What Countertop Should I Choose?

If you are picking out a countertop then you are likely in the process of a home improvement project and are already a bit overwhelmed with choices. The countertop you pick depends on many of your preferences and what the surface will be used for. Countertop installation can be trickier with heavier materials and it is important to choose wisely.

Location of the Countertop

If you are doing an outdoor countertop, you need to find a durable material that will resist staining and cracking. Quartz is durable buy may fade and warp with too much sunlight. While granite is not the best solution in cold weather as it may crack if moisture gets in and freezes. You can solve these issues by covering your outdoor countertops or having a professional select a durable material for your countertop installation.

If you are doing a bathroom countertop then granite or quartz countertops are classy, and lower maintenance options. Porcelain countertops are also an ideal option for bathroom countertops. You want to avoid materials that water stain easily.

Kitchen countertop also depends on its location. Sometimes it’s good to get two different materials; granite for an island and quartz for the main countertops. Your countertop installation experts can offer a variety of options depending on your use and desired location within the kitchen.

What Will You Be Doing On the Countertop?

Do you chop without a chopping board? Do you want to? Is your countertop getting lots of hot pans placed on it? Or are puddles of condensation and children’s messes more your thing? Its important to share with your countertop expert what exactly the common uses for the surfaces are.

Granite is quite durable but may crack or chip with heavy use. They don’t chip easily though. Granite is a great choice for a busy family. It’s durable, easy to clean and if it’s sealed it can last even longer. Granite resists moisture, staining and can stand up to your hot pains and puddles.

Quartz is even more durable and non porous. It will resist spills and stains without treatments or sealing, unlike granite. If you are OK with light use in your countertops you may even be able to consider porcelain Or marble countertop. Porcelain countertop is more likely to scratch but marble requires more maintenance.

What Kind of Upkeep Can You Handle?

Before searching “marble and granite countertops near me”, you should ask yourself if your schedule allows for you to maintain your selection. Granite, quartz and marble countertops all require different treatments. It may not be as simple as grabbing a washcloth with soap and water regularly to maintain your countertops. If you want the class and value of natural stone, quartz countertops are the easiest to treat and maintain.

Marble countertops stain easily so a sealant is advised to help protect the stone. Then, marble also requires special cleaners to prevent discoloration and etching. Traditional cleaners can also stain, fog and weaken the granite sealant on granite countertops. Anything too acidic like windex or vinegar can destroy a natural stone countertop.

Cost

This is usually the first consideration on people’s minds when choosing countertops. In reality, the costs of natural stone countertops are relatively comparable. Generally speaking, most expensive to least expensive will be marble, quartz, granite. However, that is a general rule and with the increase of supply and demand for natural stone countertops comes more options and price points.

It is worth the money to add value and lasting use to your home’s countertops with natural stone choices. If you are still unsure of your options, contact a countertop installation expert today to discuss your perfect plan.