If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project, one of the most important decisions is what countertop material will be installed. Countertops come in a variety of materials, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. With so many countertop materials to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for your kitchen.
The best way to determine what type of countertop is right for your home depends on how it will be used. Read this blog post if you want a guide to help decide which countertop material is best for your needs! This guide will help you make the best decision by introducing you to some of the most popular and durable countertop materials on the market today.
Countertop Materials Available
A countertop is the top surface of a kitchen or bathroom sink, which can be made from many different materials. The most common types are granite and marble, but other options like quartz may benefit specific projects. It’s essential to understand your needs before deciding on material because each type has its pros and cons that you should know about to ensure it will work well with your project.
Granite Countertops
Granite is one of the most popular choices in countertops because it offers high stability and resistance to wear and tear over time without breaking down into grout, as some other natural stones do. It’s important to note that granite varies in color, so if this matters to you, make sure to get samples before making a final decision! A drawback, though, is that granite does not stay cool on its own, and can be very expensive.
Granite is beautiful and very durable, making it a popular choice among homeowners who are building new homes or renovating older ones. If you’re looking for a material that will last your home several decades, then there’s no better option out there than granite countertops. They can come in various colors, including black, white, red or pink, green, blue, etc., making them versatile enough to fit with any design scheme. They’ve got excellent durability too, so you’re not going to have to worry about replacing them for a long time.
While they’re not cheap upfront, granite counters often end up saving homeowners money by lasting longer than cheaper versions – not to mention that they tend to look better in the long run.
Marble Countertops
Marble is a highly durable and beautiful natural stone that can be found all over the world. Marble countertops are durable enough to withstand extreme temperatures from boiling water coming out of your stovetop as well as acids in common cleaning products, all without wearing down over the years.
It comes in many different colors, including white, black, yellow or golden, pink, green, and purple varieties, so there’s no shortage of choices when looking at these types of stones for your counters! It is a beautiful stone for sure, but it does require sealing occasionally or every few years, depending on where you live, as the sealer protects against stains and spills, which are bound to happen eventually with any countertop surface!
They require very little maintenance, a good scrub down every couple of months should do, and they usually come pre-polished, so you don’t have to worry about paying for an extra step. Some people may be deterred from marble because it’s more expensive than granite and quartzite, but the beauty of this type of stone is worth the splurge!
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is very similar to marble but has a few key differences. It’s more resistant to scratching and stains than marble, so it requires less maintenance when compared with other stone countertops like marble or granite. The lack of pores in the material also makes it extremely difficult for bacteria (from food particles) to hide, which means that your counters will stay cleaner longer without needing frequent cleaning.
The downside is cost: quartzite can be up 20% higher priced per square foot versus its counterparts on this list. That said, if you’re looking at something that won’t show scratches easily, then quartzite might just be worth the investment.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a material that has been used for decades in the kitchen, but it’s now being put to use as countertops too! The benefits are virtually identical to quartzite. But the differences between the two are subtle but significant. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock of sedimentary rock that was heated, compressed, and then cooled. Quartz is a silicate mineral, which means that it has an extensive crystalline structure. The quartzite usually appears denser and feels heavier than the light-weight type of crystal made from silicon dioxide (silica).
Quartz has become increasingly popular because it’s durable (not prone to scratches like other materials) and relatively cheap due to its abundant availability around the world. Quartz surfaces need unique cleaning solutions, such as those designed explicitly for quartz countertops, so make sure you research what products will work before making your purchase. It should also be noted that while not as susceptible to heat as granite, quartz surfaces do need protection from extreme temperatures.
Other Countertop Choices
We’ve looked at granite, quartz, and marble countertops so far. Here are more lists of countertops materials you can choose from:
Soapstone – Soapstone is the most traditional countertop material. This is a natural stone mined from the earth. It has a beautiful, non-reflective surface and can be stained to match any color palette. It can be easily cut into many different shapes, and it has a comforting, warming feel to it because of its natural minerals. Soapstone is also very durable and resists heat well.
Slate – A flat rock that’s been cut into slabs of various thicknesses with an irregular appearance on one or both sides. This top creates either a rustic-looking countertop for your cabin or something sleek and modern, depending on how it’s installed.
Ceramic Tile – A natural-looking tile that is both versatile and affordable. They’re also easy to install, which means you don’t need any special tools to put them in place. However, it breaks down easily when dropped.
Stainless Steel – A cold-weather material, stainless steel is a durable and easy-to-clean countertop option that can give your kitchen an industrial look. There are some downsides to using it for counters; the metal’s reflective quality sometimes makes kitchens seem colder than they are, and fingerprints show up more easily on its surface than with other materials like granite or wood.
Concrete – A popular, low-cost surface for counters with an industrial feel. Though it’s not as pretty as most other materials on the list, concrete can be molded into any shape and come in many different colors, making it highly customizable. While there are some benefits to using it for counters, its heavyweight makes installing the material problematic in certain situations like older homes with weak foundations or other structural instability.
Glass – As an alternative to traditional materials like granite or marble, glass is becoming increasingly popular because of its clean look and almost unlimited color options. Glass is made from natural ingredients and requires little maintenance but scratches easily, which may not be desirable for families with children who might put toys on the kitchen island. It’s also quite expensive compared to stone surfaces such as granite or quartz.
Butcher Block and Wood – Butcher block or wood countertops are a perfect choice for those who love these materials’ warmth and natural look. This is one of our least expensive options; wood comes in a wide variety of types, from pine to oak, so you’ll need to decide if your project needs durability or warmth before deciding on this material. However, it is essential to consider that they will need more care than other surfaces because they can be damaged by heat from pots and pans.
Travertine – A porous form of limestone often used in Italian architecture, travertine is a type of marble that looks somewhat like limestone but has much softer and more natural color tones.
Silestone – Manufactured by mixing silica sand with minerals such as quartz, stone powder, and calcium carbonate to create countertops resistant to stains or chipping.
Laminates – Manufactured by pressing layers of different types of paper together then sealing them between two pieces of metal for durability but without the weight found in other countertop materials like butcher block. This type comes in many colors, so matching your kitchen cabinets will be easy, though some may find this surface too smooth compared to others on this list.
Ready To Install a New Kitchen or Bathroom Countertops?
C4L Cabinetry in Mesa, Arizona, will help you install your new countertop. There are many different types of kitchen and bathroom counters to choose from at C4L Cabinetry. We offer a variety of brands, styles, and colors so you can find the perfect countertop for your kitchen or bathroom project!
We are excited to be able to help with all of your needs! From cabinets to counters, we have it all at discounted prices that will leave you smiling from ear to ear when looking around through our showroom full of quality products. Call today to ask questions about installation services in Mesa, Arizona.