Part of the joy of purchasing your new construction home is customizing your dream kitchen. A new home allows you far more control over the design, function, and aesthetics of this all-important room. Your choice of countertop is obviously one of the most fundamental kitchen selections you’ll have to make, but the wealth of options can be overwhelming.
When it comes to picking the perfect countertop, there are several high-quality finishes to choose from, each serving a unique purpose for new homeowners. Let’s break down a few of the trendiest styles available to help you choose the best kitchen countertops for your new home.
Granite
Granite counterpoints have long been a popular choice in kitchens, and for good reason. You can choose from a range of colors and styles to customize your space, making it perfect for a new home. This natural stone is durable and heat resistant and adds an elegant finish to any kitchen.
However, granite is porous and needs to be regularly sealed to prevent bacteria and staining. While it’s very durable, it can be cracked by heavy objects if you’re not careful.
- Price range: $60 to $100 per square foot
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Chef Friendly: No
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone that combines up to 90 percent quartz with a mix of crushed stone, plastic resins, and recycled materials like ceramic, silica, and glass. Each quartz countertop is unique, and the range of colors and styles available makes it extremely versatile. It’s also not prone to chips or cracks, and it’s not porous.
Unfortunately, quartz doesn’t stand up well to heat and will quickly be damaged if you set hot pans or other cooking utensils on it. Not all sinks work well with quartz either. If you’re planning to have an integrated sink in your new kitchen, a quartz countertop will likely crack.
- Price range: $55 to $100 per square foot
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Chef Friendly: No
Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural stone that develops an antique patina over time, making it the perfect complement to a traditional or farmhouse kitchen. Soapstone is heat- and stain-resistant, and its non-porous surface makes it easy to clean. It’s known for being long-lasting and durable.
The downsides of soapstone are that it can easily nick and scratch over time and it needs to be regularly treated with mineral oil to preserve the quality of the stone. It also tends to be more expensive than other countertop options.
- Price range: $70 to $120 per square foot
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Chef Friendly: Yes
Stainless Steel
For serious chefs and those who love to cook, stainless steel is a great choice. Stainless steel is highly heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Its sleek design is perfect for tying together a highly modern, contemporary look.
Stainless steel, like most metals, is noisier than other materials and can dent easily, making it less than ideal for families with young children. It’s also prone to scratches and smudges, which can frustrate people who want a clean, seamless look. Stainless steel can also feel overly industrial for those seeking a warmer ambiance in their kitchen.
- Price range: $75 to $150 per square foot
- Family Friendly: No
- Chef Friendly: Yes
Final Countertop Considerations
When you’re deciding on your new countertop, think through both the layout of the room and how you’ll use the space. It can help to grab samples of your favorite styles to better imagine the finished look.
If cost is the deciding factor, rest assured that you really can’t go wrong when it comes to picking a countertop. There are a range of stylish, affordable options out there, and with a new construction home, your space will be special no matter what you pick.