When selecting the right material for your countertop, there are a number of things to consider. In order to give you a better idea of your options, here are a few of the most popular choices, and some of the things you’ll have to keep in mind.
Marble
In addition to its beautiful colors and veining, marble brings an additional element of elegance and sophistication in that no two sheets of marble are exactly the same and every countertop is entirely unique. One of the most expensive of the natural countertop materials, marble is highly resistant to cracks and breakage, and nearly impervious to heat. However, it is porous, which makes it susceptible to staining, and if it is cracked or damaged, repairs are difficult.
Soapstone
Soapstone’s natural veining of grays, blues, and greens offers a warm, soft sensation due to the high percentage of talc in its mineral composition. However, it is denser than both marble and granite. It is prized for its ability to absorb heat, making it perfect for fireplaces and countertops. It is also non-porous, which means that it will not be harmed by the acids and alkalis found in everyday substances like lemon, vinegar and wine as found with some other materials. It will not stain or etch, and it is a natural anti-bacterial surface.
Quartzite
Quartzite is often harder than granite, yet due to variations in heat and pressure during the natural process of creating quartzite, there are also variations in hardness, which means it can sometimes be softer than marble. Yet usually, quartzite is much more durable than marble. Quartzite is also UV resistant, which means that it doesn’t fade, even in direct sunlight. However, like most natural stones, it is naturally porous and usually requires sealing about once a year. Quartzite offers a vivid selection of color, with whites, greys, and beiges veined with shades of pinks, reds, blues, yellows, and green. Many pieces of quartzite look so much like marble, that’s it’s nearly impossible to distinguish.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone product made from quartz particles and other minerals mixed in with resins. Quartz is less expensive than natural stones, and is available in a larger range of colors. Its nonporous surface resists both scratching and staining, making it less prone to bacteria and unlike natural stone, doesn’t require annual sealing. While it will resist stains and acids, the plastic in the resin can melt in heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is less heat and scratch resistant than quartzite or some other martials. Our newest product line, Radianz, is a wonderful example of quartz stone that is perfect for any renovation project.
Porcelain
Ceramic tile is durable, but it is brittle enough to crack under impact. They are immune to heat damage from hot pans, and relatively easy to clean, however grout lines can be more subject to stain. The two great advantages to porcelain is that it is considerably less expensive than other countertop materials, and offers more design options than nearly any other countertop material. Tiles can even be made to resemble marble and granite, other materials like leather, denim, and wood, or nearly any other customized design. They are also easier for DIYers to install.
Granite
One of the hardest substances in the world, second only to diamonds, granite is the ideal material for busy countertops. While it does need to be sealed annually, granite is impervious to stains, heat, and water. Like marble and other natural stones, each countertop is completely unique, and the variety of variety of shades, patterns, colors, and thickness of granite make it a great option for nearly any style or use. Due to its durability, if granite is cared for properly, it can increase the resale value of a home, making it a fantastic investment.
We hope this helps you find the material you are looking for in your kitchen. Please let us know if we can further assist you with your choice and be sure to visit our showroom for more design ideas!
