MARBLE
PROS
-Natural beauty
-Classy and timeless
CONS
-Porous surface (meaning it will stain and etch)
-Needs to be resealed every 1-2 years
-Expensive
SOAPSTONE
PROS
-Dense and non-porous
-Easy to disguise small surface scratches with
mineral oil
CONS
-Susceptible to scratches and nicks
-Typically found only in gray tones with varying
veining patterns
GRANITE
COUNTERTOP
SURFACES
There are many types of countertop available to customize your kitchen. However, before selecting an ideal countertop material for your kitchen, it's important to consider the characteristics of each, including the durability, appearance, longevity, resistances, and maintenance requirements.
Whether you are looking for natural stone, like marble and granite, or you prefer the look and feel of concrete or ceramic tile, each option has different characteristics and knowing them can help you choose the best one for your needs. Use this guide to the most common types of countertops to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each, so you can discover the best types of countertop materials for your kitchen.
One of the top choices for kitchen countertops is granite. This material is a popular option that is durable and tough, allowing the granite to stand up to impact and abrasive damage. Additionally, this material is resistant to heat, making it an ideal choice for the kitchen.
Granite is a type of natural stone that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Select the color and undertone that suits your home aesthetic or opt for something that will stand out from the rest of the room. Just keep in mind that due to the weight of granite, this type of countertop is better installed by a professional, instead of trying to DIY the project.
If it is taken care of properly, a granite countertop can last for decades. Granite is easy to clean, but it is a porous natural stone, so you will need to apply a new sealant over the granite about once every three to five years.
QUARTZ
PROS
-Man-made surface
-Stain,scratch,heat,acid,and impact resistant
-Non-porous surface,which means it doesn’t
need to be sealed
-Low maintenance
CONS
-It’ll never be the real thing
BUTCHER BLOCK
PROS
-Sanitary when properly sealed
-Provides great work space for chopping and baking
-Adds warmth and character
CONS
-Requires maintenance
-Scratches and dents
PROS
-Comes in wide range of colors and variations
-Polished or matte
-Spills wipe up quickly
-Non-porous materials after it’s sealed
-Cost effective
CONS
-Absorbs everything if not properly sealed
LIMESTONE
QUARTZITE
PROS
-All natural stone
-Available in a variety of colors and tones
-Sister surface to quartz
CONS
-Needs to be sealed and resealed once a year
-More expensive than quartz
CONCRETE
PROS
-Stain, heat and water resistant when sealed
-Customizable thickness, edges, color and texture
-Not your typical countertop surface
CONS
-Will patina over time
-Requires maintenance
PROS
-Variety of beautiful natural looking options
-Heat resistance
-Natural stone
CONS
-High maintenance
-Potential to burn
-Spills need to be cleaned up quickly
-Etching is fairly common