Sinks /
April 26, 2023
What is the best countertop material for my kitchen?
Budget and Durability
Budget and Durability are your two major considerations when choosing a countertop material. You also need to consider how much maintenance each type requires and whether it will suit the look of your kitchen. Granite is one of the most popular choices for a variety of reasons, including its durability, affordability and natural beauty. But there are many other materials available that may better suit your needs or budget. If you’d like to find out more about kitchen countertops in Golden Valley MN, reach out to Granite Expo today.
Engineered versus Natural Stones
Engineered stone is a composite material that is made from crushed natural stones, resin and other materials. This makes engineered stone very durable, but also less expensive than natural stone. Engineered stone has a variety of patterns and colors available, so you can get the look of granite or marble without the high price tag. However, engineered stones, while their price is desirable, can be considered tacky or overly artificial. They also have a tendency to be harder on tools than natural stones, so they may not be the best choice if you plan to frequently install or remove flooring. If you’re looking for a less expensive option that will last, consider engineered stones.
Quartz
Quartz is a very popular engineered stone that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It’s very durable and is often used for flooring and countertops because it has the look and feel of natural stone without the high price tag. Quartz also makes a great choice for bathroom vanities, countertops, and other surfaces where you want to add some sparkle. Quartz is an engineered rock, it’s roughly 93% made of ground quartz with the remaining 7% being polymer resin. Quartz comes in different types—from Calacatta to Cararra—each with its own unique patterning. Quartz is low maintenance and does not need to be sealed against stains or chipping. It resists heat as well, making it a popular choice for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. Because its engineered structure comes in many colors—from blue to red as well browns/grays—it is available with lots of different aesthetic options from contemporary clean-lined styles through classic marble patterns. Quartz has a more uniform pattern than natural materials, making it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops and vanity.
Marble
Marble is an extremely popular option for kitchen countertops. It’s beautiful and timeless, but it can be expensive and difficult to install. Marble is porous, so it needs to be sealed against stains or chipping. The sealant must also be reapplied every few years to keep the stone looking its best. In addition, marble is softer compared to many natural and engineered stones, meaning it is more prone to chipping, scratches, and stains. While it is heat resistant, marble is often seen as a safer option for bathroom countertops, fireplace facings, and hearths.
Granite
Granite is an extremely durable stone that’s resistant to heat and scratches. It can be difficult to install, but it does have an attractive appearance with a variety of colors, including black or red. Some common types of granite include black, white, red, and green varieties. Granite is a natural stone that comes from mountains all over the world. It’s an igneous rock composed of feldspar, quartz and other materials; this makes it durable with specks and grains that can contain different hues like blue or orange. One of the main advantages of granite is that it is heat resistant. This makes it better for cooking surfaces than other materials, as well as more forgiving in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Granite’s other advantage over many others—including marble—is its resistance to scratches, stains, and chips
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone that offers a high resistance to staining and scratching. It’s also highly durable and heat resistant. This makes it ideal for kitchen countertops, as well as other areas that are frequently used. Quartzite can be made into beautiful pieces of furniture or tiles, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms or kitchens. Quartzite begins as sandstone that is fused with quartz crystals during a natural process. It comes in shades of light gray to white, but also has natural hues of reddish-brown, pink or gold from iron oxide in the stone. Quartzite has a luxurious look that will make your kitchen countertops stand out. This material is heat, stain and impact resistant—ideal for kitchens!
At Granite Expo, we would be happy to help you with any of your countertop needs. We work with quartz, granite, marble, quartzite, and can even install sinks, backsplash, and custom edgework. We can help you find the perfect option for your home with a color consultation, and can help you install, remove, and/or dispose of all tiles and countertops. Click this link to look into our past projects, or you can contact us today to get your remodel project started immediately!
