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Kitchen countertop: which material to choose and how to plan the space

Discover the main types of materials for kitchen countertops, their advantages, and how to integrate them into the decoration of the projects.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Feb 27, 2025, 8:00 AM

08 min de leitura
Kitchen Metaphors Criare, by Larissa Loh - CASACOR Paraná 2022

Kitchen Metaphors Criare, by Larissa Loh - CASACOR Paraná 2022 (Eduardo Macarios)

The kitchen countertop is essential for preparing food, supporting utensils, and even quick meals. Its use goes beyond functionality, also contributing to the aesthetics of the projects. A well-chosen countertop balances practicality and beauty, making the space more pleasant and efficient. It is crucial to analyze the needs and style of the kitchen when choosing the material and design of the countertop.
Rubia Moraes – Gourmet Space. Project by CASACOR Mato Grosso 2024.

Rubia Moraes – Gourmet Space. Project by CASACOR Mato Grosso 2024. (Gilberto Galdino/CASACOR)

What are kitchen countertops used for?


Countertops are made from various materials, each offering specific characteristics. Among the most common, granite stands out for its durability and variety of colors. Marble brings elegance but requires care. Composites like quartz offer resistance and a variety of finishes, while stainless steel is chosen for practicality and a more industrial look. The choice depends on the budget and the desired style.
Matheus Menezes - Kitchen. Project by CASACOR Sergipe 2024.

Matheus Menezes - Kitchen. The world of fashion inspires the minimalist design kitchen that brings elegance and innovation to daily life. Elements of haute couture influence the project that honors the transformation and inclusion that fashion has brought throughout history. A beautiful natural landscape adorns the wallpaper that welcomes the essentially sober projects. Black has a strong presence in the furniture, stone countertop, sink, and metals. Bold shapes characterize the layout, with an emphasis on the floating countertop, which defies gravity with lightness and sophistication. (Gabriela Daltro/CASACOR)

The ideal height for a kitchen countertop is around 90cm, providing comfort during use. The length varies according to the space: in small kitchens, 1.5m is already sufficient; for large spaces, at least 3m is recommended. It is important to ensure free space around, when possible, to facilitate circulation and the simultaneous use of more than one resident. Planning the countertop space well is an investment in the practicality and harmony of the projects. Get inspired by these kitchen options with countertops that have been designed for the CASACOR exhibitions.
Gislene Lopes' Apartment Casa Ferolla - CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023 - Credit: Jomar Braganca
01/15 -

Gislene Lopes - Apartment Casa Ferolla. Project of CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023.

(Jomar Bragança)
Renata Santos Kitchen Meraki CasaCor Piauí 2024 Credit Victor Eleuterio
02/15 -

Renata Santos - Kitchen μερακι. Project of CASACOR Piauí 2024.

(Victor Eleuterio)
Rafaela Bruna's Italian-Mineira Kitchen - CASACOR Minas Gerais 2024 - Credit: Jomar Bragança
03/15 -

Rafaela Bruna - Italo-Mineira Kitchen. Project of CASACOR Minas Gerais 2024.

(Jomar Bragança)
lu-dias-architecture-kitchen-soli-casacor-pernambuco-2024-credit-walter-dias (2)
04/15 -

Lu Dias Architecture - Soli Kitchen. Project of CASACOR Pernambuco 2024.

(Walter Dias)
Pedro Coimbra and Jackson Tinoco - Wine Bar
05/15 -

Pedro Coimbra and Jackson Tinoco - Wine Bar. Project of CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2024.

(André Nazareth)
Brazilian Kitchen Architects - CASACOR Bahia 2024 - Credit: Xico Diniz
06/15 -

NN Architects - Brazilian Kitchen. CASACOR Bahia 2024 Project.

(Xico Diniz)
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07/15 -

Vorá Architecture - Dendê Kitchen. Project of CASACOR Bahia 2024.

(Xico Diniz)
Karolinna Venturi - House Kitchen
08/15 -

Karolinna Venturi - Casa Cucina. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2023.

(Duas Fotografia)
Andréa Buratto - Cave Kitchen
09/15 -

Andréa Buratto - Cave kitchen. Project of CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023.

(Daniel Mansur)
susana-clark-fiuza-kitchens-casacor-ceara-2023-credit-victor-eleuterio
10/15 -

Susana Clark Fiuza - Kitchens. Project of CASACOR Ceará 2023.

(Victor Eleuterio)
Camila Rocha - Kitchen Meetings
11/15 -

Camila Rocha - Kitchen Encounters. CASACOR Paraná 2024 project.

(Bia Nauiack)
Viganó Architecture - Studio Ties of Art
12/15 -

Viganó Architecture - Studio Laços da Arte. CASACOR São Paulo 2024 project.

(Carolina Mossin)
Caroline Feldman and Kathy Cárdenas - Cooking with Meaning
13/15 -

Caroline Feldman and Kathy Cárdenas - Kitchen with Meaning. Project of CASACOR Peru 2024.

(Reprodução)
Mandril Architecture - Kitchen Turn
14/15 -

Mandril Architecture - Kitchen Torno. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2024.

(Israel Gollino)
Bruno Colle - Lounge Gourmet
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Bruno Colle - Gourmet Lounge. CASACOR Paraná 2024 Project.

(Nenad Radovanovic)

Materials for countertops


There are several finishes and materials that are used to compose the kitchen countertop. Below we list the main ones:
  • Granite: Durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean.
  • Quartzite: Resistant surface with no need for frequent maintenance.
  • Marble: Aesthetic, but requires more care with stains.
  • Stainless steel: Hygienic, heat resistant, and easy to clean.
  • Burnt cement: Modern and robust style, but can stain.
  • Wood: Warm and welcoming, but requires maintenance to avoid damage.
  • Tempered glass: Elegant and easy to clean, but can scratch.
  • Quartz composite: Resistant, non-porous, and available in various colors and patterns.
  • Solid surface (Corian): Durable and with a homogeneous appearance, ideal for those looking for a seamless look.

How to organize the kitchen countertop?


Projet Très Arquitetura Projet Très ArquiteturaThe countertop is one of the central elements of the kitchen, and therefore, it can accumulate clutter if not given due attention.

Organizing the kitchen countertop is essential to make the projects more functional and practical, in addition to facilitating daily food preparation. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Work zones

If the size allows, divide the countertop into specific work zones:

  • Preparation: a clean and spacious area for cutting, chopping, and preparing ingredients.
  • Cooking: if you have a stove or oven near the countertop, leave free space around so that utensils and ingredients can be handled easily.
  • Washing: near the sink, leave space for cleaning food and utensils.

Adequate storage
  • Use organizers: baskets, trays, or dividers help keep small items organized, such as utensils, spices, and condiments.
  • Shelves or drawers: if possible, install suspended shelves or use easily accessible drawers to store frequently used utensils, such as knives, spoons, and small pots.
  • Make use of corners: use corner organizers or rotating shelves to take advantage of less accessible spaces.

3. Discard unnecessary items

Keep only what is essential on the countertop. Remove items that are not frequently used to free up space, such as large appliances or utensils that you do not use daily.

4. Essential items in sight

On the other hand, place items you use frequently in accessible places, such as knives, dish towels, colanders, cutting boards, and spices. This will avoid the need to search for them while preparing meals.

5. Practical decoration

Some decorative items can be functional. For example, vases with fresh herbs, transparent jars with grains or spices, or a well-arranged fruit bowl can add a special touch without compromising organization.

6. Avoid excess appliances

Avoid leaving appliances that are not frequently used on the countertop, such as blenders, mixers, and coffee makers, unless you use them every day. They can take up a lot of space and make the kitchen visually more cluttered.

7. Constant cleaning

Keep the countertop clean and dry. This not only helps with organization but also prevents bacteria from accumulating.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.