Most people have visited a friend's house after they have had it refurbished and have been drawn to the kitchen, as this is an area where somebody can make an impression. In recent years, the majority of homeowners have been looking to make their kitchen countertops with stone-based materials, as these are not only natural but are also now affordable and easier to maintain than ever before.

But, like a proverbial kid in a candy store, if you were trying to choose the most suitable countertop material for your kitchen, you may run into a bit of an issue with being spoilt for choice. Not to worry! In this article, you will be introduced to the most popular and on-trend countertop materials in 2022, and how to care for them to help you decide which one is best for your kitchen.

Granite

Granite is a naturally occurring material that is hardy, stain-proof, heat-proof, and chip-proof, making it ideal for use in the kitchen. For granite surfaces to work as advertised, they need to be sealed correctly when they are fitted and the maintenance of this has to be kept up to prevent damage from occurring with this stone. There are many different types of granite countertops available and if you look at Legacy Countertops, you will find some of the most popular options in this type of stone.

Quartz 

Granite and quartz can look similar when they are laid down in a kitchen. However, unlike granite, quartz is considered man-made and is a mixture of resin, crystals, and a pigment which, if you go to the correct installer, you can choose. Quartz, like granite, is also very hardy and is stain- and chip-resistant. But note, if it becomes damaged, it will need to be repaired by a professional. Thanks to its unique pigment colors, you can blend a quartz countertop into any kitchen design that you have, with a purple, green, red, or even pink hue if you wish.

Marble

Most people yearn for a marble countertop in their kitchen, but the price tag can be off-putting. Luckily, in recent years, marble has become so popular that the prices have somewhat dropped depending on where you shop. But it's worth noting that to maintain your marble countertop, you will need to put chopping boards and mats around your kitchen to prevent the surface from becoming scratched or chipped. Marble will also need sealing a few times a year and should be cleaned with a mild detergent. But in return, it adds a lustrous finish to any kitchen and is certainly classy.

Quartzite

Quartzite is actually a stone that has similar properties to granite, including hardiness and durability. It is exceedingly resistant to heat and water, meaning it is ideal for people who have a busy kitchen, and it will usually remain damage free for longer than other types of stone. It is, however, slightly rarer and if you are looking to have it installed in your kitchen, you may need to find a specialist supplier. 

Wood

And finally, wood—although not a stone—continues to be popular as a countertop material. Unlike the other countertops in this article, wood has to be varnished rather than sealed, and it is also cheap. If your wooden countertop does become damaged, you can simply sand it down and varnish it over—making it simple and straightforward to care for!