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What materials should you choose for your kitchen countertops?
More than ever, the kitchen reflects a quest for meaning. Choosing a kitchen countertop is much more than just selecting a surface: it’s laying the foundation for a space where you’ll spend time. At Ateliers Jacob, we like to think that every design choice is an opportunity to slow down and make intentional choices—sustainable, functional ones that reflect your lifestyle.
That’s why 2025 trends go beyond aesthetics: they express a desire for coherence. The countertop is a bridge between daily routines and shared moments. But with so many options available, the decision can easily feel overwhelming.
This short guide was designed to help you see things more clearly, to give you a better understand of the available materials, and support you in making a confident, lasting choice.
Natural Stone Countertops: A Living Material
Natural stone exhudes authenticity, refinement, and durability. Each slab tells a geological story, etched in its veining, nuances, and porosity. Choosing a natural stone countertop means accepting that the material will evolve over time, gaining character with every use, every mark. These four premium materials embody timelessness and refined durability.
1. Natural Quartzite Countertop
An ultra-resistant material, quartzite combines the veined beauty of marble with the robustness of granite. Its range of colours, from neutral tones to warmer shades, makes it a durable and aesthetically pleasing kitchen countertop that complements any style.
2. Natural Marble Countertop
An emblem of nobility, marble is distinguished by its evolving patina and timeless beauty which improves over the years, provided it is properly cared for. Naturally porous and prone to staining and etching, marble requires regular application of a sealant to preserve its shine and extend its durability.
3. Natural Granite Countertop
Sturdy and versatile, granite offers a wide range of finishes and is perfectly suited to kitchens that see a lot of action where cooking meals, impromptu gatherings, and new recipes are born. This natural stone, resistant to heat and frost, embodies the fusion of performance and raw materials. However, due to its porosity, it requires the application of a sealant to guard against stains and preserve its lasting beauty.
4. Soapstone Countertop
Naturally non-porous, resistant to stains and acids, soapstone is a low-maintenance, eco-friendly kitchen option. It develops a soft patina over time, adding character with age, perfect for kitchens where sustainability meets style.
Handmade Materials: Texture and Warmth
In a world of mass production, handmade materials reintroduce the human element into the kitchen. Each piece, unique in its essence, meets specific needs for functionality and style, like a living testament to handcraft. Whether it’s the mineral texture and angular shapes of concrete, or the warm and inviting look of butcher block, these kitchen countertop materials speak of craftsmanship, and they age with grace, adding soul that’s hard to replicate.
5. Concrete Countertop
Poured and polished by hand, concrete allows for infinite customization (shape, colour, texture). Strong and heat-resistant, it does require sealing to prevent stains. With its raw aesthetic, the concrete countertop stands out as a design choice that’s both organic and resolutely modern.
6. Butcher Block Countertop
Butcher block is more than just wood. Made from hardwood planks such as maple, oak, acacia, or bamboo that are glued together, it provides an extremely strong and durable surface, capable of withstanding time and knife marks. Both sturdy and easy to maintain, the butcher’s block can be used directly for cutting, chopping or preparing. A light oiling now and then helps it stay nourished and warm, bringing natural charm to any kitchen.
Manufactured Materials: Practicality with Style
Manufactured materials, such as Laminam porcelain or engineered quartz, appeal for their consistency, ease of maintenance, and adaptability, while drawing inspiration from nature. Though technically “man-made,” they’re crafted from natural minerals and designed to mimic the veining, texture, and depth of real stone, while offering modern-day performance: easy maintenance, high durability, and lasting beauty.
7. Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a composite non-porous material distinguished by its ease of maintenance, stain resistance, and consistent appearance. It offers an impeccable finish and blends seamlessly into both modern and minimalist kitchens.
8. Porcelain Countertop
Laminam porcelain, chosen for its balance between aesthetic finesse and performance, is a preferred material for sustainable and contemporary kitchens. With its thin yet ultra-resistant surface, it resists thermal shock, scratches, stains, and UV damage. Non-porous, hygienic, and easy to maintain, Laminam, like other high-end porcelains, is an eco-responsible choice, often made from natural and recyclable raw materials, free from toxic resins.
9. Dekton Countertop
Dekton is an ultra-compact and innovative material made from a blend of quartz, glass, and porcelain. The result is a dense, completely porosity-free, virtually indestructible surface. This material is designed to resist heat, freezing and thawing, abrasion, scratches, and stains. They are distinguished by their ease of maintenance, requiring no sealant. Available in a wide range of colours, textures, and thicknesses, Dekton allows you to create a variety of ambiances for residential or commercial projects.
10. Corian Countertops
Corian is a versatile material composed of resin and minerals, valued for its flexibility and durability. Thermoformable, it can be molded to perfectly fit the desired shapes, providing continuous surfaces with no visible joints. Its durability also makes it an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens. Available in a wide variety of colours, finishes, and thicknesses, Corian adapts to all styles, tastes, and ideas. An aesthetic and practical solution, ideal for custom projects.
11. Stainless Steel Countertop
Popular in professional kitchens, stainless steel is increasingly making its way into designer interiors. Durable, antibacterial, and patina-friendly, it introduces a sleek, industrial vibe that only improves with age.
Countertop Materials Comparison
The integrated sink: Seamless and Smart
For a streamlined and functional kitchen, the integrated kitchen sink is a must-have. We suggest a 36-inch model, ideal for accommodating large pots and pans without the risk of hitting the edges. It also simplifies countertop maintenance, allowing for faster and more effortless cleaning thanks to its seamless design. By blending into the space, it adds elegance, ergonomics, and optimal practicality to your kitchen.
Invest in Lasting Beauty
Ultimately, choosing a countertop shouldn’t just be based on style or trends, but on your daily life. The right surface doesn’t just sit pretty; it supports everything from rushed breakfasts to late-night dinners, day after day. It isn’t limited to its simple function, it becomes a reflection of a lifestyle, a space that grows more beautiful through use. This is the whole point of a custom project: creating a space that is beautiful, durable, and functional. Because designing a timeless kitchen is, above all, about creating a functional space that istn’t static. A space that develops a patina over time, where beauty is expressed in its use, not in frozen perfection.
It is in this balance between form, function, and durability that the most durable kitchens are created. With the expertise of Ateliers Jacob and the know-how of our kitchen designers, let us guide you toward the material that best suits your habits, needs, and values to create a kitchen designed for you, down to the smallest detail.
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