Granite, Marble, Quartz and More - Selecting the Perfect Countertops for your Kitchen
^ Quartz island countertops and a soapstone-look granite on the perimeter with an integrated sink
Are you in the process of a renovation or new home build and struggling to make a decision on what countertop material to go with? We get it - it’s a big investment and something you want to stand the test of time. Let’s talk though the pros and cons to help you decide what will function well with your lifestyle. Investing in a good quality countertop is a must!
^ Leathered quartz (left) giving a rugged concrete look. A dark quartz (right) with a soapstone look
Quartz vs Quartzite:
A very common confusion: Is there a difference between quartz and quartzite? The answer is yes!
Quartz is an engineered man-made material, which is created by combining resin, quartz, and pigment. Quartz is strong and durable, meaning it resists scratching/etching/chipping - but can not withstand heat due to the resin melting.
Quartzite, on the other hand, is a natural stone that is mined from different quarries around the world. It is very common that people will mix up quartzite for either marble or granite. It comes in beautiful varieties and offers a wide selection of natural, timeless details. Quartzite is a more porous material than quartz, leaving it more susceptible to damage.
The cost of quartz and quartzite will vary depending on the thickness of the stone but overall quartz is the more affordable material.
Granite
We all remember granite as the most used countertop in the early 2000’s. Luckily, the drab brown-and-orange speckled granite you’re currently imagining isn’t the only option out there. Because granite is a natural stone, no slab will be the same as another. Granite countertops are one of the most durable materials when it comes to both heat resistance and scratch proof. If you choose to have granite in your home, it is recommended that you have it sealed annually to help prevent staining. Granite is priced fairly; it is not the builder grade material but it is also not the highest priced stone. You truly get what you pay for, as it typically has a very long lifespan.
Soapstone
Soapstone is probably not the first option that comes to your mind, but it is one of my favorites. It is a non-porous natural stone and adds so much charm to your home without it feeling too powerful or overbearing. Due to the porosity of soapstone they’re not prone to staining which is a plus for those who live a busy lifestyle. They are also quite durable and unlikely to crack or split. They do scratch easily but they can be sanded down just as easy. There is not much variety in color or pattern when it comes to soapstone but the natural look is beautiful in itself. Soapstone is low maintenance and can be cleaned with just warm water and mild soap.
^ Concrete-look quartz with an extra-thick mitered edge
Concrete
Have you ever seen concrete countertops before? We love the idea of concrete in a home because it creates a clean but modern look and feel. Concrete is used for many different things and is an extremely durable countertop material. If you do happen to scratch the surface, no need to stress as there are plenty of ways to sand it out. It’s a porous material and requires sealant to avoid visible bacteria growth. Concrete can be considered more expensive and does have the chance of cracking but the cracks can be repaired fairly easily. One of the biggest pros to a concrete countertop is how customizable it is, since you are creating it yourself you can play around with the texture, thickness, shape and color. Did we mention how durable it is to heat too?
Laminate
People either love or hate laminate countertops. Laminate countertops are a combination of plastic, brown kraft paper, resin and a decorative layer on top. The biggest pro is your ability to add any pattern (faux marble veining, for example) for a portion of the cost. If you’re wanting a high durability, heat resistant, long lasting countertop then laminate is not the right choice for you. The seams on laminate are very visible and any dents or dings are nearly impossible to fix. But a great thing with laminate is it is very budget and DIY friendly.
Marble
Marble is the most timelessly beautiful option you can make for your countertop selection. It has been used for centuries and is still considered in style to this day. Marble countertops probably have the most style diversity in them as they are all different veining and coloring depending on where it was sourced. It is not heat resistant, so you shouldn’t place your hot pots or pans directly on the surface. If you are cooking or baking directly on the surface or even make a spill you will want to clean it up pretty quickly as it is a porous material and can stain easily. Like most other countertops you will want to seal it annually but overall marble should last you an extremely long time. We suggest selecting a honed marble finish (more of a matte look, not polished) to add to its longevity and help hide imperfections that will come with time.
Wood/ Butcher Block
Do you like the look and idea of natural wood on your countertops? If so, a butcher block may be the right choice for you! By adding a butcher block into your kitchen it creates a warm and inviting space to invite friends and family in to enjoy. Wood is a softer material than a stone so these countertops tend to show marks and dings easier but there are a variety of ways to make them look brand new again with the proper steps. Or, embrace the wear and tear and fall in love with the worn look that happens over time. This is another great option if you’re wanting a DIY / inexpensive option for your kitchen.
Bonus tip: If you’re needing a countertop for a smaller space; bathroom, laundry room, etc. go to your local slab yard and look at their remnant selection. These are leftover pieces of material they have from larger jobs and are usually offered at a much more affordable price.
^ Marble with mitered edge