In the market for new countertops? We're giving you the lowdown on seven high-end countertop material options.
When choosing new kitchen and bath countertops for your home, your first steps should be establishing a but and then accessing what material best suits your lifestyle. There are many species of stone with many different color variations and maintenance requirements. Keep in mind that when it comes to countertops - spending more on quality of product and fabrication is often worth it.
Let's look at some of the different types of stone and their pros and cons. This list will help you gauge what material is the best fit for your home and your lifestyle.
Quartzite
The ultimate material in durability and beauty. Quartzite is gives you better durability than granite with the beauty of marble. Quartzite is a natural stone but is often mistaken for Quartz, which is man-made material.
HIGH DURABILITY
SUPER EASY TO CLEAN
ONLY NEEDS TO BE SEALED ONCE YEARLY
CAN HANDLE HIGH HEAT FROM PANS AND DISHES
Granite
The most popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to its high durability and low cost.
HIGH DURABILITY
SUPER EASY TO CLEAN
ONLY NEEDS TO BE SEALED ONCE YEARLY
CAN HANDLE HIGH HEAT FROM PANS AND DISHES
LEAST EXPENSIVE OPTION
Quartz
Quartz is a man-made material that is made up of about 93% of natural quartzite crystals along with resins, dyes, and various other materials. It is a great selection for homes that need no to little upkeep.
HIGH DURABILITY
SUPER EASY TO CLEAN
DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY SEALING
CAN'T HANDLE HIGH HEAT FROM PANS AND DISHES
MULTIPLE COST OPTIONS
TONS OF COLOR OPTIONS
Concrete
A perfect choice that gives you durability, versatility and a sleek look.
HIGH DURABILITY
SUPER EASY TO CLEAN
NEEDS TO BE SEALED TWICE A YEAR
CAN HANDLE HIGH HEAT FROM PANS AND DISHES
NO SLAB SIZE RESTRAINTS
EASY TO CUSTOMIZE
Dolomite
A perfect selection that gives beautiful veining and coloring with additional durability than marble.
MILD DURABILITY
CAN STAIN AND SCRATCH
NEEDS TO BE SEALED 2 - 3x A YEAR
CAN HANDLE HIGH HEAT FROM PANS AND DISHES
SLABS TEND TO BE SMALLER
Marble
Marble tops are the most wanted choice for kitchens due to the elegant look it provides. Marble can instantly elevate your kitchen or bath to the next level. Unfortunately, most homeowners can not handle the maintenance requirements.
LOW DURABILTY
CAN STAIN AND SCRATCH
NEEDS TO BE SEALED 2 - 3x A YEAR
CAN HANDLE HIGH HEAT FROM PANS AND DISHES
MOST EXPENSIVE MATERIAL
When deciding on what material is best for your home - ANSWER THESE SIMPLE QUESTIONS:
How long does it take me to clean up a mess? If you take anymore than 30 minutes to clean up messes - I recommend staying away from marble.
Do you clean your kitchen immediately after cooking and meals? If you are quick to clean up than you might be able to keep up with softer stones like dolomite or marble.
Will rent this home eventually? If you're planning on renting - I recommend quartz or granite to save cost and increase durability.
Which stone would you choose for your home? Let us know in the comments!