4 Trendy Kitchen Countertops for 2021

Selecting the perfect countertop for your kitchen is a complex task when considering design, durability, price, and resell-ability. Prioritizing the look of your countertop, which can make or break a kitchen, is just as important as considering the functionality of your slab.

Caesarstone Oxidian Quartz

Dove Studio Cabinets

Neolith Countertop

If you're considering a full kitchen renovation or just looking for countertop inspiration you've come to the right place. Keep reading as we compare and contrast 4 unique countertop options and weigh in the pros and cons of each choice.

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1. Ultra-Compact Surfaces

Companies like Neolith and Dekton, have made a huge splash in the countertop industry by providing a large variety of durable countertops called “ultra-compact surfaces." These companies use a process called Sinterized Particle Technology, which uses extremely high temperatures and pressure to compact natural materials like glass, porcelain, and granite into a resilient surface.

Iron Moss by Neolith

Boheme by Neolith

Estatuario by Neolith

Nero Marquina by Neolith

Choosing an ultra-compact surface will give you a wide range of design options for your kitchen remodel. Our designers love incorporating Neolith countertops with their custom cabinet designs.

Neolith offers over 30 colors to choose from, 7 countertop finishes in slate, satin, silk, etc., and 4 different thickness options.

Pros of Ultra-Compact Surfaces

• Wide variety of finishes, thicknesses, edges, and materials to choose from

• Durable: heatproof, scratch-proof, stain proof

• Low-maintenance; easy to clean and maintain

Cons of using Ultra- Compact Surfaces

• Depending on the material and finishes, some surfaces may be less durable/ scratch resistant

• Can be costly

• Limited suppliers/ manufacturers

2. Quartz

Caesarstone White Attica

Caesarstone Oxidian

Caesarstone Excava

Caesarstone Georgian Bluffs

Caesarstone Rugged Concrete

Caesarstone Primordia

Caesarstone Montblanc

Caesarstone CloudburstConcrete

If you're looking for a super durable and low-maintenance countertop option quartz is a great choice. As a kitchen countertop, quartz is nearly indestructible, non-porous in nature, and re-sealing is not necessary -requiring less upkeep than granite.

Often compared in look and durability to granite, quartz is an engineered stone composed of mostly natural stone. The appearance is similar to granite but may lack the unique appearance that natural stone offers. However, there are many ways to customize your order, with manufacturers offering a variety of colors and finishes.

Check all of the different Quartz countertop options just one company, Caesarstone, offers below.

Calacatta Maximus

Caesarstone

Caesarstone

Dove Studio

Dove Studio

Caesarstone Taj Royal

Caesarstone Concrete

Pros of using Quartz

• Easy maintenance and re-sealing not required

• Non-porous in nature, making it more hygienic

• Quartz can be fabricated in any shape and size according to the preferences

• An appealing, durable, and natural-looking stone

Cons of using Quartz

• Can be an expensive stone

• Uniformity of slabs may lack the unique appearance of natural stone like granite

3. Concrete

Concrete can be a beautiful and unique countertop option for your kitchen. Not only is concrete extremely durable it can also be incorporated into trendy styles including industrial modern or contemporary. Concrete is also more customizable than natural stone, allowing for endless options of shape, color, finish, and textures.

Pros of Concrete Countertops

• Durable and scratch-resistant

• Stylish and unique look

• Customizable- can even replicate the look of granite, marble, or wood.

Cons of Concrete Countertops

• Can be expensive to install and maintain

• Not as easy to clean and maintain

• Because it is a unique look, it may be a problem with resell

4. Granite

If you're looking for an ultra-durable option, granite is a classic choice. For ages, granite has been considered the top choice of many homeowners looking to add elegance and permanence to their kitchen.

Granite is a natural stone that is mined from stone quarries, cut into slabs, and then manufactured into countertops. Selecting a natural stone like granite will add uniqueness to the appearance of your countertop, but can be a bit pricey. At $50-$180 a square foot, granite isn’t as budget-friendly as other options.

Pros of using Granite

• Impermeable to heat

• All-natural and durable

• Increases the value of your home

• Available in different color options

• Does not require much maintenance

Cons of using Granite

• Can be porous in nature and acquire stains/ bacteria buildup

• Will need to be resealed throughout its lifetime

• Not a budget-friendly option

A few things to consider:

• Backsplash, flooring, and cabinets: will your new slab integrate well with your kitchen style?

• A kitchen island: whether or not you want one, and matching it with the counters

• Price point: deciding this early on will give you a better scope of what's reasonable

• Durability and ease of maintenance: think about how you'll use the space

• Resell: is your countertop choice resell friendly? (if that's a concern)