3 Unique Countertop Choices

kitchen with a chandelier and panel appliances

Design Notes

Countertops are an important selection, especially in the kitchen, since they will be used daily from dinner prep to morning routines. They are the workhorses of the kitchen space and must be considered when shopping for the specific material that will be used. They must be durable as well as elegant. Traditional choices have been granite, quartz, and quartzite, but as homeowners look for ways to add a bit of themselves into the design, there has been an emergence of varying selections that are gaining in popularity, including some unique options. Let’s talk about three unique countertop choices that might not have been on your original list but might be just what you have been looking for to add something missing to your kitchen.

Concrete Countertops

Though they might not be the first material that comes to mind when thinking about countertops, concrete has become somewhat popular for kitchen countertops. There are several reasons why they are a good option:

Functional
Customizable
Durable
Easy maintenance

Concrete offers a functional design because it can be customized into any shape or style you desire. There is a wide range of colors available to you, meaning you can get the exact color you want for your home, whether you want it very dark or light and elegant. This means it can blend with a rustic farmhouse style or a modern contemporary. There is even the ability to make concrete imitate the look of other materials, such as granite and marble, giving you the beauty of these traditional choices but with the durability of concrete. The texture is another element that can be included in a concrete countertop, so if you enjoy a leathered feel, that is completely doable. Other materials can be blended into the countertop, such as pieces of clear or colored glass. Even metal and wood can be married into the design, giving you a custom countertop perfectly suited to your specific needs. One of the best benefits is the durability and easy maintenance of concrete countertops. Glass fibers are typically used in the concrete mix to reinforce the final product, making it very strong while also ensuring that it is lighter in weight than regular concrete. This also enables it to have fewer seams and waterfall options. As with most things, there are a few drawbacks to concrete countertops, such as vulnerability to staining, but if you reapply the sealer and wax regularly and wipe off spills fairly quickly, you can avoid this con. Do keep in mind that sufficient time is needed to form and cure the countertop, meaning your choice should be selected several weeks before it is required in the kitchen. If you want to create a unique look in your kitchen or even outdoor space, concrete is a beautiful option that will serve you well for decades.

Wood Countertops

Wood is a wonderful addition to any space as it adds warmth, texture, and elegance, but this is especially true in the kitchen, making it a great choice for a countertop. Though it has not been a common choice for some time, it has continued trending over the last few years. With so many wood species available, there is no end to possibilities for grain patterns and varying colors, making wood countertops a versatile material that integrates into a myriad of design styles. A well-stained and polished wood countertop can easily become the kitchen’s visual statement piece that catches the eye of every guest. Wood tones also add warmth to the heart of the home and can add a nice contrast to a white kitchen. Wood is one of your top choices if you are searching for an eco-friendly countertop material. Maintenance is an important point that needs to be emphasized with wood countertops because they need to be treated well, and by that, we mean oiled sometimes up to two or three times per year. It is also good to be careful of water spills since puddles can seep into the wood, especially if it has not been properly sealed; placing hot items directly on the wood is also a no-no since it can leave burn marks. With your countertop being made from wood, you tend to want to use it as a large cutting board, but again, wood can be damaged, so it is best to use an actual cutting board instead. One bonus, though, is that it is possible to sand down and refinish your wood countertop to refresh its overall look, but be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if this is an option. Wood countertops are a wonderful addition to any kitchen space or even laundry room, so ask your designer about using them as a possible choice for your renovation.