In the world of kitchen countertops, there are many options available. The truth is – kitchen countertops need to last, even though they face immeasurable wear and tear nearly every single day. Choosing a kitchen countertop to complement your spaces and not bust your budget can be difficult after all you want a product that looks great in your kitchen, is durable and long-wearing, and impervious to water, stains, heat, and more, and is still within your budget. Homeowners, regardless of the size of their budget, have many outstanding options from which to choose. Let’s explore some of the top low maintenance countertops available today and find out just how much it will cost to have them in your kitchen.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate was once the darling of kitchen remodels but seems to have fallen out of favor even though it is still a great option for the budget conscious. Laminate offers a number of advantages on top of its affordability, including the fact that it a non-porous solid surface and promises easy cleaning. Laminate comes in a multitude of colors and patterns, is low maintenance, and never needs refinishing or resealing. Laminate features a low cost of only $20 to $50 per square foot, which means if you tire of it or simply want to change your kitchen’s style, doing so won’t break the bank.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops like Soapstone and Corian are highly rated in the low maintenance category. With a solid surface comes the promise of little upkeep and quick cleaning which only requires soap and water. These solid surface countertops options can be made of resin which is resistant to staining or epoxy and acrylic resin that can resist stains, heat, and impacts. As a bonus, because the color is present throughout the material, scratches can be sanded away with ease. Solid surface countertops range in price, on average from $50 to $125 per square foot.
Recycled Glass Countertops
Recycled glass countertops are a low maintenance, environmentally friendly option for your kitchen. Though somewhat new in comparison to other low maintenance options, these countertops are made from crushed glass in clear resin. This is the same resin used in solid surface countertops which means it is smooth and non-porous with fast and easy clean up. Recycled glass countertops are resistant to stains and heat, and do not need to be resealed like some other countertop options. Like solid surface countertops, recycled glass countertop pricing lands in the $50 to $125 range.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless Steel may top the list as the low-maintenance king of the low maintenance countertop realm. Cleaning stainless steel is easy using a solution of mild soap and water, and stainless steal never need be resealed or refinished. They are impervious to stains and are heat resistant as well. Stainless steel countertops average cost is in the range of $75 to $150 per square foot.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a beautiful choice for kitchen countertops with its natural stone look available in virtually any color or style. Quartz is low maintenance, non-porous and resistant to staining, which makes it simple to clean. It is durable, hard, and long lasting with prices ranging from $100 to $175 per square foot.
Making Your Selection
Each of the options offer low maintenance, as well as variety of styles, colors, and looks. Choosing your best option may come down to what fits your personal style, your kitchen’s design, and which options fit into your budget.