What Material Should I Select for My Countertops? We're Glad You Asked!

When choosing a countertop material for your new or remodeled kitchen, there are many factors to consider other than aesthetics. Do you cook every day? What type of foods do you cook often? Are you used to taking a hot pot off the stove and putting it directly on the countertop? Sharing these details with your designer will help them design a space that supports your lifestyle.

Check out these countertop options…

1. High-Quality, Low-Maintenance Quartz

Quartz has been the number one choice recently for kitchen design. Quartz is an artificial material fabricated to look like natural stone, like granite or marble, but has less maintenance than a natural stone material. 

We recommend Cambria or Ceaserstone quartz because when you select the right quality quartz, you will have a countertop that will last longer and look like new years later. The only downside to quartz is you can not put a hot pot directly onto the countertop as you risk it staining the resin or cracking from the heat

2. Resilient Porcelain Slabs

Although less popular than quartz, porcelain is becoming an option more and more homeowners are considering. Porcelain has all the excellent characteristics of quartz, but you can put a hot pan directly onto the surface without worrying about staining or cracking. Porcelain slabs come in a small thickness, so you can build up to whatever thickness you want. The downside of this material is that the installation will take a bit longer than a quartz or granite.

3. You'll Fall Madly in Love with Natural Materials

Granite, marble, or quartzite remain viable options for your kitchen countertops. But like all natural products, maintenance is required to preserve the product's longevity. If you fall in love with marble, remember it is a porous material that will stain easily, and removing stains from natural marble is nearly impossible. 

On the other hand, quartzite (different from quartz) is not artificial and is a highly durable natural marble product. But once again, it will require care and attention. Although granite has lost popularity, it remains a close second in comparing countertop products to quartz.

Knowing how you utilize your kitchen is crucial in selecting the correct material. If cooking and baking are not your thing, but you love entertaining and maintaining a show-stopper kitchen—quartzite is your best option. But if you cook and bake like me and don't want the worry of treating your countertops with tender, loving care at all times, quartz or porcelain are your best options.

If you're ready for a professional to bring your dream kitchen (countertops and all) to life, let's talk! We'd be delighted to help!

Warmly,

Trisha