countertops and how to choose them
Marble, Porcelain, Quartz, Granite, Quartzite, Concrete, Butcher Block, Stainless Steel, or Laminate. These are just a few options for countertops to consider. Are you looking for an elevated elegant look, or a natural aesthetic to coincide with your kitchen? We are here to help you decide what countertop works best for you, your style, and your kitchen!
Marble
One of the main concerns that homeowners have about choosing real marble for kitchen countertops is that it will stain. While marble can be more susceptible to stains or etches from acidic foods and beverages, there are ways to prevent this from happening. Your countertop fabricator can ward off stains by applying an impregnating sealer that fills the pores just below the stone’s surface to slow the absorption of liquids, allowing more time to clean up spills. Today’s sealers are highly effective at preventing staining, without altering the look of the stone itself. While no sealer can prevent etching, which is a dulling of the stone when it comes into contact with acidic materials, a high quality sealer can go a long way in shielding your new marble from stains for years, or even decades.
Honed marble has a soft, satin finish rather than a glossy shine – a look that many home owners actually prefer. This type of marble gives a more matte finish and doesn't leave as bad of stain if something acidic gets on it.
Marble is also naturally heat resistant which is a real crowd pleaser, but even still we like to take every precaution in setting hot plates on our marble considering it is a more pricey option.
Porcelain
Porcelain is designed to last and is a man made slab created to be easy to clean, durable, heat resistant, and harder to leave stains or scratches. It is an easier installation process and also has a sleek look that comes in variant designs and colors. It typically tends to runs around the same price as granite and quartz sometimes less which is the main reason why this countertop has become so popular recently!
Quartz
Quartz countertops have been the biggest rage amongst all families. It is man made to look like natural stone, but without having to worry if it is durable or not. Quartz countertops are built to last and never need to be re-sealed! It’s an investment worth making!
Granite
Granite has been the go to countertop for many years for its natural stone and its durability. It is formed via volcanic processes and is stable enough slab form to not need impregnation of resins. This stone is heat resistant and is pretty easy to clean, but you need to be careful with the type of cleaner you apply to this surface so it doesn't damage it. Try finding granite specific cleaners that aren't harmful to the surface.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that's formed when sandstone-based rock is morphed from sand to glassy crystalline with heat and pressure. The crystalline structure creates a more brittle stone that is stabilized by resins.
Resins are natural or synthetic compounds generally originating from tree or plant sap. Resins can turn these previously unsellable stones into marketable slabs. This is one reason why quartzite has recently become popular.
Quartzite is susceptible to etching and staining because in slab preparation, resins are infused into the slab to enhance slab stability and make it shine. The resins are used before the slab gets to the distributor/fabricator and is not a 'local' treatment. When acidic liquids such as wine, tomatoes, citrus, etc. aren't wiped up immediately, you are left with a ghosted etch mark. Etching can also occur when cleaners that contain hydrofluoric acid are used. Etching is especially apparent on light/white colored quartzite, but the dulling appearance of etching will be visible on any colored quartzite.
Depending on the minerals bonded together during the mineral metamorphic process, quartzite can be porous and prone to staining. It is advised to seal your quartzite countertops annually or more frequently.
It is typical for quartzite slabs to contain natural fissures which can open up during fabrication and installation. The fissures are noticeable to the eye and to the touch. Some fissures may have been filled prior to getting to the distributor/fabricator, and some can be filled by the fabricator during the fabrication and installation process, it may even be possible for new fissures to occur after the countertops are in place. The characteristic is inherent in the nature of the product and is not to be considered a latent defect.
Concrete
Concrete countertops have become popular recently for their chicness and their modern industrial look. They are very durable considering they are the same material used for roads and sidewalks, but remember that they can crack easily as your home settles, but good news they can be repaired pretty quickly and be sealed! They are bold and striking, but if your are looking for a countertop that will last for years to come with your home you might want to search into another option.
Butcher Block
Think of butcher block as a giant cutting board for your kitchen. You can get these in maple, oak, cherry, walnut, and even teak finishes. The point of a butcher block is to not only stylistically go with the aesthetic of your kitchen, but for you too directly cut and slice on the countertop directly. That's right no need for a cutting board. However, if you choose to seal this surface we suggest bringing those cutting boards back out so you don't break the seal. It also is very porous meaning if you have any spills, make sure to quickly wipe it to prevent staining!
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops have been used religiously in industrial and commercial kitchens for many many years, and are now being brought into residential homes. It's stylish and really makes your kitchen look modern/trendy. Remember like any other stainless steel appliance in your home you see fingerprints and its not as easy to clean. They also can be easily dented and scratched, so keep that in mind as well when selecting your countertops!
Laminate
Laminate countertops were highly popular in the 80s and 90s, but today they're making a come back with laminate countertops that look like wood or stone with it being the fraction of the cost of real stone or wood countertops! These are nonporous so they are great for being able to clean easily and they don't absorb bacteria. They are however, not heat resistant, so be sure to keep that mind by using a trivet to protect your counters from heat damage. Laminate also you need to consider is not a good factor when trying to renovate your entire kitchen for resale. It is better for a rental, guest house, or basement!