Quartz Countertops

Engineered quartz countertops are manufactured into sheets from natural quartz, a non-porous, super-hard mineral. With no sealing is required, a growing color palette of natural hues, soft textures, and multiple patterns, quartz is a practical popular choice for homeowners.

In fact, the technology behind engineered quartz countertops is so great, it can be nearly impossible to tell quartz from a more expensive granite or marble countertop.

When it comes to choosing a material for their kitchen countertops, homeowners have no shortage of options. Depending on taste, style, and budget, there’s a kitchen countertop material to perfectly complement any kitchen remodel.    

Below we’ve outlined some of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops, along with some pros and cons of each material. If need some help choosing the right kitchen countertop for your remodeling project, our team is always here to help. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Among homeowners we work with, quartz continues to gain popularity and is by far the most common slab material specified by our interior designers. Our experience with quartz’s popularity was also highlighted in Houzz’s 2018 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study, which reported that engineered quartz has finally overtaken granite the most popular choice for kitchen counter tops.

Pros

Engineered quartz provides very consistent coloring with no veining and is basically maintenance-free. Additionally, uniform slab sizing creates a seamless look to your kitchen countertops.

Cons

The biggest drawback to engineered quartz is its price, which is comparable to natural granite. It’s also slightly less heat-resistant than granite, and may be prone to chip or crack near the edges under heavy impact.

Summary

Engineered quartz countertops match up favorably to the once-dominate granite when it comes its wide color palette, pattern uniformity, seamless installation, and low level of maintenance.

Until very recently, granite slab was the most popular finish choice for kitchen countertops. 10 year from now, natural granite will look like the day it was installed with very little maintenance. Daily cleaning with mild soap and water and applying sealer every couple of years is all that is required.

Pros

Granite slab comes in an endless array of colors, it’s extremely durable, and requires very little maintenance.

Cons

Exotic colors can be pricey. Fabrication is more expensive than solid surfaces like Corian, and is also more susceptible to staining than engineered stone finishes without regular sealing. While a quick daily washing of soap and water will suffice, granite countertops do require a bit more maintenance than quartz or other engineered stone finishes.

Summary

Granite slab counters are an excellent choice for just about any application if you can afford the moderate to high price. If you do go the natural route with granite countertops, make the commitment to seal, clean, and care for them properly to extend their lifetime.

A great mid-range option for homeowners looking for something more cost-effective than granite or engineered quartz, but higher quality than laminate, solid surface countertops are non-porous, stable, and easy to repair.

Pros

Solid surface countertops come in hundreds of colors and patterns. The material is extremely durable, can withstand heat, the seams are nearly invisible, it can easily be repaired, and is easy to clean. It’s a great as an alternative to ceramic tile.

Cons

Solid surface kitchen countertops can appear very generic, and will often lack the visual depth of granite, marble, and engineered stone countertops.

Summary

An excellent option for a more cost effective remodel. No grout joints makes solid surface a maintenance free and easy to clean.

Laminate countertops have been used in Kitchens since the 1950’s,

It is still being used all over the world today, if you want to avoid a big expense, the alternative to Stone is Laminate.

Check todays wide range of colors, patterns woodgrains in High gloss as well as fingerprint proof, harder to scratch matte finishes.

For example : POLARIS, by ABET LAMINATI, is a breakthrough in innovation combining a phenolic back with an acrylic surface, which is more durable than conventional Laminate for countertops.

Pros

Plastic laminates come in a huge array of colors, textures, and patterns at a cost lower than any other kitchen countertop material on our list.

Cons

Laminates will scratch, chip, and burn much more easily than durable materials.

Summary

Plastic laminate is a beautifully suitable option for both vertical(Cabinets) and horizontal(Countertops) use with today’s wide array of solid colors, patterns, woodgrains with matte and high gloss choices. 

Wood countertops offer variety and functionality. Hardwoods such as maple, oak and walnut are most often used as kitchen countertops. Wood and butcher block countertops are most frequently used for islands or an inlayed work areas in the kitchen.

Pros

Wood countertops are easy to clean and provide a smooth work surface for cooking prep and baking. They can also be sanded and resealed as needed.

Cons

They can be damaged by water and accumulate stains over time. Scratches in wood countertops must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer’s specifications in order to avoid further damage or staining.

Summary

A good option for islands when used in conjunction with other materials like granite. Due to the maintenance required, not a good idea for an entire kitchen.

Because natural marble is pricey and requires constant maintenance, it’s not frequently used for large countertop sections, but rather other kitchen accent areas such as an island. However, if you’re looking for a major “Wow” factor from your kitchen countertops (and you can afford to splurge), marble may be worth the investment.

Pros

For starters, marble provides timeless beauty and a classy vibe to any space. Marble comes in almost unlimited colors and textures, making it easy to match with your kitchen’s overall design and style.

Cons

Marble is very expensive and requires regular maintenance. It also scratches and stains easily, which may be a deal break for homeowners with small children or those looking for something a bit more durable.

Summary

Using marble for accent areas or backsplashes is a great way to enhance granite or other kitchen countertop materials. However, it isn’t really practical for all kitchen surfaces.