Kitchen Island Countertop Considerations

Whether your kitchen island countertop is an extra space for food preparation or an area for casual dining, the style and materials you choose will play a large part in your overall design.

Materials for kitchen island countertops come in a range of surfaces, including marble, stainless steel and wood. Marble is a gorgeous countertop choice, but it tends to be prone to staining, which can make it a poor option for a surface that will be used as an active cooking area. If you are seeking a solid material that can withstand cooking activity, then you may want to consider granite. On the other hand, a wood butcher's block is an ideal surface for chopping, slicing and other food preparation activities. Stainless steel would also work well in this case, acting as an easy-to-clean surface.

When it comes to deciding on the shape and style of your kitchen island, it is important to consider the size of your kitchen in addition to the main purpose the island will be serving. While some homeowners opt for a traditional rectangular island style, others choose a T-shaped or L-shaped island to create a multi-purpose area. For example, T-shaped islands can be useful for prepping food at one end, while seating guests and family members at the other end.

Be sure to also consider the countertop height and whether or not you want to leave room for certain accessories, like a sink, when choosing your countertop style.

See also: Kitchen Remodeling Ideas, Options and Solutions