Counter Culture: Choosing a Countertop for Your Kitchen

Appliances and cabinetry might try to steal the limelight in kitchen-updating conversations, but countertops are key. They take up considerable real estate, and really do define the overall personality and style of the space. Choosing a countertop, however, is as much about utility as aesthetics. After all, this is where you prep, cook and make those memorable meals happen. So let’s get started! 

Before you choose a kitchen countertop, ask yourself: 

• What’s my kitchen lifestyle and how much do I cook?

• What look – materials, colours, finishes, profiles – do I love?

• What’s my budget? 

To help with your renovating or updating journey, we’ve assembled this simple countertop guide highlighting five of the most popular countertop materials – laminate, granite, butcher block, marble and quartz. There’s also a lineup of top profiles to consider, because when it comes to a great kitchen, the details always count!

Top Countertop Materials for Busy Kitchens

Laminate Countertop

Laminate is a great choice for those looking to execute a budget-minded kitchen update. The non-porous acrylic comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, so you can go neutral and sophisticated or punchy and playful. Overall, it’s a great, inexpensive and low-maintenance countertop option.

Granite Countertop

This hard natural stone comes in a variety of all-natural patterns and colours and delivers a luxe look. That hardness translates to durability, so it’s a great choice for a busy family kitchen. It also tolerates scratches and heat, but should be resealed regularly to extend its good looks and longevity.

Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops are made by combining natural stone with synthetic resins to create a hard and durable surface. The low-maintenance, manmade material requires no sealing or polishing, stands up to cleaning supplies and is antibacterial. Quartz is a great choice if you love the look of marble but appreciate the extra durability and stain-resistance.

Marble Countertop

Marble countertops are a long-time favourite of designers – and bakers who love its always-cool surface for pastry making! Being a natural stone, it comes in an array of gorgeous natural patterns and colours as a result of the minerals from which it was originally formed. It is durable although softer than granite, so it will develop a patina over time that many consider part of the classic look of this elegant material.

Butcher Block Countertop

A butcher block countertop will add warmth to your kitchen, plus it won’t dull your knives. That means you can prep food directly on its surface. How convenient when you’re rushing to get dinner on the table! Being wood, it makes for a quieter kitchen and also provides a rustic look that is very much on trend!

Keep a Strong Profile When Choosing a Countertop Edge

Much time is spent considering the perfect material for your countertop, but don’t overlook the impact of the countertop edge. From classically inspired ogee profiles to clean-lined square or mitred edges can make a big difference to your finished space. The right profile can show off your stone, accentuate your kitchen’s style and add polish to your space. The reality: there are edge options for every countertop material and every taste.

Square

Simple and understated, a square-edge countertop allows other key details in your kitchen to take centre stage. That beautiful backsplash or 6-burner range suddenly look even more impressive!

Mitred

This is a great choice if you want a substantial, slablook countertop or waterfall design, but not the extra weight or heavy-duty price tag. Here, the top and side of the counter meet at a sleek mitred join.

Half Bullnose

With its rounded top edge, this choice delivers a soft but contemporary look. It shows off the thickness of a stone countertop. That rounded profile means this is a smart choice for homes with young children.

Quarter Bevel

A beveled edge countertop is one that comes inspired by classical architecture. The elegant and traditional profile features a refined top edge that has been cut at a 45-degree-angle.

Ogee

An ogee countertop edge forms a graceful, S-shaped curve when viewed in profile. It’s a classic look that suits traditionally styled kitchens, particularly those with a distinctly Victorian or Colonial aesthetic.

Special Order

Some items may be special order and available in-store only. Please contact your Home store for availability.