Your countertops serve as a focal point in your kitchen. They influence the space’s overall aesthetic and the harmony between different design elements in your culinary space. And, they affect the functionality of your work surfaces. This is why you need to evaluate your kitchen requirements and explore countertop ideas before deciding on which countertop material and design you will have for your kitchen.
From assessing your unique needs to exploring popular materials, trends, and innovative design ideas, this article covers everything you need to know about countertops to elevate the results of your kitchen remodel in Memphis.
How to Evaluate Your Countertop Needs

1. Assess How You Use Your Kitchen

2. Consider How Much Maintenance You Can Handle

3. Choose a Material and Color That Suits The Design Of Your Kitchen

4. Determine Your Budget

5. Explore Kitchen Countertop Materials

6. Seek Professional Advice
Popular Countertop Materials
Whether you love to cook or simply want the most stylish kitchen for your Memphis home, your choice of countertop materials is an important decision. It will not only affect the style of your kitchen but also the durability and functionality of your culinary space. So, when choosing a countertop material, consider how well it can suit your lifestyle, habits in the kitchen, and preferences.
Below are the most popular countertop materials to consider for your kitchen:
Granite
Granite countertops are durable and heat and scratch-resistant, making them a great choice for a busy kitchen. It has a trademark speckled appearance but each slab is unique having a range of different colors like creamy white, deep black, gray, bright blue, and salmon pink. And, when sealed properly, granite countertops are easy to clean and can resist bacteria and stains.
As for its disadvantages, granite is one of the more expensive materials for kitchen countertops. But, because of this, it is considered as a premium amenity and can add to the resale value of your home.
Limestone
Limestone countertops give a kitchen a natural, timeless, and earthy appeal. It can withstand high temperatures. And, limestone’s softness makes it easy to cut into different shapes and sizes.
However, limestone is susceptible to stains, scratches, and etching due to its softer and more porous material. But, you can prevent these from occurring by regularly sealing it. Although it’s a durable material, it can still chip or crack when subjected to heavy impact.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone, made from quartz particles bound together with resin. Being a man-made material, it is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including designs that imitate the appearance of natural stone. Despite being man-made, quartz countertops are extremely durable and are less likely to crack or chip compared to natural stone countertops. It is also non-porous, so you don’t have to seal it or worry about staining it.
However, quartz countertops are among the more expensive countertops. It is not as heat resistant as natural stone countertops. It is also extremely heavy, so it may require additional support structures to install it in your kitchen.
Quartzite
Quartzite countertops can resist heat and scratches and are less likely to chip or crack than other natural stones. It has a close resemblance to marble but requires less maintenance and is easier to care for, making it a good alternative to the material. Overall, quartzite is a good natural stone countertop for homeowners who love to cook or simply have busy kitchens.
On the other hand, quartzite is among the most expensive countertop materials. And, with its weight, it is recommended to invest in additional supports to ensure your cabinets can hold their weight. Plus, like any natural stone countertop, it needs regular sealing as part of its maintenance, or else it will stain and harbor bacteria given its very porous nature.
Sintered Stone
Sintered stone is becoming popular as a countertop material thanks to its durability and aesthetic appeal. It has incredible hardness and impermeability, making it scratch-resistant and difficult to stain. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use thanks to resistance to heat, freezing temperatures, ice, and UV rays.
However, there are some drawbacks to sintered stone. Since it’s a relatively new countertop material, sintered stone has a higher price tag than other materials. It is also prone to damage borne from impact, especially around its edges. And, the textures and patterns are only visible on one part of the slab, which some might find unappealing.
Marble
Marble is a popular countertop material for their luxurious appearance and added value to a property. It offers timeless appeal and a one-of-a-kind look. And, with its naturally cool surface, marble countertops make an excellent surface for baking, pastry making, and chocolate making.
Marble countertops are porous like any other natural stone material, making them prone to staining. It is also soft, so it is prone to scratches or being etched by acidic substances. Because of this, marble countertops require proper and regular sealing to maintain their durability and appearance.
Travertine
Travertine countertops have a rich and polished appearance, which makes them perfect for creating a warm and sophisticated look for your kitchen. It comes in various colors that work well with just about any style or color combination. Travertine countertops can also withstand extreme weather conditions, so you can install them in indoor and outdoor settings.
However, you need to be careful with acidic substances spilling on travertine countertops, since these can damage or discolor them. It also requires special cleaning and maintenance supplies, along with periodic polishing and resealing to maintain its attractive appearance.
Laminate
Laminate is one of the most affordable materials in the market for countertops. It is easy to clean and maintain, which can be done with a soft sponge, mild soap, and any non-acidic cleaners. And, minor cracks, burn marks, and dents on laminate material can be repaired by a professional. You can easily find a laminate countertop for the look you want to create in your kitchen with its wide range of textures, colors, patterns, and designs. These include designs mimicking the appearance of natural stone and wood.
Laminate countertops are susceptible to burns, scratches, and delamination. It also has a short lifespan of 10-15 years. And, laminate countertops are often perceived as cheap and less appealing, so it is unlikely to increase the resale value of your property.
Butcher Block
Butcher block countertops come in a variety of wood species, including cherry, maple, oak, walnut, and bamboo. It can last as long as granite countertops (around 20 years) with regular cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning and maintaining butcher block countertops are quite easy, which involves the use of household products like dish soap and vinegar. And, any nicks and scratches can be sanded down and refinished with food-safe oil to return it to its pristine condition.
As for its drawbacks, butcher block countertops require sealing with food-safe oil at least once a month to prevent the build-up of germs and mold and the warping and drying of the wood. It is not heat resistant so you need to be careful with placing hot items on it, or else it will scorch the wood.
Color and Texture Trends in Countertops
Nature Themes
Soft and Neutral Tones
Contrasting Countertop and Cabinet Colors
Unconventional Countertop Colors and Veining Patterns
Varying Countertop Finishes
Combination of Different Countertop Colors or Materials
Elevate Your Kitchen with Innovative Countertop Design Ideas
Waterfall Edges
Integrated Sinks
Customized Inlays and Patterns
Backlit Countertops
Hidden Storage and Features
Tips for Maximizing Countertop Space and Utility for Smaller Kitchens
1. Choose Light-Colored Countertops
2. Choose Materials with Minimal Seams
3. Use Thin or Low-Profile Countertops
4. Prioritize Functionality in Your Kitchen Design
5. Maximize Vertical Space in Your Kitchen
Maximize the vertical space in your kitchen by installing shelves, cabinets, or racks above the countertops. This frees up your countertop space and keeps clutter to a minimum, making the limited space look cleaner.
If you want to learn more about the different options for your kitchen storage needs, click here to learn more about our extensive collection of cabinets.
6. Utilize Your Kitchen’s Corner Space for Storage
7. Install Undermount Sinks
Are you ready to revitalize your space? Reach out to Southern Stone & Cabinets today for the best kitchen remodeling in Memphis.