Perhaps the most important aspect of choosing a kitchen island is the countertop. Decide what material and shape will work best for your area. Whether your kitchen island countertop is an extra space for food preparation or an area for casual dining, the style and materials you choose will play a large part in your overall design.
- Quartz Countertops
Practically maintenance free, engineered quartz countertops are stain, acid, scratch, heat and impact resistant and, thanks to their non-porous surface, don’t need to be sealed like natural stone countertops.
- Polished Granite Countertops
Still the top choice of most homeowners, traditional granite countertops offer a high-end look that adds to your kitchen’s value while providing a durable prep surface.
- Laminate Countertops
By far the most budget-friendly option, laminate countertops are enjoing a resurgence in popularity thanks to new patterns that resemble natural stone, wood or even quartz at a fraction of the cost.
- Wood Countertops
For a warm, cottage kitchen look, opt for butcher-block-style wood countertops. Both decorative and functional, this hardworking surface is ideal for food prep — properly sealed, wood countertops are sanitary even for chopping meat.
- Marble Countertops
The current darling of the design world, the gray-toned veining in Carrara or Calacatta marble isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it also helps to disguise wear and hide light stains.
- Steel Countertops
The metal surface coordinates with any color and is one of the easiest countertop materials to clean — just wipe off stains with a cloth and mild soap.
- Glass Countertops
Aside from its sleek, streamlined appearance, glass countertops have many benefits. Glass can be cut into any shape and texture and the color options are endless.
