Ah, the wonderful world of counter tops … solid surface, porous, natural stone, engineered stone, recycled, concrete—slow down! The options for counter surfaces seem overwhelming, but fear not! I’m here to simplify and give you all the pros, cons, and details in one place, so let’s get started, shall we?
Here’s a general idea of how the prices vary for each type of material. This includes materials and installation.
Granite Me One Wish
Granite: the counter top material that we’re all probably most familiar with. Attractive and diverse, it has the beautiful variation of natural stone and provides a great durable surface.
Things to Consider before Buying a
Granite Counter Top
- Like most natural stone counters, you’ll need to seal it to protect from staining.
- Before installation, make sure that your cabinets (and floors) are strong enough to hold its weight.
- Cost: $$$
A Modern Marble
Marble: the fairest of them all. But she can’t have it all. Though marble is great for withstanding heat, it is not ideal for kitchens, unless you’re doing a small baking station. On the other hand, it is great for bathroom counters!
Things to Consider before Buying a
Marble Counter Top
- Because it is porous, if you spill any type of acid on it, it will stain. You have lots of acids in your kitchen: vinegar, wine, cleaners, etc.
- If you have kids or really beat on your counter surfaces, marble might not be the surface for you, because it chips and scratches easily.
- Cost: $$$
Order In The Quartz!
Quartz is a gorgeous option when you want beauty and durability. Engineered quartz comes in lots of options, from chips to pieces that mimic marble or granite.
Things to Consider before Buying a
Quartz Counter Top
- Quartz is a solid surface product, so it is very durable, non-porous (my favorite) and is low-maintenance (no sealing required!). But, it doesn’t hold up to heat and scratches like natural stone does. That said, because it is a manufactured product, it is easy to sand out burns or scratches.
- Cost: $$
Quartzite
Quartzite is a whole other story. It is, I kid you not! If you were sad to hear that marble isn’t going to hold up well, here is your solution. It has a beautiful organic pattern to it and no two pieces are the same. If you want to make a statement, think Quartzite.
Things to Consider before Buying a
Quartzite Counter Top
- Quartzite in its pure form is incredibly durable—more so than granite! The problem is that often manufacturers will sell it mixed with other materials or coated, resulting in a less durable product. So, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the real deal.
- Cost: $$$–$$$$
Concrete Thinker
Concrete is such a fun product. You can create so many different looks with it, and it’s a great way to get an industrial look that isn’t like anyone else’s—concrete is highly customizable.
Things to Consider before Buying a
Concrete Counter Top
- Concrete isn’t as heat resistant as some natural stone, and requires frequent sealing.
- It is very heavy, so you must make sure that your cabinets can support the weight of it.
- Make sure it is properly maintained to avoid cracking!
- Cost: $$$$
Cinderella’s (Recycled) Glass Slipper
You know that there has to be a sustainable option in here somewhere—no good designer would leave it out! Recycled glass is gorgeous and guilt-free! It comes in a large variety of colors and can be customized to fit your style. This surface might fit just right!
Things to Consider before Buying a
Recycled Glass Counter Top
- Seal at installation and every 5 years (similar to natural stone).
- Like concrete, it is susceptible to cracking if not properly installed and maintained.
- Cost: $$$$
Conclusion
So there you have it: the 7 most popular counter top surfaces and some really great puns (sorry, sometimes I just can’t resist!). When choosing a counter top remember that function is first priority—with all the options out there, you’ll be able to find something beautiful and functional. It’s best to work with a design professional to determine your exact needs and what materials will work for you. Stay tuned for A Counter Offer: Counter Tops On a Budget!
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Photo Credits (click to go to original site): Granite Counter Tops, Marble Counter Tops, Quartz Counter Tops, Quartzite Counter Tops, Concrete Counter Tops, Recycled Glass Counter Tops