15 Jan
When planning a high-end kitchen remodel or a brand-new luxury home build, there are so many things to consider. Storage space, appliances, walls, and floors are just some of the many considerations.
But think about the one thing that gets the most use in any kitchen: countertops. If you’re planning your dream remodel, you want countertops that suit your design preferences and last the distance.
So, what kitchen countertops are the best? And what is the best material for kitchen countertops? We’ll answer these questions and others in this helpful high-end remodel guide below.
Best Luxury Kitchen Countertop Materials
Your eye for detail can only take you so far when planning your high-end remodel. While you might know the aesthetics you prefer, you may not know which materials are more suitable for some areas than others, and what will require more or less maintenance.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a 100% natural stone that starts as a non-foliated metamorphic rock composed entirely of quartz. It forms when quartz-rich sandstone is subjected to high pressure and heat. If you want the beauty of marble but prefer something a little more robust in your luxury kitchen, quartzite ticks all the right boxes.
This natural stone is renowned for its toughness in a heavily used kitchen. It’s also harder than granite and highly heat-resistant, making it a great-performing stone. The only true downside is that it requires sealing.
Engineered Quartz
If you’re designing a modern luxury kitchen and need a beautiful, durable countertop for a busy home, engineered quartz is a great option. It’s low maintenance, non-porous, stain-resistant, and doesn’t require sealing. It’s also exceptionally practical while still looking high-end.
However, it’s worth noting that, unlike quartzite and other natural stone, engineered quartz isn’t as heat-resistant.
Granite
Custom home remodeling is a great way to ensure your home is uniquely yours. When it comes to achieving that in a countertop, granite can be the answer. This stone has a unique character, as each slab boasts a one-of-a-kind pattern.
Alongside their unique finish, granite countertops suit classic and transitional luxury kitchens and are desired for their durability and heat resistance. However, granite countertops do require periodic resealing to maintain their durability.
Porcelain Slabs
If you’ve approached luxury home remodeling experts renowned for their forward-thinking, they may discuss the prospect of porcelain slabs with you. Considered a next-generation favorite, porcelain slabs are ultra-thin, seamless countertops renowned for high-tech durability.
While they require expert installation, these countertops suit modern, minimalist luxury kitchens and are preferred for their resistance to scratches, heat, stains, and UV rays.
Soapstone
If you’re wondering what kitchen countertops are best for a designer, bespoke kitchen, soapstone is the answer. Every time you enter your kitchen with soapstone countertops, you can’t help but fall in love with the rich matte texture and how it develops a patina over time.
While soapstone is a soft surface and requires maintenance, it’s a preferred choice by luxury homeowners looking for something just that little bit different to truly enhance their meal preparation area.
What is the Best Material for Kitchen Countertops? A Comparison Chart
With so many options to choose from, it’s not always easy to make that final decision! This comparison chart may make the process easier:
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Heat Resistance | Cost | Key Advantage | Main Drawback |
| Quartzite | Very high | Medium | Very high | $$$$ | Pleasant marble look and great strength | Expensive and requires sealing |
| Quartz | High | Low | Medium | $$$ | Non-porous and easy-care | Sensitive to heat |
| Granite | Very high | Medium | Very high | $$-$$$ | Durable with natural variation | Requires sealing |
| Porcelain | Very high | Low | Very high | $$$ | Modern and resistant to everything | Requires experts for installation |
| Soapstone | Medium | Medium | High | $$$ | Unique matte patina | Softer and can scratch |
Luxury Design Features
Sometimes, it’s not until you imagine your kitchen in place that you work out which countertop material is going to suit your needs. Think about the luxury design features that will take pride of place, and let them guide the way.
Waterfall Islands
Waterfall islands are countertops that flow down the sides, creating a waterfall effect. These countertops work best with some materials more than others. Most property owners choose porcelain and quartzite.
Full-Height Slab Backsplash
Rather than installing tiles, a sheet of glass, or another backsplash behind your cooking and washing-up area, you could install a full-height slab backsplash. This creates a seamless, high-end look in any luxury kitchen. Quartz is a great option for aesthetic appeal.
Bookmatching
Bookmatching is a design technique in which two or more adjacent slabs of natural stone, such as quartzite, are opened up like a book and polished on the same side. The goal? To align the patterns or veining to mirror one another, creating a symmetrical, seamless, and dramatic effect. Bookmatching is regularly seen in hotels and ultra-luxury kitchens.
Thick/Mitered Edges
When you want your luxury kitchen countertop to appear thicker than it is, mitered edges are a great fabrication technique. This is where two pieces of stone are cut at a 45-degree angle and joined to create a thick, seamless 90-degree edge. Such a technique is luxurious, modern, and regularly used to achieve waterfall edges.
So, What Kitchen Countertops Are the Best?
Ask any kitchen remodeling professional, and they’ll tell you that everyone’s version of the ‘best’ kitchen countertop material is different, based on each homeowner’s unique preferences, goals, and needs.
You might choose granite if you want something that balances aesthetics with practicality, or quartzite if you’re looking for authentic luxury combined with performance. Many homeowners opt for quartz, a low-maintenance luxury option, and porcelain when they truly want a talking point in their entertainment space.
Not sure which option is right for you? Discuss your vision with luxury remodeling experts. You can weigh up the pros and cons of each material to determine the best choice for your home.
Ready to Design Your Luxury Kitchen? Contact Roxy’s Renovations & Design in Marietta, GA
You deserve a beautiful, functional kitchen that makes you happy every time you step inside. If you’re ready to get started on turning those dreams into reality, discuss your vision with the Roxy’s Renovations & Design team in Marietta, GA. We are thrilled to be helping you plan your luxury remodel.
