February 7, 2023

A complete kitchen remodel typically involves a wide range of tasks, including designing, planning, and executing the renovation. Along with the tasks, countless decisions must be made that encompass both form and function. One of those decisions is to choose the type of countertop to install. Choosing the best countertop material for your kitchen can be difficult, almost as difficult as deciding where to eat as a family that’s not burgers, chicken nuggets, or pizza (tell me it’s not just me). Working with a professional interior designer or directly with the supplier can simplify the choice. They’ll be able to walk you through the myriad of factors to consider like aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and cost. Ultimately, however, answering these three questions will help you choose with confidence: Guidelines for Choosing a Countertop When thinking about what kind of tops may be best for your new kitchen, keep these guidelines in mind: What Types of Countertop Materials are Available? Let’s look at countertop material options more closely. There are several materials to choose from including granite, marble, quartz, solid surface, quartzite, porcelain, wood, and concrete. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of each: What Countertop Material is Most Popular Granite counters certainly had their moment several years ago. It seemed every real estate listing had “Granite Countertops” as a key selling point. While there are homeowners who still want granite tops, newer materials are taking over. Quartz and solid surface options have been in the spotlight for a few years, but quartzite, porcelain, wood, and concrete are quickly becoming materials of choice. Granite vs. Marble Often people only want to consider granite or marble for their kitchen counters. Both granite and marble are natural options, but they have different characteristics and properties. It’s important to know the differences. Granite is a natural stone known for its durability and heat resistance. It is a hard and dense material, which makes it less prone to scratches and chips. Granite also does not absorb liquids easily, meaning it’s resistant to staining and water damage. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a versatile choice for any kitchen design. Granite is mid-priced and does require regular sealing to maintain its appearance. Marble is also a natural stone that adds an elegant look to any kitchen. It is a soft and porous material, which means it can be easily scratched and stained. Avoid using acidic products such as lemon juice, vinegar, and tomato sauce as these substances can etch or dull the surface. Pasta Grannies beware. However, with proper care and maintenance, it will last a long time. The unique veining and color variations in marble give it a distinctive appearance, but it also can be quite expensive. The choice between granite and marble comes down to personal preference and budget. If you want a durable and low-maintenance option, granite is the no-brainer choice. But if you want a timeless and elegant look, and you’re as neat as Martha Stewart, marble may be the more perfect choice for you. Quartz vs. Solid Surface Quartz is a man-made material produced from natural quartz crystals combined with resin and pigments. It is extremely durable and resistant to scratches (if you must chop directly, go ahead), stains (pass the red wine!), and heat (you won’t have to worry about shattering the material like I may or may not have done once). Quartz is available in a wide range of colors and patterns and is easily maintained which makes it a popular choice for busy families. Solid surface is also man-made and created from a blend of acrylic and polyester materials. It is durable and easy to maintain, but not as heat resistant as quartz. While it can be scratched (use the cutting board!), it can be repaired and restored relatively easily. Solid surface offers a wide range of colors and patterns to fit most aesthetics. A benefit solid surface countertops have over quartz is the fact they have invisible seams, which makes them suitable for longer countertops and allows for the creation of integrated sink bowls. For certain design styles, this is a must. However, if you don’t need an island that can seat a football team, quartz is a great choice for families whose kitchens are as lived-in as their living rooms. Quartzite vs. Porcelain Quartzite is a natural stone composed of sandstone that’s been transformed under heat and high pressure (cool, right?!). It has a unique appearance that can range from white and gray to pink, red, and yellow, and can have a distinctive veining pattern. The pattern is often a large distinct movement that’s one of a kind and is chosen for its bold statement. While quartzite is durable, it’s also porous and must be sealed with wax, acrylic, or polyurethane to prevent stains. Conversely, porcelain is a man-made material. It is a type of ceramic that is made from a mixture of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz that is fired at high temperatures. It is very durable and resists scratches and heat plus it’s non-porous making it a hygienic and low-maintenance option for both indoor and outdoor use. These countertops can mimic the look of natural stone and can be made in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes which means you can have the natural stone look without the required maintenance. It is a hard surface, but it can be brittle and chip if hit with a heavy object, so try to keep the pan throwing to a minimum. Which to choose? If you want a natural stone with a unique and distinctive appearance, choose quartzite. If you want a durable and heat-resistant option with a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, then you’ll want to investigate porcelain more closely. Concrete vs. Wood Wood countertops are warm, not only in look, but also in feel, natural, and can work with all design styles. They can be repaired if damage should