Once you are ready to transform your home thanks to a kitchen addition, there are many important decisions to be made. Close your eyes and picture a sleek modern kitchen with walnut cabinets and white quartz counters. Now picture a traditional country kitchen with wood butcher block counters and cheery Guilford Green cabinets. Both look incredible, but they’re two very different styles. At Holland Homes & Renovations, we can bring any design idea to life – but first you have to choose.

Even though cabinets or appliances are the first thing you see when you walk into a kitchen, the counters are the first thing you notice. You don’t need to break the bank on counters, but you definitely deserve to make an investment in attractive and durable materials. Let’s explore some of the most popular, functional, and beautiful countertop materials found in contemporary kitchen additions:

• Granite. Granite is a rich and deep countertop material with plenty of character. No two counters are alike, making this a great option for homeowners looking for a unique design. Granite is extremely damage resistant, stain resistant, and fade resistant.
• Marble. Marble is a wonderful material because it looks both timeless and modern at the same time. Marble does require maintenance if you want it to look its best, but it is extremely durable with a little care. You can combine different marble tones and grains to get the exact look you want.
• Quartz. Similar to granite, quartz comes in a wide variety of colours and textures. It is becoming increasingly popular because it requires less maintenance than both granite and marble. Quartz countertops definitely have that “wow factor” you’re looking for in a kitchen addition.
• Slate. Unlike the highly polished materials above, slate is matte and finishes off the look of contemporary kitchen. It is heat resistant, though not scratch resistant. It is non-porous and won’t absorb liquids. It’s also much more affordable than high-end materials like granite and marble.
• Soapstone. Soapstone also has a matte finish. It is a very hard surface and extremely durable. However, because this is a natural stone product, it must be coated with mineral oil about once per year. Otherwise, hot oil and grease can cause damage.

If you need more assistance narrowing down a design, give us a call today. We are happy to help you find inspiration in choosing breathtaking materials for your kitchen addition.