Call nowWith so many types of countertop materials available to level up your home’s interior, you’ll probably find yourself questioning if you’re choosing the right stone for your needs. Most homeowners gravitate towards granite, marble, quartz, or solid surface materials. We’ll dive into all the factors you should consider before selecting your countertop material like durability, cost, appearance, resistance, maintenance requirements, and more.
Granite
Granite is by far the most popular choice out of all natural stone countertop materials. Granite countertops are first extracted from a quarry of solid natural stone, and then manufactured and polished to a buyer’s specifications. Solid granite is incredibly durable, and with proper care, these heavy-duty countertops can last for centuries.
No two granite slabs are the same, adding a unique varied touch of beauty to your home. Granite is available in a myriad of colors, and you are sure to find one that compliments your kitchen design. Due to its durability and elegance, granite has long been considered a premium material. Depending on the size of your kitchen, prepare to set aside a substantial budget for your granite countertops.
Marble
Marble is another popular natural stone material with great variety. Its unique veined patterns will guarantee a striking and admirable aesthetic in your home. Marble is a porous stone, and relatively softer compared to granite. Due to its porosity, marble is susceptible to scratches, chips and stains. Acids like lemon juice can wear your marble countertops. However, you can avoid this with regular sealing using high quality sealant products.
Marble is generally one of the most expensive natural stone countertop materials, portraying a sophisticated look and feel in interior design. Many interior designers recommend marble for kitchen design, but this material is not for everyone, especially if you are looking for a low maintenance and low cost material.
“Marble for a countertop is controversial, but I love it,” says Emma Kemper, interior designer. “There is nothing like a real marble countertop, so if you aren’t hyper aware of etching or little scuffs then please use marble—you won’t regret it!”
Quartz
Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is a man-made material widely used in kitchen and bathroom interior design. Natural quartz and other minerals are combined with resins and pigments to produce the final stone product. Due to the nature of the manufacturing, quartz countertops are highly customizable and available in virtually any color. You can also opt to add an antibacterial agent to your stone, ideal for high contact surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens. As the popularity of engineered stone continues to increase, installing quartz countertops in your home will increase its resale value as well.
Quartz countertops are a high ticket item, priced similarly to granite. On the contrary, quartz is waterproof and requires no sealing or special care, unlike granite or marble. Although highly durable, quartz is more vulnerable to heat damage compared to a natural stone material due to the resins and fillers used.
Solid Surface
Solid surface is a popular and budget-friendly countertop material. Created as an alternative to natural stone, this type of material is composed of synthetic acrylic and polyester materials, and finely ground powder minerals to mimic the appearance of natural stone. Polyester based solid surface countertops are generally less expensive than acrylic based countertops. This countertop material is the easiest to clean and maintain out of the materials we’ve discussed. Solid surface is prone to scratches, but usually can be repaired easily with some buffing or sanding. A major downside to solid surface countertops is their tendency to deform at temperatures above 250 F. While solid surface countertops are not the most eye-catching, they are a good option when facing budget constraints in your renovation projects.
“The whole stone industry has been going through a massive wave of technology, and it’s transforming the product. There are now more ways than ever to finish stone, including different brushing and polishing techniques.” —Jason Cherrington, founder and managing director of the UK–based stone company Lapicida.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the perfect countertop material requires careful consideration. It all boils down to a balance of functionality, frequency and type of use, your budget, and amount of effort you’d like to spend on care and maintenance. Whether you prioritize style or durability, our experts can help you find the perfect countertop material for your home. Contact Affordable Granite Concepts for all your granite and natural stone needs, proudly serving Central Florida for over 15 years.
