Just like your cabinetry, your countertops are both a longer-term investment in your home as well as a design feature. Whether for a remodel or a new build, when choosing the right countertop for your space can seem overwhelming. Aside from the design element, it's important to consider how you will be using the space and how your countertops will hold up over the course of time. Below is a run down of the 5 most common types of countertops.
GRANITE
A natural igneous stone, an easy go-to for many projects.
Pros:
Comes in a variety of colors and hues
Mostly heat and stain resistant (No stone is completely heat resistant and we always recommend heat pads)
Cons:
Porous and must be sealed - about 1x per year
Fun Fact: Mt. Rushmore is carved from granite.
Granite: Eurocraft Granite & Marble
MARBLE
A natural sedimentary stone, a timeless classic.
Pros:
Comes in a variety of colors and hues
Elegant veining that is larger and typically more consistent than granite
Mostly heat resistant (No stone is completely heat resistant and we always recommend heat pads)
Cons:
Porous and must be sealed - about 3x per year
Although very durable, because of its porous nature, it can be affected by stains and spills especially acidic liquids. Also, harsh cleaners are a no-no.
Fun Fact: The Taj Mahal is constructed of marble.
Marble: Eurocraft Granite & Marble
QUARTZ / QUARTZITE
Although similar in name, these two countertops are quite different. Quartz is an engineered stone made from approximately 90% ground quartz & 10% polyresin while Quartzite is a natural stone that starts as sandstone and after a process of heat and pressure is fused with quartz crystals.
Quartz
Pros:
Comes in a variety of colors and designs
Non-porous - no need to seal & does not harbor bacteria or viruses
Stain & scratch resistant
Unlike natural stone, all samples are true representations of what you will order and will be consistent throughout your project.
Low maintenance
Cons:
Direct sunlight can cause it to fade. It is definitely not recommended for outdoors.
The least heat resistant of all. (No stone is completely heat resistant and we always recommend heat pads.)
Quartzite
Pros:
Has delicate veining much like marble and coloration and patterning like granite
Cons:
Comes only in a limited amount of colors/hues
Susceptible to staining in heavy use areas
Very porous and requires sealing
Quartz: Eurocraft Granite & Marble; Right: Quartz, Left: Quartzite
WOOD
Wood countertops have been used as work surfaces in kitchens for centuries. Wood countertops give your space a warm and inviting feel. Due to wood's permeability, we recommend using it as an accent piece on an island or as a work surface in an office space rather than a highly used space in your kitchen.
Pros:
Natural, warm feel
Excellent work surface
Cons:
Very porous and requires monthly treatments
Easily damaged
Not good to use near sinks
LAMINATE
The term "laminate" makes many people cringe, but the laminate of today is not like it was in the 1970's. The quality of laminate has come a long way, and the endless array of styles and colors to choose from make laminate a great choice, especially if you're on a tight budget.
Pros:
Durable
Comes in a large variety of colors and patterns
Excellent value
Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
Can look synthetic
Scratches easily
Need to be careful around seams, as water can cause the laminate to expand
Right: Stock Photo from Formica(R)
COST
Cost, of course, is always a factor of any element you decide to use in your remodel or new home. However, regarding countertops, it’s hard to pin down an exact cost range. Your cost will depend on a variety of factors including your contractor, quality of the stone, quantity your purchasing, colors, thickness, etc.
Here’s a rough estimate of current costs:
Granite: $35-75 per sqft
Marble: $40-100 per sqft
Quartz: $50-120 per sqft
Quartzite: $80-100 per sqft
Wood: $30-170 per sqft
Laminate: $40-80 per sqft
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ultimately, as with all elements of your project, you’ll need to weigh what fits best with the character of your home, your budget and the end goal of your project.
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