Kitchen Countertop Materials Shine in 9 Sweeten Homes

Prepping to pick kitchen countertop materials? Let these 9 Sweeten-remodeled kitchens inspire you

Just because kitchen counters get a lot of use in the home doesn’t mean they can’t also look beautiful! But where should you start when picking kitchen countertop materials? Well, there are a few things you should know about each type of countertop material before making your final selection. Here’s a rundown of our favorite kitchen countertops from Sweeten renovation projects: gorgeous photos and material descriptions.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a type of engineered stone, made from a combination of minerals, pigment, and resin. It is available in a wide range of colors and texture complexity. Quartz has become the most popular kitchen countertop material in Sweeten kitchen renovations probably because it is slightly less expensive, per square foot, than some of its other natural stone cousins, and because it is prized for extreme durability, resistance to stains and scratches, and its non-porous surface, which helps retain polish without sealants or waxes.

“The stone is my favorite thing about the new space – it’s like having a piece of fine art right in my kitchen.” – Ketrina, Clinton Hill homeowner

Ketrina in Clinton Hill chose a quartzite countertop in cream-colored Madreperola (Mother of Pearl).

Claire and Mike in Park Slope chose a quartzite countertop in Dolomite “super white”.

“I love having guests over and can invite them to sit at the counter while I’m prepping snacks or a meal.” – Heather, Sweeten homeowner 

Heather went with LG’s Viatera quartz countertop in Cirrus for her Upper West Side kitchen.

Granite Countertops

Granite is a natural stone with wide variation in color and detail. Its resistance to heat and scratches makes it a classic in the kitchen. Granite is known for its durability, but can require periodic re-sealing.

Robyn and Alejandro in Brooklyn’s Columbia Waterfront District chose a granite countertop with gray undertones and luminous purple specks.

Marble Countertops

Marble has become an increasingly popular choice in luxury kitchens. More porous and softer than granite and engineered stone, (marble counters need to be sealed and are more susceptible to stains and etching), design-focused renovators seem to be willing to put up with marble’s drawbacks for its uncontested good looks.

Sweeten Experts Lauren and Adam included a Calacatta Caldia marble countertop with faint traces of green, gray, and yellow veining from ABC Stone in an Upper East Side kitchen.

Soapstone Countertops

Highly heat-, stain-, and bacteria-resistant, soapstone is a non-porous natural stone that is available in a range of light to dark gray matte tones, all with subtle veining. Unlike granite and marble materials that require sealing, soapstone needs regular polishing with mineral oil to help conceal surface scratches and add patina.

Corey in Williamburg chose a soapstone countertop from a local supplier’s stone yard, and extended it all the way down into the sink.

Dekton Countertops

A tougher and more durable alternative to concrete countertops, Dekton is an ultra-compacted hybrid of raw materials common to quartz, porcelain, and glass. The result is a virtually impenetrable surface with a grittier, industrial feel.

Dan and Mike in Hell’s Kitchen chose a Dekton waterfall counter in Chrome.

Butcher block countertops

Ideal for adding warmth and charm, butcher block wood countertops provide a hardworking surface for food preparation. A number of Sweetened kitchens have mixed wood countertop sections with other materials like natural or engineered stone. This mix provides different options for food prep and serving. While butcher block is naturally heat-resistant and affordable, it can stain and age, wear in high-use areas and requires regular sanding and oiling to protect the wood.

Sweeten Experts Lauren and Adam included a maple butcher block prep nook with a knife storage block in an Upper East Side kitchen.

A Clinton Hill couple chose a butcher block counter to compliment the white on white palette with wood accents in their kitchen.

Ready to kick off a remodeling project? Sweeten has experienced, vetted general contractors that can bring your kitchen dreams to life:

Wood, laminate, and stainless steel are also popular kitchen countertop materials.

—

Sweeten handpicks contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your project on Sweeten.