Most traditional kitchens come with white cabinets. The good thing about white cabinets is that they are very versatile. Additionally, white goes with most colors, if not all.
Since white is a neutral color, having it in your kitchen is advantageous. In addition, it accentuates the natural lighting of your kitchen. This is why picking the best countertop for white cabinets is a good idea to ensure a cohesive look.
Should I Restrict My Countertop Material and Colors?
The answer is yes and no. It depends on what you feel would work with white cabinets. Restricting your choice could give you less to work with. On the other hand, in my opinion, sometimes sticking to one or two materials and one color scheme could lessen your work. It could also prevent you from getting overwhelmed.
On the other hand, restricting your choices will leave you with underutilized information. You might also regret getting the style and colors you did. To avoid being overwhelmed, I prefer to prepare myself sooner. For me, this could be 1-2 months prior.
By sorting through samples and different color palettes, I can finally select my design style and be comfortable with it.
Best Countertops for White Cabinets
Of course, my preparation automatically starts with how many samples I can collect and test. You will be surprised that most stores are open to giving you lots of samples. Before collecting the samples, I ensure there is space where I want to apply them.
In our case, I removed everything from my countertops to prepare them for 5 samples I will observe for many days. Here are some of the best types of kitchen countertops.
1) Black Quartz Countertop
Of course, it would be a disgrace to skip black. A black countertop with white cabinets is a classic and timeless combination. Besides that, black and white are neutral colors that pair beautifully.
Image source: Pinterest
I set my black quartz countertop sample and left it there for a day. I like to observe the sample in all stages of light. Safe to say, quartz countertops are starting to be my favorite.
I enjoyed the look of black in the morning. The light brought up little slivers of glistening quartz, and the high-contrast color schemes looked modern. Black looks dazzling and very mysterious. However, quartz countertops are extremely durable, and black can be very uncompromising.
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2) Gray Marble Countertop
Marble has been steadily making its way through house décor for the longest time. Light greys mixed with a dark grey shade and white veining in a marble effect look amazing. Since grey is also a neutral color, it balances the white cabinets.
Image source: roomdsign.com
I set the grey marble sample on the countertop and was very pleased by how grey can become the focal point. While most people might not want to take away from the white cabinets, I didn't mind the balanced look.
Additionally, since most of my kitchen electronics are silver, they are well-paired with white cabinets and grey marble countertops. If you don't want dark colors, you might want to check out this color.
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3) Natural Stone Countertop
Natural stone or granite countertops are the top choices regarding durability. They also come in numerous colors. I selected light brown because brown and white always go together.
After setting the sample on my countertop, I was almost convinced to purchase slabs of it. After all, it was the right color, and granite countertops can also take a beating. It's the perfect choice for a large family or one with kids.
Image source: HGTV.com
The white kitchen cabinets retained their white glory and continued to endure despite me feeling tempted to change the color. You can comfortably use natural stone as a butcher block, and your countertops will remain the same.
However, every great countertop has its demerits. For example, you can't get a pure white natural stone because the material gives a unique pattern to every countertop.
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4) Wood Countertop
Wood countertops with white cabinets look stunning. I grew up on a farm, and I feel like anyone with a rustic farmhouse can have their dream kitchen, especially with beautiful wood countertops.
Image source: decoist.com
For starters, my sample was varnished American cherry. The reddish-brown color makes the white cabinetry pop. The wood countertops' gave my kitchen a rustic look that was a little over the top but still very chic. It also went well with my light fixtures.
During the day, the reddish hue was very apparent, and it took my breath away because it was so stunning. At night, the brownish hue was more obvious and gave the kitchen a warm and lived-in feeling. Plus, warm tones do well with white cabinetry.
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5) White Soapstone Countertop
This white countertop style gives a classic "white on white" look. Compared to dark countertops, white ones have a mellow effect. I enjoyed that instead of large slabs, soapstone countertops come in tiles.
Image source: Pinterest
So it will cost less when you need to do any maintenance. After all, replacing a tile is cheaper than an entire slab since this material doesn't come cheap.
Soapstone has a lavish feel and is more durable than other countertops. Additionally, it is very beautiful at all points of the day with different lighting.
I liked how plain the soapstone looked as it would be at home in a minimalist aesthetic. It also works well on a kitchen island.
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What I Picked:
Given the above dark, light, and neutral colors and materials, I ensured to pick incredibly versatile samples. You can easily use any proposed countertop above and have it serve you for years.
I selected the grey marble countertop because of its modern look, and the material can easily pair with white. The installation went very smoothly. It's safe to say; that I didn't have to remodel my whole kitchen because of how the countertops transformed it.
Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing Countertops
a) Scratch Resistance
Sharp knives and your best dinnerware set can easily scratch countertops. It doesn't matter what materials your countertop is made of. The seal or laminate on your countertop is not impervious to scratches.
Additionally, countertops such as marble will chip whenever anything is dropped on them. This includes small spoons. So, determining how easily the material scratches should be a priority regardless of which one you choose.
b) Stain Resistance
Most countertop design styles insist on labeling their countertop materials as "stain-proof." However, no kitchen countertops are stain-proof. They are only stain-resistant because they are coated with sealers.
Good sealers decrease the chance of your white countertops or quartz countertops staining. To preserve your kitchen countertops, you should try to keep acidic and greasy foods off them. Additionally, to avoid damage, it is recommended not to use harsh and abrasive cleaners to remove spills.
c) Maintenance
The ease of maintenance should also inform your decision. All materials will need maintenance at some point to increase their longevity. Therefore, it remains a matter of how often you can clean and how well you take care of it.
With the right maintenance, your countertop coating will remain perfect for up to 2-5 years. However, try to re-seal your countertop yearly. Before purchasing your desired material, you should know how often you will need to re-seal it.
d) Average Lifespan
The average lifespan of your countertops matters. If you are like me, you might probably like to remodel a room in your house every year. So in my case, I won't touch the countertops for the next 10 years, even when I 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.
e) Price
Setting a budget and sticking to it is the most important part when renovating a space. It does the best job at preventing overspending. Generally speaking, countertops are $40-$100 per square foot. This includes labor.
As you may have probably noticed, purchase and installation aren't cheap. Therefore, knowing what you get for the price is strongly recommended.
How Can My Countertops Last Longer?
To preserve the life of your countertops, you can do a few things every day to ensure it remains in good condition for as long as possible.
i) Using a Heat Pad
A heat-resistant pad under heavy cookware is recommended when they are hot. Prolonged exposure to heat is very detrimental to your countertop. Aside from using heat pads, you can use trivets and other heat-safe elements.
New modern kitchen with electric stove, pot, dish, grass and sink in house.
Image source: designingidea.com
Heat will cause permanent stains and burn off the laminate. It is a big no if you have wood, marble, or granite and you intend to protect your new countertops.
ii) Avoid Chopping Vegetables on the Counter
Image source: granitetransformations.com
Using the counter as a chopping board will cut through the laminate and cause deep scratches. The scratches will absorb oil and water and grow bacteria. In a few months, you might need a new countertop.
iii) Wipe all Spills Quickly
To prevent stains from setting, it is recommended to clean them up immediately. The goal is to keep the countertop as dry as possible. However, ensure to wipe off dust since it will make the countertop look dull.
Image source: Thespruce.com
If your countertops are made from wood, a good habit might be to rub some mineral oil on them to create a waterproof barrier. This tip will serve you very well in the long run.
iv) Avoid Abrasive Sponges and Cleaning Agents
A kitchen cloth is the best material to use for your countertops, regardless of the material it is made of. Warm water mixed with dish soap is enough to clean any gunk off your countertops.
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. However, using coasters every time you have a cup of coffee over your kitchen island will keep stains at bay. Coffee and red wine are some beverages whose stains are almost impossible to get off.
Image source: quietclementine.com
Additionally, using a coaster for a glass of water will keep water stains and spills away from your expensive countertops and floors. That being said, check out our top 10 stylish kitchen flooring ideas for your next upgrade.
The Bottom Line
Whether a traditional or modern kitchen, each has a suitable countertop that will complement the decor. Most times, simplicity can be the best style guide for any kitchen design. However, a reputable contractor will save you time and money when selecting countertops for your kitchen. For this reason, even persons who love DIY, such as myself, prefer a contractor for such work.
