some wear over time. There’s a pretty wide variety when it comes to pricing, so it really depends on where you get it.
2) Tiles countertop Johor, Malaysia
While tiles are obviously a great backsplash option, they can actually work nicely for countertops, too. Tile countertops are great if you’re after a period look and want something more affordable. The disadvantage is that they often require to stay clean. White is the most obvious choice for grout, but “there’s an entire grout spectrum out there,” says Jake Rode Heath- Harrison of ETCetera. That said, tile is more heat-resistant, so it’ll stand up to hot pans and plates better. Take your pick.
3. Concrete Countertop Johor, Malaysia
With its natural look and many possible shadows or shape, concrete can be surprisingly expert at bringing the elements of your kitchen together, especially alongside other natural materials like wood or stone. This long-lasting material will counter heat and spot damage, as well, which makes the systematic close-up and maintenance worth the trouble. However, concrete is quite heavy, which will require extra care in design and installation, and can be easily damaged by highly acidic liquids.
4) Stainless Steel Countertop Johor, Malaysia
There’s a reason why restaurants use stainless steel in their kitchens. This material is almost unbreakable and will handle the frenzied activity in any commercial kitchen. It is also easy to clean since any spills will not penetrate the surface (and lead to bacteria). However, after a while, this shiny surface will get dull and scratched (you could say that it has more character). And it only comes in one color.
5) Solid Surface Countertops in Johor, Malaysia
“Solid surface is a feigned stone, mostly a mixture of natural materials (like stone) and an acrylic bonding agent,” interior designer Dries Otten explains. Unlike natural stone that patinas over time, solid surfaces “will turn old and worn out,” he says—but it’s still very long-lasting. And resistant to most household cleaning supplies! Plus, it’s one of the least costly countertop options.
6) Quartz Countertops in Johor, Malaysia
Best for the low-fuss cook, quartz requires no sealing or polishing and has double the impact resistance of natural stone, but it’s still a bit sensitive to heat, so hot cookware shouldn’t be set directly on it. Quartz countertops are created by mixing quartz particles with resin and polymers to create an extremely strong surface that looks like natural stone. This blend of natural stone and synthetic resins is more resistant to household cleaning supplies and chemicals than natural stone options (so you can keep surfaces looking pristine at all times). Some high-quality quartz materials can be just as costly as natural ones.
7) Granite Countertops in Johor, Malaysia
As one of the hardest natural stones, granite can be on the high-cost side. This means it’s also the most durable, making it great for family kitchens that get a lot of use but still want that component of luxury. It’s also one of the most scratches and heat-resistant natural stones available. Granite will need to be resealed regularly to maintain its longevity. If you’re wondering where it comes from, granite is basically the crystalized form of hot liquid magma. Cool!
8) Laminate Countertops in Johor, Malaysia
This nonporous acrylic comes in endless looks, so it’s ideal for those who want to go wild with colors and patterns, whether that’s a monochromatic statement or a playful design scheme. “It can shape itself into any design concept. New technology has made it tougher, but laminate is still a budget option. “It’s a great choice for someone on a budget. The downsides? It doesn’t hold up to heat as well as other options (so don’t put a hot pan directly on it!) and it may start to chip or peel over time.
9) Marble Countertops in Johor, Malaysia
Marble has pretty much become synonymous with every type of natural stone (or human-made composite) we see. But it’s actually pretty specific. Interestingly, marble is a complex of a variety of minerals, including calcite, graphite, and more. It’s one of the softer natural stones, which makes it a little less durable. It’s prone to etching (“the first scratch is the deepest), but there’s no denying the luxe look.
Choosing the right kitchen countertop comes down to knowing the needs and requirements of your own cooking space. Undoubtedly, there is a material out there best suited to you and your household; it’s merely a matter of carefully considering the options to find the best material for your home. These ideas that I gave were kitchen top designs in Malaysia and kitchen top materials in Malaysia
