Jared and I have gone around and around when it comes to countertops. Our three big contenders have been marble, granite, and butcher block. Though we have come to a final conclusion, I thought I’d outline some of the pros and cons to all three materials and provide some pretty design inspiration as well.
MARBLE
No one can argue it- marble countertops are classically beautiful. Marble is also a naturally cool stone which is wonderful for working with dough. It’s a known favorite among pastry chefs. While it’s widely available, some rarer types and purer whites can be difficult to find in large slabs and therefore much more expensive. A large disadvantage (especially if you choose a light colored stone) is marble’s ability to stain. Red wine, fruits, and coffee are infamous for leaving indelible stains on marble.
Granite countertops are everywhere! With the rise in popularity in the 90s, you can find granite in almost every renovated kitchen for the last 20 years. And for good reason! Granite countertops don’t depreciate in value and will add value to a home. The biggest advantages I see are it’s ability to take the heat of a pan and the fact that it’s completely sanitary and easy to clean. But as for disadvantages, patterns in granite can be quite busy for my taste and a sample is often not the best representation of the slab.
I personally love the look of butcher block countertops. I love the warmth they bring to a kitchen- an often cold, sterile room. Butcher block that is sealed properly is easy to clean and will last with a regular rubbing of food-safe mineral oil. Avoid cutting directly on butcher block or placing hot pans directly on the surface of the wood as they will leave burn marks. Water damage is a concern with wood however, a mineral oil or other protectant should stop any discoloring or seepage into seams.