Countertops are a major part of the kitchen and they need to have both aesthetic appeal and durability. For families who use their counters on a daily basis, it's important that counters are easy to clean and are able to stand up to a lot of use. These materials are great options for family friendly countertops.
Quartz
We love how durable quartz is; it will stand up to a ton of abuse without chipping or cracking. The non-porous surface won't allow liquids, grease, or bacteria to remain, making it very easy to clean and maintain. In short, this countertop material is built to take a lot of heavy use.
Quartz is manufactured, which means that finding the exact color you want is easy. It has a similar look to many stone countertops, but you won't have to worry about variations in color or pattern. Quartz is an awesome choice for families who want both durability and charm.
Granite
Granite is both popular and timeless, and for good reason. In addition to a gorgeous-looking natural surface, it's resilient and adds value to the home. Polished granite has a wonderfully glossy sheen, while honed granite boasts a classy matte finish. Both are easy-to-clean and resist heat and bacteria very well.
Granite goes well with many different types of decor; paired with contemporary stainless steel sinks, it can look very modern. Add a copper sink, and your kitchen instantly has great old-world charm.
Concrete
Concrete isn't just a sidewalk material, it's also an awesome material for your countertops. With tons of different stain options available, it's a one-of-a-kind option which can be customized to have any shade or even look like natural stone.
When properly sealed, concrete is totally non-porous. It won't scratch and won't be damaged when a hot pan is set on top, and can last through countless years of heavy use.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel offers a sleek, modern look which is great for modern kitchens. If you find the appearance to be too cold, you can choose appliances that look warmer to combat the stark appearance of the steel. Tuscan Basins offers some of the best granite kitchen sinks, giving you an easy way to add some warmth to your kitchen.
One benefit of this countertop is that it doesn't require the same level of maintenance that stone and concrete countertops do. While they'll need to be sealed every few years to keep their non-porous surfaces, stainless steel will remain just as hygienic as the day you installed it. However, these counters aren't the best choice for everyone, since they do pick up scratches rather easily and can also be rather noisy.
Butcher-Block Wood
Wood isn't just for cutting boards! It can also be used for covering some or all of your counters as well. The warm look goes well with farmhouse apron sinks, and the softer surface is gentler on dropped dishes, knives, and even accident-prone little foreheads.
While wood counter tops do require some care to be properly maintained, it's also possible to make them look like new again by re-sanding and refinishing them every decade or so.