It’s well known that an impressive kitchen is one of your best sales arguments when selling a property. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, renovating your kitchen can yield a 75% to 100% return on investment.

To find out more, read our article, “Is it worth renovating before selling?”

Of course, modern appliances and sparkling faucets are immediate eye-catchers. But the choice of countertops for the kitchen remains just as important to charm the buyers.

Here are the advantages, inconveniences and maintenance details for the most sought-after countertops in interior design.

You might also be interested in our eco-friendly tips and tricks for spring cleaning.

Laminate countertops

Advantages

  • Laminate offers different finishes that imitate marble, quartz and wood, for a fraction of the price. It’s available in a wide variety of colours and patterns to fit your decor.
  • Installation is quick and inexpensive.
  • Resistant to shocks and scrapes, laminate has a lasting quality.

Inconveniences

  • Visually, the effect of a laminate countertop is less luxurious. Even when carefully applied, the joints remain apparent.
  • Laminate is sensitive to heat. It’s therefore important never to place hot pots directly onto it, as damaged surfaces are hard to repair.

Maintenance

  • Use low-abrasive cleaning product.
Choosing the ideal countertop for your kitchen - Multi-Prêts Mortgages

Photo credit : Cuisines Action

Granite countertops

Advantages

  • Granite is a natural stone that adds character.
  • It resists very well to heat, scratches and stains.
  • It is sold in matte, polished and antique versions, and exists in many colours. You’ll inevitably find colour variations on sheets from the same slab.
  • Its life expectancy is exceptional.

Inconveniences

  • Its eccentric look does not necessarily suit every style.
  • It’s more expensive than laminate.
  • Granite must be treated with a sealer every year, which means extra costs.

Maintenance

  • Avoid dulling the stone’s shine by using a low-abrasive solution.
  • For deep stains, use a product made especially for granite.
Choosing the ideal countertop for your kitchen - Multi-Prêts Mortgages

Photo credit : National Granit

Massive wood countertops

Advantages

  • A wooden counter, something like a butcher’s block, makes a statement. It has a look that is both authentic, and original.
  • It’s easy to install and can easily be fixed.
  • Certain types of wood, such as teak, are impermeable and are perfectly adapted for kitchens.

Inconveniences

  • The wood is sensitive to heat, shocks and scratches.
  • It is relatively expensive and requires more maintenance than other types of counters. A sealer must be applied regularly.

Maintenance

  • Wood absorbs stains deeply, which is why it’s important to clean up spills as soon as they occur.
  • Apply natural oils and sand the wood as needed.
Choosing the ideal countertop for your kitchen - Multi-Prêts Mortgages

Photo credit : Cuisines Jacques Bernier

Quartz countertops

Advantages

  • Quartz is offered in many shades and varieties. Unlike granite, it has a more uniform finish.
  • Beyond its decorative appeal, quartz is very resistant to shocks and scratches.
  • It is an antibacterial, watertight, durable stone.
  • Unlike granite and wood, quart counters do not require any sealant.

Inconveniences

  • They are relatively expensive.
  • The edges can chip.
  • Quartz does not tolerate heat very well, heat mats are required for anything over 150°C

Maintenance

  • Use a soft cleaning product.
Choosing the ideal countertop for your kitchen - Multi-Prêts Mortgages

Crédit photo : Cuisines Exclusives Design Sherbrooke

Marble countertops

Advantages

  • Marble never goes out of style, and adds class to any kitchen.
  • There is a wide range of shades.
  • Its surface resists well to shocks, wear and heat.

Inconveniences

  • Obviously, marble is an expensive stone.
  • A marble countertop can be very heavy, requiring you to strengthen the cabinets underneath.
  • It is sensitive to acidity and grease.
  • It requires a high level of maintenance.

Maintenance

  • Marble stains easily, stains must be wiped up immediately.
  • Sealant must be applied regularly.
  • Use a cleaning product with a neutral pH.
Choosing the ideal countertop for your kitchen - Multi-Prêts Mortgages

Photo credit : Granite M3R

Finally, read our article to find out more about interior design.

Renovations in sight? Contact a Multi-Prêts mortgage broker to find out more about your financing options, no matter what the project you have in mind.

Key takeaways

  • According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, renovating your kitchen can yield a 75% to 100% return on investment.
  • Noble materials require more maintenance.
  • Most surfaces require the regular applying of sealant.