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Countertops are one of the most important finishes in a project.
Dive into our guide to learn more about the pros and cons of the most common countertop materials
Countertop surfaces have come a long way since the days of Formica: Wood, concrete and natural stones have made their way to the kitchen, making it hard to decide.
Countertops set the tone for the kitchen, and often are one of the most expensive portions of a kitchen remodel: About 11 percent of your kitchen remodeling budget will be used for countertops.
When choosing materials, think not only of the look that reflects your style, but also of how you use the kitchen. Bakers prefer marble countertops that stay cool and are excellent for making dough, while Chefs lean towards stainless steel countertops that are easy to clean and resistant to heat.
For the average home kitchen, it is better to think of, durability, stain and scratch resistance, style and of course: price.
It’s all about counterbalance, finding out the pros and cons of the countertops you’re considering.
Granite
Granite is a light-colored igneous rock, consists mainly of quartz and feldspars with some amounts of amphibole minerals and mica.
Pros:
• Not only is granite heat-resistant, but it is stain resistant as well.
• Durability. Sealed granite countertop will look like new for many years, and most likely last you a lifetime under normal use.
• Easy to repair. In case your countertop needs to be touched up, using professional stone repair products will fill the void.
Cons:
• It is possible for granite to crack from improper care.
• Without maintenance, granite will absorb oils, juice and wine, which will be impossible to remove.
• Most likely comes with seams. Due to the size of the typical slab, your granite countertops will most likely be installed with more than one slab.
Quartz
While granite is an all-natural solid stone, quartz countertops are made of crushed quartz and other stone byproducts.
Pros:
• Non porous. This is one of the major advantages that quartz countertops have. A non-porous surface is water and satin resistance.
• Low Maintenance. In addition to being non-porous, quartz countertops are also low maintenance.
• Verity: Quartz countertop manufacturers can create nearly any design and color you want.
Cons:
• Susceptible to heat damage. The resin and polymer that are part of the quartz countertop composition are not heat resistance.
• Quartz countertops become discolored with extended exposure to direct sunlight.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful natural material, the megastars of a luxurious home.
Marble is a beautiful natural material, the megastars of a luxurious home.
Pros:
• Timeless beauty
• Small nicks and scratches can be polished out.
• Marble increases the value of your house.
Cons:
• Stain Easily. Acidic liquids will stain permanently.
• Like any natural stone, marble breaks down over time. An annual maintenance treatment is required.
• Pricy. Marble is the most expensive countertop option.
Dekton
While Decton slabs looks like they are made of natural stone and resemble marble, they are actually made of composition of quartz, porcelain, and glass.
Dekton is a sophisticated mixture of more than 20 minerals extracted from nature. Dekton uses in its manufacturing the exclusive TSP technology, able to sinter mineral particles making them bond with each other.
Pros:
• Extremely durable. Dexton countertops withstand heat, stains, and major scratching.
• Resembles marble while staying affordable.
•Unlike other countertop materials, Dekton countertops are sold in large slabs to avoid seams in installation.
Cons:
• Limited Purchase Availability. Dekton is a relevantly new product, and sells on fewer shops than other countertops.
• Only few installers familiar with the product. In YMH Atlanta we are highly familiar with Dekton slabs, and will happily install them in your home!
Laminate
Laminate countertops are made from a layer of paper or plastic that is laminated to a particleboard base. Once considered tacky, today's laminates are made in better quality than the classic formica countertops of the 1960s.
Pros:
• Budget-friendly. Laminate countertop will leave you with room for other items in your remodeling budget.
• Design options. Laminate comes in hundreds of colors and designs.
• Maintenance free. Besides everyday cleaning, laminate does not require special treatments.
Cons:
• Resale value. Laminate countertops do not retain value, and you may have difficulties selling your home because of it.
• Durability. In spite of laminate countertops decent impact resistance, they are prone to heat damage and are easily scratched.
• Laminate countertops are not repairable.
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