How to Pick Countertops
PLEASE NOTE: There are many variables that have to be considered when making a countertop selection. Each type can vary considerably depending on the species, compositional makeup, and quality. Consult a countertop specialist to find the one that best meets your needs.
Marble Countertops
If you are looking for a classic, sophisticated stone, marble is the perfect choice. Marble is a metamorphic rock known for its striking veins, soft texture, and wide variety of colors. Due to its soft and porous composition, marble is prone to etching, staining, and scratching and therefore requires special care.
Marble is Beautiful – This classic stone possesses a natural beauty unmatched by any other stone, natural or manmade. Marble is bright, elegant, and is sure to add character to any room.
Marble is Affordable – Marble can cost half the price of natural or engineered stone depending on the color, although more expensive varieties can be just as expensive.
Marble is Susceptible to Damage – Softer than natural or engineered stone, marble is susceptible to scratching. Acids like citrus juice and vinegar can etch the surface, dulling the appearance, and exposure to dark acids like red wine or tomato juice can cause staining. While these facts may sway your decision towards a more durable stone, don’t rule marble out just yet. With immediate attention and a few cleaning hacks, many stains and surface imperfections can be removed or buffed out. To be safe, try choosing the honed finish to disguise etching marks.
Wood Countertops
Wood is seeing a resurgence in kitchen design because of its beauty, warmth, and versatility. Wood countertops were the preferred material in kitchens of yesteryear and are still being used today because they are both functional and decorative. Butcher block is ideal for food prep and when properly maintained with a food grade oil, will last for decades. For decorative applications, choose a permanent, waterproof finish and enjoy a lifetime of zero maintenance.
Wood is Beautiful – Whether made from reclaimed barn wood or an exotic species from the rainforest, wood countertops are simply gorgeous. Each piece possesses unique beauty and its flexible nature enables it be cut to any size or shape.
Wood is Warm – The rich tones of wood not only adds instant warmth to a kitchen, it is also warm to the touch. Unlike stone countertops which always feel cold, the warmth of wood can make your kitchen feel more inviting.
Wood is Versatile – Wood can be used both in traditional and contemporary style homes. It can be paired with shaker cabinets and subway tile for a farmhouse kitchen or with sleek contemporary surfaces like lacquered cabinets and stainless steel.
Wood is Affordable – Wood can cost half the price of natural or engineered stone depending on the species, although more expensive varieties can be just as expensive as stone.
Wood is Eco-Friendly – Wood countertops can be made from upcycled materials like reclaimed wood and when it’s time to redo your kitchen, your wood countertops do not have to end up in a land fill. Scratches and nicks can be repaired with a little elbow grease, extending their longevity.
Wood is Susceptible to Damage – Softer than natural or engineered stone, wood is susceptible to scratching. If it is not properly sealed or exposed for prolonged periods to water, damage can result. Pans coming straight from the oven should be set atop a trivet, not directly on the wood.
Granite Countertops
Granite continues to be a dream kitchen and bath “must have” for most homeowners because of its natural beauty and minimal maintenance. This natural countertop material is an igneous rock formed from interlocking mineral crystals deep inside the Earth. Granite is both sophisticated and practical, exotically beautiful and durable.
Granite is Beautiful – Granite’s natural beauty of stunning swirls and veining are among its biggest selling features. This unique and exotic stone is sure to take center stage in a kitchen or bathroom.
Granite is Durable – Comprised of some of the hardest minerals found on earth, granite is incredibly strong. It is scratch resistant, heat tolerant up to 1,200 degrees, resistant to acidic foods, and can even being used outdoors. It is built to withstand the elements and will not weather or fade in the sun.
Granite is Versatile – Granite can be used both in traditional and contemporary style homes.
Granite is Affordable – Granite starts at a lower price point than engineered stone. The price varies due to demand, availability, and quality. Some granites are mined on the other side of the world and are extremely difficult to harvest, thus coming with a premium price tag. The more affordable granite options are those that are more readily available.
Granite May Require Sealing – Most granite slabs are sealed at the factory and may even be sealed again onsite at the time of installation, lasting as long as 15 years. Because the composition of granite varies, not all stones have the same sealing needs. Some slabs may require sealing every few years and others may never require sealing. Not to worry though, sealing is a simple DIY job that is no more complicated than a spritz bottle and cloth.
Granite Can Be Brittle – Some colors are more prone to breaking or cracking along natural veins but generally speaking, granite is extremely hard and not susceptible to cracks or breaks.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is fast becoming the gold standard for homeowners who want a tough, reliable kitchen work surface that looks amazing and can take a lot of abuse. Much harder than marble, it’s a great option for anyone who wants the look of marble but wants the hardness of granite. Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone formed from sandstone that has been subjected to extreme heat and pressure.
Quartzite is Beautiful – Quartzite consists of beautiful swirls of soft colors. It’s subtle, sophisticated beauty is rivaled only by marble but doesn’t come with the same headaches!
Quartzite is Versatile – Quartzite can be used in all manor of applications and will compliment both traditional and contemporary design.
Quartzite is Durable – Similar to granite in durability, quartzite is hard enough to resist scratches and burns and like quartz countertops, quartzite doesn’t etch. The best of both worlds!
Quartzite Requires Maintenance – Quartzite is harder than granite and some types are relatively non-porous. Therefore, it doesn’t need to be sealed as often as other stone surfaces.
Quartzite is Expensive – Quartzite is priced similarly to quartz but it’s worth every penny!
** PLEASE NOTE: Quartzite is a term that is not always used correctly to identify stones. Be sure to consult your stone specialist to inquire about your selection and the required care.
Quartz Countertops
It used to be that granite was the only word you heard from homeowners describing their dream kitchens, but quartz countertops have quickly risen to the top and are now more popular than granite! Quartz is an engineered countertop material made from 90% crushed quartz with pigment and resin added for coloration and to bind everything together. There are a wide variety of colors and patterns, some that look nearly as real as natural stone, and best of all, it requires NO maintenance.
Quartz is Limitless – There are a wide variety of colors and patterns ranging from those meant to mimic natural stone, like marble, to lace and crocodile embossed patterns. Nearly every color imaginable is available with a variety of finishes from honed, to polished, to sandblasted.
Quartz is Versatile – The options are so wide ranging, quartz fits into any style of home, complementing both traditional and contemporary design.
Quartz is Nonporous -- One of the features that sets quartz apart is that it is nonporous. This makes it stain-resistant and hygienic, especially if it has been treated with an antibacterial coating.
Quartz is Maintenance Free – A major selling feature for quartz is that it does not require maintenance. It never requires sealing and cleanup is easy with mild soap and water.
Quartz is Durable -- Quartz is strong, durable and holds up well against scratches. Its flexible nature guards against chips and cracks.
Quartz is Consistent – Because it is engineered, quartz is reliably consistent. You can rest assured knowing that the actual slab varies little from the sample. On the other hand, the unvaried consistency quartz can lack natural beauty and depth. Manufacturers have made great strides towards creating more natural looking options but natural stone will always look, well, more natural. On the other hand, the simplicity of many of the quartz options lends itself to a clean aesthetic.
Quartz is More Expensive -- There can be quite a price variation between quartz countertops from one manufacturer to another and from one supplier to the next, but generally speaking, quartz is more expensive than granite.