Photography by Wade Blissard / 45hillsphotography
A client’s preference for a particular finish in their home says a lot about them. An astute designer, listening to their client, can quickly discern the type of atmosphere the client wishes to create in their home.
Natural stone is the most commonly requested material for kitchen countertops. However, other materials that offer a stone-like look do exist. Products such as Dekton or Silestone are often specified in today’s kitchen designs.
Wood is another popular choice, used as either a main surface or as an accent.
Understanding the client’s taste is foremost in making design decisions, along with meeting their expectations for features and function.
At Bentwood Luxury Kitchens, we work with all stone, wood, and even metal surfaces to create dynamic and functional kitchens. Let’s explore design options for countertops to give you inspiration for your next kitchen remodel project.
It’s Natural
You simply cannot beat nature. Kitchen counter tops using granite, marble, and quartz offer many features that are important for the modern kitchen.
Aesthetic Appeal
Natural stone brings timeless beauty to any kitchen. Every stone slab tells its own story through unique color variations, veining, and patterns. No two stones are ever the same. These natural works of art add depth and sophistication, creating a kitchen that feels warm, inviting, and truly one of a kind.
Durability and Longevity
Granite and quartz are among the hardest materials on earth, built to handle the daily demands of a busy kitchen. Resistant to heat, scratches, and chips, they maintain their integrity and luster for decades with minimal upkeep. Investing in natural stone means enjoying surfaces that stay beautiful and functional for generations.
Low Maintenance (with proper sealing)
Today’s stone finishes make maintenance simple and stress-free. With proper sealing, granite and marble resist stains and bacteria, while quartz provides a nonporous surface that never needs sealing at all. A quick wipe with mild soap and water keeps countertops clean and ready for whatever the day brings.
Sustainability and Natural Origin
Choosing natural stone means choosing an eco-conscious material shaped by the earth itself. Many quarries now follow responsible sourcing practices, and because stone lasts a lifetime, it helps reduce waste from frequent replacements. It’s a sustainable option that combines environmental responsibility with enduring beauty.
Design Versatility
From classic to contemporary, natural stone complements every design style. Custom edge profiles, a range of finishes, and a spectrum of colors allow endless creative expression. Whether paired with warm wood cabinets or sleek stainless steel appliances, granite, marble, and quartz always elevate the design with effortless elegance.
Composite
Engineered and composite materials such as Dekton, Silestone, quartzite, porcelain, and concrete offer exceptional versatility and performance for today’s kitchens. These materials give designers and homeowners the freedom to balance beauty, function, and personal style in any kitchen space.
Dekton delivers outstanding durability with resistance to heat, scratches, and UV exposure, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Silestone, composed primarily of natural quartz, provides a smooth, nonporous surface that resists stains and bacteria while offering a wide range of colors and finishes.
Both materials come in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve a sophisticated, uniform look with the confidence that their countertops will maintain their beauty and performance for years to come.
Used alone, a composite countertop sets the tone and mood of a space.
When combined with a second material, such as wood, the environment is elevated to luxury status.
Here, a Dekton top is accented with a Grothouse Walnut/Brass cantilevered top. Combining surfaces not only offers design appeal but also provides clear demarcations of work areas and functions.
Here, the island top combines Silestone with Grothouse Walnut edge grain in the Pastore style.
Kitchen island that combines Dekton with a Grothouse Walnut end grain butcher block accent top.
Wood
Walnut, maple, and cherry are among the most popular woods for kitchen countertops because they combine beauty, durability, and warmth.
Walnut offers a rich, sophisticated tone with natural variation that adds character.
Maple provides a light, clean look with excellent strength and scratch resistance.
Cherry brings a warm, reddish hue that deepens beautifully over time.
Together, these hardwoods deliver a balance of timeless style and lasting performance that suits both modern and traditional kitchens.
Metal
For homeowners who prefer a modern, industrial look, stainless steel and zinc are versatile options.
Metal countertops bring a sleek, professional look to the kitchen while offering exceptional durability and hygiene. Stainless steel is heat- and stain-resistant, easy to sanitize, and virtually indestructible—making it a favorite in both commercial and modern residential kitchens.
Zinc, on the other hand, develops a natural patina over time that gives it unique character and warmth, blending industrial style with organic beauty.
Both materials offer long-lasting performance and a distinctive aesthetic that elevates any kitchen design.
Surface Matters
Every countertop material brings its own story, texture, and performance to the kitchen, whether it’s the timeless elegance of marble, the warmth of walnut, or the cool sophistication of stainless steel. Choosing the right surface comes down to how you live, cook, and gather in your space.
Find Inspiration Near You
Inspired to update your own space? Click here to find your closest authorized Bentwood dealer. We’ll connect you with a designer in your area and get started with your vision right away!
Not quite ready to begin a project? Look through our gallery to find inspiration and discover the beauty of Bentwood.