When it comes to choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom project the choices may seem over whelming. On the other hand, you may have your heart set on one material in particular, but may not be fully aware of its advantages and disadvantages. This article will give you a little more insight on some of the top choices to help narrow or decide on the right selection for you.
Granite:
Granite is one of the countertop materials of choice; it has a very elegant and captivating appearance. The simple beauty of the stone itself contributes to the overall look and style of the space.
Pros: Granite is a natural stone; therefore, unique colours, patterns and veining are what make this stone strikingly eye-catching and one of a kind. Durability of this stone is exceptional seeing as it has the second highest hardness rating after diamonds. It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, heat and other wear and tear. The durability and longevity of this product is worth the investment and has a high value to home buyers.
Cons: Seeing as granite is a natural stone, it requires being sealed every so often to avoid stains and knives can become dull if you cut on it. Due to the substantial weight of it is necessary to have sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight. Also, when choosing a colour for your countertop, it is best to look at the actual slab your countertop will be coming from. The natural veining and colouring may be totally different in an entire slab compared to a tiny sample you may be looking at in a showroom.
Marble:
Marble is incomparable when it comes to an ultra-traditional, glamorous, and luxurious appearance.
Pros: The distinctive veining and sheer elegance and classiness of marble has a very distinguishing traditional and classical look, perfect for traditional design. It withstands heat well, and is known to be a fantastic choice for pastry and baking stations.
Cons: Unfortunately, marble is known to be extremely susceptible to stains, even after sealing, and can be scratched and chipped more easily due to the softer nature of the stone. It is suggested that the use of marble in kitchens be limited to one or two small areas rather than the entire kitchen.
Quartz:
Quartz is an engineered stone that is created of resin and 93% quartz particles/crystals tinted with color. It is said to be the perfect compromise between the exquisiteness of stone and the hassle free care of solid surfacing.
Pros: Due to quartz surfacing being engineered, it has great maintenance advantages because it is non-porous, does not require sealant, and is resistant to stains and acid. Its colour and pattern availability is much vaster in comparison to natural stone. The durability and longevity of this product is worth the investment and has a high value to home buyers.
Cons: If the beauty and unpredictability of the veining and colouring of natural stone is what you are interested in, this material may not be the right choice for you as it has more of an evident uniform appearance.
Laminate:
Laminate is created when paper blended material with resins is fused to particle board. Laminate hasn’t always gotten the best rep in the style and decor section, but new age designs and colours are changing this stigma. Modern designs now-a-days mimic stone, butcher block, and other more luxurious surfaces.
Pros: Laminate is on the higher end of the affordability list when it comes to countertop material, so if you need a budget friendly solution, this could be the perfect solution for your project. It is low maintenance and very easy to clean. Considering it is lightweight, it does not require the support of a sturdy cabinet base. Laminate also comes in endless amounts of colours and patterns.
Cons: Due to laminate being a less durable material than natural or engineered stone, it is prone to scratching, burns, and staining. The layers of laminate material can begin to peel with wear and moisture exposure. If your heart is set on an undermount sink, laminate is not the choice for you. Unfortunately, due to core being made from raw particle board, you are unable to use an undermount sink in your design. Scratches and chips are extremely, almost impossible to repair and seams are usually visible.
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to each material. Narrowing down you needs and wants are imperative to helping you decide on what material is right for you and your project.
Feel free to come visit our showroom at 5-850 Industrial Avenue in Ottawa to take a look at some countertop samples and work with our experienced designers. Also, you can reach us at 613-749-1512 if you have any questions about choosing the right countertop for you!
