Wood countertops offer a warm and rustic look, but they have some disadvantages such as moisture damage. Many stone countertops like quartz and granite countertops offer better protection from moisture and spills. If your existing butcher block countertop needs to be replaced and you want a better material that looks like wood, there are many kitchen countertop materials that have designs that resemble wood.

Granite Countertops

Granite is the most popular material used for kitchen countertops. It is a natural stone that resists scratches, heat, and stains better than wood when you seal it properly. You can clean it with detergent and warm water.

Moreover, they are unique and no two slabs of granite are alike, so the type of granite wood design installed in your kitchen won’t be in any other kitchen. Furthermore, granite countertops have an unbelievable resale value. When buying a house, people prefer granite or quartz in the kitchen. So, they will offer a better price.

On the other hand, granite countertops are costly and are porous like wood so you must seal them to avail the advantages of stain, heat, and scratch resistance the material offers.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is an engineered stone that is highly durable and strong. Many consider it the most low-maintenance kitchen countertop material. Quartz is non-porous, so the spills won’t be absorbed by the surface. Moreover, quartz countertops are heat and stain-resistant.

You have a huge choice when it comes to colors and designs of quartz. Therefore, you can also find quartz slabs that look like wood to have countertops that are more durable than wood but still give off the warm look of wood.

Cleaning and maintaining quartz is easy due to its smooth surface. Make sure to avoid using a knife or sharp tool on it (and on any other countertop material) and never use acidic cleaning products.

Similar to granite, quartz also has a high resale value and the material is preferred by most people.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate is one of the most inexpensive but durable choices of countertops. It is a synthetic material that can replicate the appearance of any material including wood.

Although the lifespan of laminate countertops is shorter compared to quartz and granite, the cost factor plays a huge role. You can buy a laminate slab multiple times for the price of one granite slab. So, even if granite is 3 times more durable than laminate, you can replace laminate 3 times for the price of installing granite once.

The surface of laminate is porous so you won’t be worried about spills and stains, but it’s prone to scratches. You can avoid this issue by using cutting boards for cutting anything. Moreover, you can care for the countertop to last longer and if it wears off, it’s inexpensive to replace.

The wood designs you can find in laminate countertops are numerous so you’ll find something impressive.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete is one of the strongest materials and durable countertop materials. Due to the fact that you pour it into shape, you can select any shape and design of your liking. Concrete countertops are heat resistant and don’t fade. If you seal them, they are also stain-resistant.

With staining techniques, you can make concrete countertops look any color and design of wood. You can use stamps, color or dye the surface, or natural grains of wood to leave an impression of wood on the concrete countertop. So, you’ll get a countertop that will resemble wood, but with more durability, extended lifespan, and low maintenance.

On top of that, the repair of concrete is easier and low cost. You will need to repaint the countertop after repairs. However, repairing and resealing is suggested after every few years anyway.

Cracks appear on concrete countertops naturally so they are unavoidable, but because of the wood design, the small cracks may not be noticeable.

Other than the above options, you can also use tiles that have wood designs imprinted on them, but the space between each tile can easily give away the illusion.

Conclusion

Wood is an excellent material but if you need a durable option that looks like wood, there are many materials. Find granite countertop installers Raleigh NC that have slabs of granite or other materials which resemble wood.

Next PagePrevious Page