Most traditional kitchens usually adopt the use of white cabinets. The advantage of white cabinets in particular is that they are very versatile. Also, white combines with almost all kinds of colors, if not all.
White is a neutral color which is good to have in the kitchen as it doesn’t clash with the other colors. Besides, it enhances the capability of your kitchen to make use of natural light. That is why choosing the appropriate countertop for white cabinets is helpful to make the look clean and clear.
Should I Restrict My Countertop Material and Colors?
The answer is yes and no. It depends on what you would think goes with white cabinets. Limiting your choice could actually give you less to play with. However, I believe it might even decrease your workload by sticking to one or two materials and one color scheme in some way. It might even stop you from feeling frustrated.
On the other hand, limiting your options will give you fewer information that are not fully exploited. You may also regret choosing the style and colors that you did. But since we want to avoid getting stuck, we prepare ourselves earlier than the time it is needed. In our case, it could be one or two months ahead.
By sorting through samples and different color pallets, you will be able to choose your design style and feel okay with it.
Best Countertops for White Cabinets
Here are some of the best types of kitchen countertops.
1) Black Quartz Countertop
Of course, you wouldn’t miss black either. The classic and timeless combination of black countertop with white cabinets. In addition to that, black and white are nuance colors that they fit together well.
Image source: Pinterest
We placed the black quartz countertop sample and let it lay there for one day. We like to observe the sample at any stage of lighting. That has to be, without a doubt, quartz countertops – we are slowly becoming a big fan of them.
We liked black in the morning. It did set up some interesting effects with the light – small shards of quartz were illuminated, and the high-contrast color schemes gave it a contemporary look. Black looks dazzling and very mysterious. But quartz countertops are very tough, and black is quite strict.
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2) Gray Marble Countertop
Marble has been slowly working its way into the house décor for as long as we can remember. Light greys married with a dark grey tone and those perfect exaggerated white vegetations in a marble application are simply stunning. Grey is a neutral color as well hence complementing the white color of the cabinets.
Image source: roomdsign.com
We placed the grey marble sample on the counter and we were super pleased with the gray being so focal point in this color palette. Most people might not want to detract from the white cabinets, but we didn’t mind the balanced look.
Additionally, since most of our kitchen electronics are silver, we think they go very well with white cabinets and grey marble counters. This is also not a dark color if you don’t want dark colors.
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3) Natural Stone Countertop
Regarding durability, natural stone or granite is up there as the top choice. They are also available in loads of colors. We chose light brown because brown and white always go together.
We set the sample down on our countertop and almost convinced ourselves to buy slabs of it. It was the right color after all, and granite is also hardy. This is the best on a large family or a family with kids.
Image source: HGTV.com
Although we felt tempted to change the cabinet color from white, the entire white kitchen cabinet stood pretty against time retaining their white glory. The good news is that you can safely use natural stone as a butcher block and your countertops stay the same.
But like all great countertops, they do have their downsides. For instance, a natural stone like that can’t give you a pure white countertop for the pattern the material provides every countertop.
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4) Wood Countertop
White cabinets and wood countertops do look amazing. This reminds us of the way we grew up on a farm; if anyone has a rustic farmhouse, they can have their dream kitchen – with the beautiful wood countertops.
Image source: decoist.com
First, our sample material was varnished American cherry. The reddish-brown color gives contrast to the white effect used on the cabinetry of the house. The wood countertops’ gave our kitchen a rustic look that was sort of borderline kitsch but oh so trendy at the same time. We also made the perfect partner with our light fixtures.
It was clearly very reddish during the day and we must admit that it took our breathe away by how beautiful it looked. As observed at night, it was even more conspicuous and made the kitchen looked warm and frequently used. Also, warm colors complement the white cabinetry.
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5) White Soapstone Countertop
This white countertop style gives a classic "white on white" look. White countertops have a mellow effect compared to dark ones. We liked that you get soapstone countertops in tiles instead of being installed in slabs.
Image source: Pinterest
That means it will also cost less when you need to do any maintenance. Remember that it’s easier to replace one tile than the entire slab and this material is definitely not cheap.
Soapstone is a luxurious feel and is more durable than other countertops. It is also very very beautiful all points of the day in different lighting.
We loved that the soapstone would be right at home in a minimalist aesthetic. It also works well on a kitchen island.
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What We Picked:
After having given the above dark, light and neutral colors and materials, we managed to select extremely versatile samples. Any proposed countertop can be utilized above and will work for you for years to come.
We chose the grey marble countertop for its clean, modern look and the fact that the material goes nicely with white. It installed beautifully. And saying it’s safe to say is no understatement; our entire kitchen didn’t need to be remodeled because of how they changed everything.
Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing Countertops
a) Scratch Resistance
A sharp knife and your best dinnerware set can easily scratch countertops. The type of material your countertop is made of doesn't matter. Your countertop seal or laminate does not get everything scratched.
Furthermore, marble countertops will chip with anything dropped on them. This includes small spoons. Therefore, irrespective of the one you use, the next thing to establish is just how easy it scratches..
b) Stain Resistance
Most countertop design styles are quite adamant about calling their countertop material 'stain proof.' No kitchen countertop is stain proof, however. Coated with sealers, they are only stain resistant.
Using a good sealer will reduce the chance of your white countertops or quartz countertops becoming stained. You should try to keep acidic and greasy foods away from your kitchen countertops to help we preserve them. Also, remember to never use harsh, abrasive cleaners to clean up spills because doing so could cause damage.
c) Maintenance
Your decision should also be informed by how easy it is to maintain. Eventually, all materials will need maintenance to prolong their life. So, it comes down to how often can we get it cleaned and how well we take care of it.
While applied the right way your countertop coating will always look perfect and time, it will be perfect for a period of two to five years. Try, however, to reseal your countertop once per year. To truly know how often you'll have to reseal your desired material, you should purchase it first.
d) Average Lifespan
Lifespan matters, too, and the average lifespan of your countertops determines your average lifespan of countertops. And if you are like us, you can probably remodel a room in your house every year. Part of us feels that way, so we won't touch the countertops for the next 10 years, even if we do another kitchen remodel.
Since you might be stuck with a countertop for the next decade, you should know that heavy daily usage drastically affects the lifespan of your countertop. Even with maintenance and knowing the pros and cons of your countertop material, you may still need to replace it.
How Can My Countertops Last Longer?
i) Using a Heat Pad
A heat-resistant pad under heavy cookware is recommended when they are hot. Your countertop is very adversely affected by prolonged exposure to heat. Apart from heat pads, you can also resort to trivets, among other heat safe ones.
New modern kitchen with electric stove, pot, dish, grass and sink in house.
Image source: designingidea.com
Heat will put a permanent color and burn the laminate out completely. In other words, the statement is a big no if you own a wooden, marble or granite and want to protect your new countertops.
ii) Avoid Chopping Vegetables on the Counter
Image source: granitetransformations.com
When the counter is used as a surface on which to cut food items the knife will damage the laminate by cutting through it. Scratches will hold oil and water, and bacteria will form in them. In a few months you will probably require new countertop.
iii) Wipe all Spills Quickly
It is best to clean the spills up immediately to stop them from staining the countertop. The idea is to try and have very little of the countertop get wet. But make sure you wipe dust, as it will make your countertop seem dark.
Image source: Thespruce.com
If your countertops are wood, it may be a good habit to rub mineral oil into them to make a waterproof barrier. This tip will come in handy for you in a very long term.
iv) Avoid Abrasive Sponges and Cleaning Agents
Regardless of what material you will use for your countertops, you shouldn’t check your traditional kitchen cloth. To clean any gunk off your countertops all you need is warm water and dish soap.
Image source: homestratosphere.com
Abrasive sponges can cause micro-scratches that peel and expand over time. As a result, you might notice your countertop looking dull. The same applies to using agents like bleach for cleaning.
v) Use Coasters
This is an underrated hack. While it will not prevent stains, using coasters each time you have a cup of coffee over your kitchen island will help. Beverages such as coffee and red wine have nearly impossible stains to get off.
Image source: quietclementine.com
Also, using a coaster for a glass of water will keep water stains and spills away from your expensive countertops and floors. However, still, you can take a look at our top 10 stylish kitchen flooring ideas for your next upgrade.
The Bottom Line
Whether a traditional or modern kitchen, there is always a type of counter tops that will suit the design. So in most occasions, the better style guide for any kitchen can be none other but the simplest. Nevertheless, an experienced contractor is more helpful in saving your time and your money when it comes to choosing countertops for your kitchen.
