Countertops are a crucial design feature in a kitchen, and whatever you decide will make a huge difference in what your kitchen looks like – no pressure. There are many ways to make your kitchen island unique. For example, choosing different colours or designs, or picking one of the many different edge types for your countertop can really make them pop.
One other way to make your kitchen island stand out from the rest is to choose a unique material that works with the motif of your kitchen space. Below are nine stylish options for kitchen island countertop ideas:
1. Stainless Steel Countertops
A style many people are using for their kitchens is industrial-chic. Stainless steel is the perfect material for this style. This is one of the best kitchen island countertop ideas for any contemporary home. It gives a clean, almost sterile, look to the kitchen – so much so that some do find it cold and uncomfortable.
This material is resistant to heat, water, and stains. It is non-porous, which actually makes it safer to use as it does not trap bacteria and other harmful germs. Over time, however, stainless steel countertops will absolutely get scratched and they can also become dented.
2. Quartz Countertops
A manufactured material, countertops made from quartz are highly durable against chipping, scratching, and cracking, and resists stains since it is non-porous. It comes in a wider range of colours than natural stone, and is well-liked for its aesthetic value.
Due to its versatility in look, quartz countertops can match with virtually any style of kitchen. It can come at a fairly hefty price, however it is important to remember that the return on investment is incredibly high as these countertops can last for many years.
3. Marble Countertops
Marble will without a doubt give your kitchen island a most luxurious and classic look. It is often a top pick for kitchen countertops, even though it has some pretty strong points against it. It is a strong material, resistant to cracking, but it is porous, meaning it will stain when met with tomato based sauces, red wine, and oil.
As well, it can be scratched by sharp knives because it is a softer stone. If the marble is sealed and then resealed on a regular basis, it will at least be less susceptible to these drawbacks.
4. Granite Countertops
Another natural stone, granite is also porous, and will be susceptible to staining if not sealed properly. However, this material is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful kitchen island countertop ideas available. It an also be a fairly pricy material for countertops, however it will last a long time if well cared for.
5. Corian Countertops
Corian is a manufactured material which mixes stone and acrylic polymers. People like Corian because sinks and backsplashes can also be made of the same thing, which can create a neat visual effect. It is a hard surface, so it is not susceptible to staining, and it comes in a wide variety of colours. Although durable enough to pass as a kitchen countertop, it is not resistant to heat, and can scratch, dent, or become damaged easily in comparison to other materials, as it is often made up primarily of plastics.
6. Soapstone Countertops
A beautiful, natural, non-porous material, soapstone is appreciated for its uniqueness and its eco-friendliness. No two slabs of soapstone look the same, and it is a 100 per cent recyclable and reusable material. It does come in only a limited variety of colours, but it is a fairly durable and fully heat resistant material. Soapstone comes primarily in varying shades of grey, and can have a very modern and almost industrial look to it.
7. Glass Countertops
Glass countertops are incredibly unique and versatile. They are resistant to heat and staining, and are fairly durable. That said, it is possible to crack or chip the glass. A glass kitchen island countertop can come in any shape or size, and can have any number of different designs or effects put into it. This is a highly creative and fun material to work with.
8. Wood Countertops
If you’re going for a warmer feeling, rather than the industrial feeling you get from a lot of stone countertops, wood is the way to go. Primarily chosen for the way it looks, wood and wood-like materials like bamboo are common materials for countertops. Some of the most common types of wood include maple, oak, and birch. It probably comes as no surprise, however, that wood does present some issues as a kitchen countertop. It is not water resistant, nor is it resistant to cuts, scratches, and dents. Of course there are sealants to help with this.
9. Cement Countertops
Back in the more industrial or modern-type materials, we find cement. Cement is much like any other natural stone countertop. It is porous, and susceptible to cracks and scratches, but it is a unique option that will definitely bring character and mood to your kitchen island.