A countertop surface that suits your lifestyle is key to a functional kitchen, and the comparison of different materials can be tricky. The material and option you choose, whether it’s in the destructive or composite slab or handmade it’s for utility as well as style. By replacing the scratched, scorched, stain, and unattractive countertop can transform any kitchen lot of range.
Each material has negative and positive effects, like some may be strong, some scratch, some are pricier, and some are of low cost. It isn’t straightforward to choose the best material for your countertops when you’re making a comparison between different options like marble, granite, quartz, and quartzite, and more. Before you decide or fall in love with any material, these are the few things we suggest to keep in mind.
- Color and design (style statement you want)
- Size and shape (thickness, length edge style of the slab)
- Integration with backsplash
- Durability and maintenance (how to use space)
- Cost of ownership
Here, we’ll take a look at popular countertop materials for kitchens:
Quartz Countertops
This Kitchen countertop material consists of 93% quartz particles and other minerals. It is extracted from quarries, then shaped into slabs and mixed with resins, due to which it looks natural. The way quartz appears depends on how it is grounded. The coarsely grounded will appear blotch, while the finely grounded will be smooth. It is a non-porous material and doesn’t require surface sealing.
Purpose of choosing Quartz for Kitchen Countertops
Quartz appears as a natural stone. It reputes as a more durable, less porous, and fabricated form of slab granite. This Kitchen countertop material is taking over granite. The manufacturing of quartz provides different colors like marble and granite, making it luxurious. It has the same durability as concrete and granite so that it won’t chip or crack easily. Its hardness is not like other natural stones so that it wouldn’t be unpleasant.
Appearance of Quartz
The appearance of quartz makes it popular because it gives stone look and allows the owner to customize the design.
Pros of Quartz
1. DIY installationÂ
The DIY installation is possible for it. It is an eye-catching kitchen countertop material and is the best choice. Its installation is not much complicated with the help of a friend because of its heaviness. In fact, it is easy to install than one thinks.
2. MaintenanceÂ
Its maintenance is easy and doesn’t need sealing because of the solid surface. However, cleaning is necessary with soap or water.
3. Resistance to Stain, Heat, and Acid
Quartz is non-porous so it retains stain better than granite, marble, and concrete. It holds up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee, and other sources of stains in the kitchen. A non-porous surface means that it will not produce bacteria or viruses. The quartz kitchen countertop is the best option for cleanliness. It is not as resistant to heat as granite, crushed glass, or concrete. So be careful with hot pots and pans in the kitchen or hot hair tools in the bathroom.
Cons
1. Quartz is Expensive
It is costly so it can cost from $1000-$5000. Therefore, it is engineered quartz and is heavier than any other stone.
2. Dense
They are heavy, and not all cabinet is strong to bear it. Besides, unsupported areas, such as desks or overhangs that need some support.
Granite for Kitchen Countertops
Granite is the kitchen countertop material of choice when you don’t consider money as a choice. It also adds elegance to the kitchen. The modest kitchens can look luxurious when granite countertops are added. It is durable for the family kitchen, which gets a lot of use.
It was an expensive material, but its price has come down finally because of the increase in supply.
Pros
1. Resistant to heat and scratch
Granite countertops will not melt or burn when exposed to heat. They are one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan directly on a granite countertop. The material is so dense; there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing could cause the countertop to crack. Granite ranks seven on Moh’s scale of hardness. Moreover, very few minerals can scratch it. You can cut on it, but this will dull your knives and possibly leave a metal residue behind that can be difficult to remove.
2. Potent and durable
Granite is a durable product. It is obtained by quarrying. Finally, it can last a lifetime and it has no harmful chemicals and does not emit any radiation or gases.
Resealed regularly to maintain its longevity
Granite is a porous material. A sealer is applied to granite kitchen countertops before installed, which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Porous is not bad quality. If liquids are left on the surface, they will eventually absorb. But just like they absorb, they will also evaporate. Other countertop materials such as solid surfaces and quartz surfaces are non-porous. These materials can be stained but are removed by granite.
Cons
- Costly material
- Slabs can be imperfect.
- Fissures by stress or not installed properly
- Knives are tone down by cutting on granite.
- It is porous, so to avoid stain, it needs to be sealed.
Marble for Kitchen Countertops
Mable is used mostly in kitchen countertops, and homeowners consider it the best and most luxurious material. Each marble countertop is unique. It is costly, so its use is rare on the whole countertop of most kitchens. Its affluent appearance is limited and utilization of marble countertops is mostly in the baking area.
Pros
1. Water and heat resistant
It is a heat-resistant material if you use your kitchen for baking.it can resist heat but you surely don’t want to put a hot pan on it due to discoloration or burning of the surface.
2. Adds value to the house
The shiny surface looks polished along with gold or brass featuring or monochromatic and modern when paired with chrome. marble’s ability to withstand so many different design styles makes it trending. If you’re a homeowner looking for a wipe-and-go countertop, you’ll surely not skip it.
3. Attractive stone with unique veining
Cons
1. Cost-effective
It can vary from least expensive to highly expensive. The cost depends on its different varieties like Carrara marble is the least expensive because it is easily available while Calcatta marble is expensive with dramatic veining.
2. ScratchingÂ
Marble is a softer material. When acid is added to the countertop it removes the polish and makes it dull and prone to scratches.
3. Sealing
It is porous, so to avoid stains, it needs to be sealed. Marble countertops can absorb the liquid, making it vulnerable to these agents, so it is difficult to remove it, so sealing is done before installation.
Read more: Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops
Onyx for Kitchen Countertops
It is another stone whether you want it iridescent or translucent. Onyx originated from limestone caves formed by water dripping, creating beautiful and unique veining. You can find it in different colors like pink, green, orange. It is softer than marble but soft as calcite which sparkles with crystal.
Onyx is less durable. It may wear out but with the right sealing, it’ll be long-lasting.
Travertine is the same in making.it is a stone with a natural glow range.
Quartzite for Kitchen Countertops
Quartzite countertops are a popular product among designers and households. Quartz and quartzite are different materials with identical names, so you must not get confused between these two. It is a precious and convertible natural material. Its looks are similar to onyx and marble. Quartzite is also known to be the premium material for kitchen countertops.
Pros
1. Highly resistant
Quartzite is made of heat, but still, you’ll need a potholder to resist heat so it can last long. It is resistant to heat, water, and scratches, but sealing is required. Otherwise, cracks can occur.
2. Durable
It is durable if maintained properly. The interlocked quartz grain and process of metamorphism make it strong countertop material.
3. Easy to clean
They are easy to clean due to sealing. You can clean it by using a soft sponge or dishwasher. The abrasives can, however, damage the sealing, so avoid using them.
Cons
1. Expensive
Quartzite is an expensive material because cutting it is not an easy task. It is a time-consuming process. Because it’s a rare material, so it has a high cost. It is often confused with marble, but the latter is expensive and softer while this product is hard.
2. Sealing
They are porous so belonging from the mining region requires sealing to protect from scratches and bacteria.
Read more: Pros and Cons of Quartzite countertops