Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen can be a daunting decision. There are so many different material options and color options that any homeowner could spend weeks going over all of them. It is an important decision, too. The kitchen is the “heart of the home” where you will cook meals for your family and host events and get togethers. A lot of life happens in the kitchen, so you want to make sure you choose the right countertop to fit your home and that will last for many years.
How do you know which countertop option will match your aesthetic and also be durable enough to last through the years?
Below are the top three countertop options in the modern age. They have numerous color options, extreme durability, and relatively low maintenance. Below are the pros and cons of each to better help you make the perfect countertop decision.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are not 100% naturally occurring stone. Quartz countertops are composed of ground up stone mixed with resin or some other binding agent, and many consider it to be an engineered product. The fact that it is man-made, though, means that is has been specifically engineered to be extremely hard, one of the hardest countertops available. This hardness makes it extremely durable and low maintenance. There are also countless colors and patterns to quartz so this material can fit with any home aesthetic and even be a statement piece.
Pros
• Extreme hardness level and durability
• Low maintenance
• Heat resistant
• Easy to clean
• Colors and patterns to fit any home aesthetic
Cons
• Chips and scratches will require a professional repairman
• Installation can be pricey
Granite Countertops
Similar to quartz, granite is tremendously hard and durable. Dissimilar to quartz, granite is actually a 100% naturally occurring stone. If you have kids that tend to drop heavy objects on countertops or you plan on hosting often, granite may be for you due to its durability, relatively low maintenance, and easy cleaning. Granite also comes in countless colors and patterns, similar to quartz, that will match any home.
One caveat on granite, though, is that it is extremely porous. These pores can trap bacteria, mold, and stains if you do not take the correct precautions. Granite must have a sealer applied when it is installed so that these pores do not have the opportunity to hold on to any bacteria or stains. Over time, this sealer does wear down, so it will need to be reapplied on a regular basis. Depending on how often you use the countertop will depend on how often you will need to reseal it. It could be ever year to every five years. Consult with the manufacturer on proper granite sealing practices.
Pros
• Durable
• Heat resistant
• Easy to clean
• Countless colors and patterns to choose from
Cons
• Requires resealing regularly
• Chips and scratches will likely require a professional
• Hard but not as hard as quartz
• Mining costs can make it more expensive
Marble Countertops
Marble has been a popular stone with quite a bit of uses for some time due to its beauty, hundreds of years in fact. Ancient sculptors used in in their art; it was used to create pillars to hold up buildings and monuments; and yes, it was also used as countertops in ancient times but only for those wealthy enough to afford it.
While the use of marble has changed slightly since then, it is still popular today. Marble has a veining that occurs in it due to mineral deposits when it was formed. This veining gives it an elegant and unique look that appeals to a lot of homeowners. Marble also has the benefit of being a cooler stone, making it perfect for rolling dough or baking pastries.
Unfortunately, though, there are some cons. This stone can be quite costly. Also, similar to granite, marble will need to be resealed regularly to avoid staining or bacteria growth. Marble also does get weaker as time goes on. It will take a few years or decades, but marble will eventually begin to chip and crack more often. You will have to complete some maintenance and upkeep to ensure your marble stays intact and beautiful. Due to these reasons, a lot of people today tend to go with a marble-looking quartz countertop instead.
Pros
• Unique veining that adds beauty to any home
• Good for baking as the stone stays cool
• Marble is typically a brighter stone so it brightens any room
• Heat resistance
• Easy to clean
Cons
• Costly
• Requires regular resealing and maintenance
• Gets weaker as the decades go on
• Chips and cracks may require a professional
Choosing the Perfect Countertop Solution
A kitchen countertop is an important decision that can be quite costly. Make sure to do your research and take home samples to test against your kitchen before you buy. Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen needs means that you will have a unique and durable statement piece for many years. Speaking to a countertop specialist or designer is a great way to start.
Get the kitchen countertops of your dreams with Texas Granite Group located in the Austin area. We have more than 20 years of experience in fabricating and installing gorgeous stone countertops while offering hundreds of slabs like no other in granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite for your countertop selection. Our goal has always been to the be the best in our industry with the highest quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Call us or visit our countertop store and see why we are a #1 choice in Texas for all your countertop and kitchen renovation needs! Free Design Consultations.