Kitchen Remodeling 101: Types of Countertops
Incorporate the Perfect Countertop Into Your Kitchen Remodeling Project
When planning a kitchen remodel, few decisions have as much visual and functional impact as your choice of countertops. Countertops set the tone for your kitchen’s style while also needing to withstand daily wear, spills, heat, and heavy use. With so many materials available, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this guide, we’ll break down four popular countertop options—quartz, laminate, granite, and Cambria—to help you choose the best fit for your kitchen, lifestyle, and budget.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are one of the most popular choices in modern kitchen remodeling—and for good reason. Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are engineered from crushed quartz combined with resins and pigments. This process creates a surface that is both durable and visually consistent.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops:
- Non-porous surface resists stains and bacteria
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
- No sealing required
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
Quartz is an excellent option for busy households that want the look of stone without the maintenance. It’s also ideal for homeowners seeking a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops have come a long way from their early designs. Today’s laminate options offer impressive styles that mimic stone, wood, and concrete—at a fraction of the cost.
Benefits of Laminate Countertops:
- Budget-friendly and widely available
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Large variety of colors and patterns
- Simple to clean and maintain
While laminate is more prone to scratches and heat damage than stone surfaces, it remains a great choice for rental properties, starter homes, or remodels where affordability is a top priority.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are sure to add natural beauty and value to any kitchen. Each slab of granite is unique, featuring natural veining and color variations formed over millions of years.
Benefits of Granite Countertops:
- Heat-resistant and highly durable
- Natural, one-of-a-kind appearance
- Adds resale value to your home
- Suitable for both traditional and modern kitchens
Granite does require periodic sealing to prevent stains, but many homeowners feel the natural elegance and long lifespan make the maintenance worthwhile.
Cambria Countertops
Cambria is a premium brand of quartz countertops, made in the USA and known for exceptional quality and design. While often grouped with quartz, Cambria stands out due to its exclusive designs and high-end finish.
Benefits of Cambria Countertops:
- Made from natural quartz
- No sealing, polishing, or reconditioning required
- Luxury designs inspired by natural stone
- Backed by a lifetime limited warranty
Cambria is ideal for homeowners who want the durability of quartz paired with sophisticated, designer-level aesthetics.
Access the Perfect Kitchen Countertops With New York Kitchen & Bath
When selecting a countertop, consider your lifestyle, budget, and design goals. Do you prioritize low maintenance? Quartz or Cambria may be your best bet. Working within a tighter budget? Laminate offers style without the high cost. Looking for timeless beauty? Granite could be the perfect choice.
No matter which material you choose, the right countertop can elevate your kitchen and enhance everyday living. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, we urge you to contact one of the knowledgeable representatives at New York Kitchen & Bath. Our kitchen remodeling team is standing by to provide support across Buffalo, NY and beyond!
