Kitchens are the heart of the home. As trends in interior design evolve, so too do the materials used for kitchen surfaces. Superior kitchen surfaces can transform the look, feel and functionality of this essential living space. Exploring the new materials changing the face of kitchen design reveals exciting possibilities.
Introduction
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces play a crucial role in kitchen design. The countertops, cabinets, backsplashes and floors establish the aesthetic and greatly impact the experience of using the space. New materials make it possible to achieve looks and functions not available with traditional options like granite, tile and laminate.
Homeowners undertaking a kitchen remodel or building a new home have more choices than ever before. Surfaces once considered exotic are now mainstream and available at multiple price points. Materials technology continues advancing rapidly, bringing innovative textures, patterns and performance capabilities.
This article will explore some of the most exciting new materials changing kitchen surface design. We’ll look at their unique properties, pros and cons, costs and how they can elevate your kitchen’s form and function. Read on to discover surfaces that make a statement and bring superior quality to the heart of your home.
Natural Stone Remains a Classic Option
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, natural stone endures as a timeless choice. Granite and marble continue dominating upscale kitchens. However, new varieties and sources make stone an option at nearly every budget now.
Granite
Long beloved for beauty and durability, granite remains a top choice for countertops. The natural stone varies widely in color, pattern and finish. Matte textures provide a soft, organic look. Polished granite offers a gleaming, elegant surface. New sealers better protect the porous rock from stains and bacteria.
Granite proves nearly indestructible in the kitchen. The hard stone resists scratches, heat and daily wear-and-tear. Choosing a lighter color granite with subtle swirls can provide a neutral backdrop in your redesigned kitchen. Dramatic dark slabs make the counter a bold focal point.
While granite countertops were once only an option for luxury homes, increased global supply makes the natural stone affordable for most homeowners now. Prices range from $50 – $100 per square foot installed. Exotic imported granites mark the high end of pricing. Regional materials tend to cost less.
Marble
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, marble presents a classic and graceful choice. The metamorphic rock comes in softly veined whites, creams and grays. Marble makes a welcoming and natural counter material that pairs beautifully with wood cabinetry.
A marble countertop evokes Old World charm or a sleek modern look. It also conveniently serves as a built-in trivet for hot pots. Marble remains cooler than other natural stones. However, it is also more prone to staining and etching from acids. Sealing and routine maintenance is critical.
While marble looks superb in kitchens, it does not stand up to heavy use as well as granite. The softer rock can scratch and stain more easily. Marble tends to work better for baking tasks vs. food prep. Still, proper sealing and care allows marble to perform well overall in kitchen spaces.
Marble countertops start around $65 per square foot installed. The cost varies based on the source, pattern, thickness and edge profile. Carrara marble from Italy sits at the high end. Domestic marble proves an affordable choice.
Quartzite
An emerging option, quartzite offers the look of marble or granite without some of the maintenance. Quartzite slabs display natural veining like marble. Neutral tones like white, gray and beige mimic marble’s aesthetics.
However, quartzite rates 7-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it more scratch and stain resistant. It does not require regular sealing like marble. This makes quartzite an easier-care alternative at similar cost to natural marble.
Prices for quartzite slabs range $70 – $140 per square foot installed. As a relatively new material, costs remain on the higher side but continue decreasing. The natural stone presents a durable, low-maintenance alternative to marble.
Quartz Offers Top Performance
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, engineered quartz provides one of the most innovative options. Made from ground quartz and resin, these slabs unite nature with technology. The result ranks among the toughest kitchen surfaces available.
Durability
Quartz surfaces boast exceptional durability. They rate around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them highly scratch resistant. Quartz also withstands heat, stains and impact better than granite or marble. The non-porous material never needs sealing or polishing.
As a manmade product, quartz also avoids natural stone’s tendency for cracks and fissures. This makes large undivided slabs possible for bold statement counters. Engineered quartz delivers superior durability that holds up beautifully over years of cooking and cleaning.
Care
Quartz requires virtually no maintenance, keeping your kitchen surfaces looking pristine with little effort. Simply clean with soap and water. No sealing or polishing necessary. This makes quartz an ideal choice for busy kitchens prone to spills, flames or other damaging incidents.
Style
With patterns mimicking marble and granite, quartz brings you the look of natural stone. But its range of colors and aggregate combinations far exceed what nature can produce. Sleek solid quartz in vibrant hues creates a modern vibe. Neutral and white options keep the look light and airy.
Sparkling bits of glass or metallic make some quartz dazzle. You can find an engineered slab perfect for your personal style. Consistent quality and custom sizing allow for stunning uninterrupted surfaces. For the most design flexibility, quartz can’t be beat.
Cost
Quartz does sit at a higher price point than granite or marble, ranging $80 – $150 installed per square foot. However, it requires little maintenance and retains its beauty. Strong resale value also makes quartz a wise long-term investment.
Overall, engineered quartz delivers elite performance and care-free use in busy kitchens. For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, quartz makes an excellent investment guaranteed to last.
Laminates Expand Options
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, once limited to basic solid colors and patterns, laminates now provide extensive options mirroring stone, wood, metal and more at affordable prices.
Durability
Today’s laminates are far from your grandmother’s Formica. Thanks to melamine resins, laminate surfaces boast exceptional resistance to scratches, stains, burns, impact and more. Waterproof construction makes them ideal for kitchens. Many laminates carry warranties of 15 years or longer. Their durability competes with more expensive materials.
Easy Care
Laminates require minimal maintenance. Their stain-resistant sealed surfaces simply need occasional wiping with a damp cloth. No sealing or polishing required. Choose matte finishes to further limit upkeep. Laminates retain their just-installed look for years with simple care.
Design Options
Laminates now offer immense design versatility. They realistically emulate luxury surfaces like granite, marble and hardwood. Matte finishes produce convincing textures. Photographic printing creates stunningly realistic wood and stone patterns.
Solid colors from vibrant hues to muted neutrals provide limitlessoptions. Glossy sheens create depth and elegance. With hundreds of choices, laminates can achieve nearly any aesthetic from retro diners to ultra-modern spaces. Both countertops and cabinet surfaces benefit from laminates’ endless variety.
Cost Savings
Priced $15 – $50 per square foot installed, laminates provide big savings over natural stone and quartz. Using laminates for surfaces like backsplashes and walls in combination with solid surface or quartz countertops keeps costs down while still elevating style. Laminates make upscale looks achievable at every budget.
Luxury Metal Finishes Wow
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, metal finishes bring industrial edge to kitchen design. Once favored mostly for appliances, metal has emerged as a sophisticated surface choice. Options like stainless steel, copper, brass and zinc make a contemporary statement.
Stainless Steel
Iconic in commercial kitchens, stainless steel makes a professional upgrade for residential spaces. Brushed steel finishes lend an appliance-like aesthetic. Matte options remove the commercial glint. Stainless steel conveys sleek modernity. It also provides a sterile and hygienic surface.
Stainless steel offers good protection from scratches, heat and stains. However, it can dent from impacts. Stainless also shows fingerprints readily. Regular cleaning is a must. Using matte finishes helps limit smudges.
Copper
Prized since ancient times, copper makes a warm and luxurious surface. Naturally antimicrobial, copper counters also boost hygiene. Soft hammered finishes create an artisanal hand-worked look. Polished copper equals serious bling. Left unsealed, the surface develops a unique patinated finish.
Pure copper costs around $135 per square foot installed. While pricy, the look delivers cachet. The inherently hygienic properties also appeal in kitchens. Careful sealing and occasional polishing preserves the copper sheen.
Brass & Zinc
Brass, zinc and other metal alloys create eye-catching finishes. The range of hues and textures possible by blending metals feels fresh and contemporary. Modern metal mixes make a bold metallic statement.
Like stainless and copper, sealing and routine cleaning is a must with metal surfaces. Bacteria, stains and fingerprints readily show. However, properly maintained, metal delivers unique allure not found with other materials. For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, consider zinc, brass or multi-metal blends to elevate your kitchen’s style factor.
Concrete Offers Industrial Chic
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, once confined to sidewalks and garages, concrete emerged as an of-the-moment material for kitchen surfaces in recent years. Its rawness provides modern appeal. Staining and etching allow extensive customization.
Styling Potential
Beyond basic gray, concrete opens up nearly endless design options.Embedded add-ins like tile shards or seashells create texture. Integral pigments introduce color, from bold primary hues to earthy neutrals. Acid-etching produces faux-veining. Concrete invites experimentation.
Exposed aggregate, with stones and pebbles revealed, makes a fitting countertop for organic, eclectic spaces. Polished concrete looks smart and contemporary. Custom molds yield flowing forms or geometric bas-relief patterns.
Tough Yet Tactile
Concrete’s hardness and durability stands up to heavy use. It resists heat, scratches and stains. Yet concrete also provides visual and tactile warmth contrasting with the sleek materials often used in modern kitchens. Its mottled, matte surface has undeniable character.
Costs
Concrete pricing averages $85 – $115 per square foot installed. Unique treatments, special aggregates and multiple colors increase cost. But even plain concrete delivers luxe appeal at relatively affordable rates. For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, concrete’s cost-effectiveness complements its versatility.
Wood Brings Organic Beauty
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, wood never loses its warm appeal. Natural yet sophisticated, wood counter options keep growing. Durability innovations help wood excel despite water and daily wear-and-tear.
Traditional Wood
Hardwoods like oak, walnut and maple bring ageless beauty to kitchens. Cutting boards made of solid wood slabs make natural statement pieces able to handle slicing and dicing. Their warm tones and natural graining provide the perfect backdrop for cooking.
While prone to water damage and scratches, oiled hardwood withstands moderate use. Following the wood grain with knives limits marking. Cutting boards should be periodically re-oiled. Simple care preserves their charm.
Engineered Wood
New engineered wood options make wood counters better suited for kitchens. Layers of hardwood pressed with water-resistant adhesives create durable surfaces. These engineered woods install seamlessly for unified counters and cabinetry. Ease of maintenance and repair keeps them looking like new.
Prices range $50 – $150 per square foot installed. While less affordable than laminates, engineered wood counters impart a genuinely luxurious feel. Their durability and resilience now allows using this coveted material throughout the kitchen.
Creative Composites Emerge
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, creative composites represent the cutting-edge in kitchen surface materials. These sustainable surfaces fuse recycled glass, concrete, resins or wood pulp in combination with natural materials like quartz or granite. Their inventive mixes result in green, ultra-durable choices.
Paper Composite
One of the most innovative options, paper composite counters utilize wood fibers and recycled paper in a resin base. The result proves extremely hard and scratch resistant. It can mimic patterns found in natural stone as well as solid colors. Able to withstand heat and stains, paper composite rivals quartz for durability.
Around 65% of a paper composite counter is recycled material. Prices run $50 – $100 per square foot installed. For high performance with an eco-friendly footprint, paper composites make a great choice.
Concrete & Glass Composites
Mixtures of recycled glass and concrete create another new category of surfaces. Shards of mirrored or colored glass mixed into concrete produce surfaces with glimmering depth. The recycled glass aggregate results in a durable, sustainable product suitable for any kitchen.
Adding resin to crushed mirrors and concrete yields amazing shimmer. The recycled material combination provides excellent durability and stain resistance as well. Prices range widely based on materials used and customization. Multi-material composites yield surfaces impossible to achieve otherwise.
Ceramics Remain a Classic Finish
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, ceramic tile delivers a versatile, cost-effective surface choice. Tiles now imitate high-end materials at a fraction of the price. Updated styles keep the finish fresh and current.
Porcelain, Ceramic or Stone Tiles
Glazed ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles provide nearly unlimited possibilities for backsplashes and countertops. From sleek polished tiles to handmade mosaics, ceramic materials make an easy DIY option. Water resistance also proves ideal for kitchens.
Glossy ceramic tiles in minimalist grids or artful patterns create focal points. Stone-look porcelain mimics granite at a lower cost. Mosaics make eclectic backsplashes. Mixing ceramic materials like stone and porcelain tiles yields designer details without designer prices.
Cost Savings
Ceramic costs $5 – $50 per square foot for tile alone or $15 – 100 installed. The wide range covers DIY options up through intricate professional installations. With some grout cleaning and possible re-sealing, tile surfaces last for decades looking freshly installed. Ceramics deliver durable elegance on a budget.
Sustainability Should Be Considered
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, eco-aware homeowners must also weigh the sustainability of material choices. Any natural stone locally sourced proves a greener option than exotic materials transported long distances.
Engineered quartz contains high percentages of recycled content. Paper composite counters keep paper waste out of landfills. Reclaimed wood from old buildings or furniture gives new life to discarded lumber.
Selecting FSC-certified, responsibly harvested wood guarantees environmental protection and social responsibility. Seeking out composites of recycled glass and concrete reduces waste. There are now many ways to get the look you want while also choosing an earth-friendly kitchen surface.
Final Takeaways
For statement, superior kitchen surfaces, today’s options for innovative and inspiring kitchen surfaces seem endless. Materials once considered avant-garde go mainstream. Technology pushes the boundaries of performance and durability. Green manufacturing reduces environmental impact.
A kitchen surface overhaul allows you to refine your own style. Whether you crave classic elegance, modern edge or natural warmth, the right counters and finishes create your ideal aesthetic. They also impact how comfortably you cook and gather.
By thoughtfully exploring materials and finishes, you’re guaranteed to find surfaces that delight. Mixing modern and natural materials, varied textures and unexpected details make kitchens fully personalized spaces.
Let your kitchen’s spirit and functional needs guide your design. Keep proportion, pattern and practicalities like maintenance in mind. Trust your tastes and you can’t go wrong. The new materials changing kitchen design free you to follow your creative vision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Surface Materials
Kitchen surface materials impact aesthetics, functionality and maintenance. With so many options now available, choosing the right counters and finishes for your space can feel overwhelming. Here we tackle common questions that come up when deciding on which materials to use.
What are the most durable and low maintenance countertop materials?
Engineered quartz and laminate both deliver exceptional durability with minimal care needed. Quartz resists scratches and stains better than granite. Laminates are now available with warranties up to 20 years. Both quartz and laminate simply require cleaning with soap and water.
Other durable, low-maintenance options include stainless steel and tile. Metals like stainless steel do require frequent cleaning to avoid spots and smudges. Ceramic and stone tiles need occasional re-sealing. Overall though, these surfaces hold up beautifully in kitchens with minimal upkeep.
What are the key considerations for kitchen countertop surfaces?
Key factors to weigh for countertops include:
- Durability – ability to resist scratches, stains, heat, impacts based on material hardness and texture
- Maintenance – required regular sealing, polishing, cleaning
- Cost – material and installation cost per square foot
- Aesthetics – color/pattern options, ability to complement cabinets/floors
- Functionality – performs well for day-to-day cooking tasks
- Sustainability – contains recycled content, responsibly sourced
Balancing these considerations results in the best surface choices for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Which material is the most heat, scratch and stain resistant?
Engineered quartz rates highest forscratch, stain and heat resistance. The material resists temperatures up to 450°F, enabling use near ovens and stovetops. Quartz rated at 7 on the Mohs hardness scale proves highly scratch resistant. Acidic foods and liquids like wine or tomatoes leave no trace. Quartz requires no sealing against stains