Choosing laminate for your kitchen countertop is a decision that many homeowners make during renovations. There are plenty of benefits to laminate kitchen countertops — namely, the fact that they're affordable, are available in virtually every color you can contemplate, and are highly resistant to stains. One detrimental element of laminate countertops, however, is the fact that they can have seams — especially if they change direction, which is the case if you have an "L"-shaped countertop. If you aren't a fan of the look or feel of countertop seams, here are some countertop styles to consider instead of laminate.

Granite

Granite is a natural material that is specifically cut to suit your kitchen's needs. This means that you won't encounter seams in a granite countertop, and you'll likely enjoy running the palm of your hand across the counter and noting its smooth, seam-free finish. Granite countertops have a number of valuable attributes beyond their lack of seams. This material is highly robust, which means that you're unlikely to scratch it, nor would you likely mark it even if resting something hot on it.

Quartz

Quartz shares a lot of similarities with granite when it comes to countertops. Like granite, quartz is a natural material and doesn't have seams in it. You'll also appreciate that quartz is available in a multitude of colors, meaning that you shouldn't have any trouble finding a countertop that will match the look and feel of your kitchen. Quartz is also highly resistant to damage from scratches and heat, nor is it apt to get stained through regular use.

Concrete

Concrete might not be a material that you immediately associate with kitchen countertops, but in addition to being integral for a number of outdoor functions, it's also valuable as a countertop material. Because your concrete countertop is poured in place, it doesn't have seams that can be an eyesore and, over time, potentially trap scraps of food.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel countertops can sometimes have seams, but their presence depends on the size and shape of your countertop. For a large and multi-angle countertop, seams in the stainless steel may be present. However, if your countertop is more traditional — perhaps a long rectangle or an "L" shape — it's probable that you won't have any seams. The appearance of the stainless steel and its lack of seams help to give your kitchen a sleek, modern appearance.