Countertops
Choosing a countertop can be tricky. Unlike the backsplash in your kitchen, it needs to function well and endure every day life spills and clean ups while looking great. Whether it’s a bathroom vanity or your kitchen island, aesthetics, cost, maintenance and durability should be considered in making this decision. Visiting showrooms is the best way to narrow down the selection process and see everything in person. But before you begin that journey, we thought it would be helpful to go over the different options you will encounter. Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves. Lastly, always refer to the stone fabricator or cabinetmaker on how to clean and maintain your counters. They will be installing them after all, and are the experts in keeping them looking beautiful.
Quartz
Description
An engineered material made from roughly 90% natural quartz, then combined with pigments and resins. It's used in kitchens, bathrooms and flooring. Because it's engineered, it is sometimes associated with name brands like Caesarstone or Cambria. They are all quartz though, just made by manufacturers.
Durability
Quartz is incredibly durable, and one of the hardest countertop materials available. It's highly scratch resistant and non-porous so it won't stain easily. Quartz is not resistive to heat though, so care must be taken in kitchens by using trivets, and it cannot be used at fireplaces.
Maintenance
Virtually maintenance free, quartz is popular because it's easy to keep looking great. It doesn't require re-sealing like natural stone and easily wipes clean.
Cost
Quartz is usually less expensive than most natural stones, but the cost can vary depending on the manufacturer and color/pattern. Simple white quartz will cost less than a quartz that is mimicking marble.
Aesthetics
Because it's an engineered product, each slab will look the same with consistent colors and patterns. There are pros and cons to this; when an area is larger than the slab and a seam is required, uniformity is ideal. Also, each slab will be identical, so there's no need to hand pick slabs to make sure they are exactly what you want. But, if you are looking for variation and the look of a real stone product, quartz can try to mimic the look of natural stone, but it won't give the same classic elegance of something like marble.
Quartzite
Description
Often confused with quartz in name, and marble in looks, quartzite is a commonly misunderstood stone. It is actually a quarried natural material formed from sandstone and quartz. It's used in kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, flooring and can be used outside as well.
Durability
Quartzite is the most durable natural stone available and is very resistant to scratching. It’s naturally heat resistant, which makes it great for kitchens, but it is porous and can stain.
Maintenance
Like other natural stones, quartzite needs to be sealed after installation, and it is recommended to be resealed annually to maintain its durability. Spills should be cleaned immediately to prevent staining or water damage.
Cost
Quartzite is more expensive than quartz and ranks as one of the higher costing countertop materials, along with marble.
Aesthetics
Quartzite can look similar to marble and can even be confused with the popular material. It can also appear more dramatic than marble, with striking veining and pops of color like gold and blue. Each slab will look slightly different, even from the same quarry. When selecting natural stone slabs, it's important to review each one and select them individually. Quartzite is more limited in size since it's a natural material, and often requires seams in large areas. Seams are more noticeable if the pattern has a lot of variation, so it's up to the fabricator to create a seam that is as natural as possible.
Marble
Description
Marble is a well know, classic material that's been used for millennia. It's used in kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces and flooring.
Durability
Marble is very soft, and is prone to scratching. It's heat resistant, but its porous surface makes it easier to stain and etch.
Maintenance
Marble requires more maintenance than other stones, as it can scratch and stain easily. Spills need to be cleaned up immediately and harsh cleaners should be avoided. Acidic foods should not come in contact with marble, and it is recommended to seal marble at least every six months. Because it is so high maintenance, careful consideration should be made before using marble in kitchens.
Cost
Marble ranks as one of the higher costing countertop materials, along with quartzite.
Aesthetics
Marble is a timeless, elegant stone that is easy to recognize. It comes in natural tones and cooler colors like grays and whites, as well as greens and pinks. It has less variation than quartzite and will develop character over time as usage naturally wears this soft material.
Granite
Description
Granite is a naturally hard stone consisting of mostly quartz and feldspar.
Durability
Granite is one of the most durable natural stones available and is heat and scratch resistant. Because of this it's popular in kitchens and fireplaces.
Maintenance
Like other natural stones, granite needs to be sealed after installation, and it is recommended to be resealed annually or when it starts to darken and absorb water. Harsh cleaners can damage the polished surface, but otherwise it is easy to maintain, especially for a natural material.
Cost
Granite is less expensive than marble and quartzite but can still be costly depending on the type that is purchased.
Aesthetics
Granite varies greatly and can be either monochromatic or patterned and colorful. It's lost a bit of popularity as lighter, simpler countertops have taken over the latest trends, but it still holds a place in contemporary design and should be considered.
Soapstone
Description
Soapstone is a natural, soft stone that has a high talc content. Although it is soft like marble, it is not porous.
Durability
Soapstone is soft and can scratch and chip with heavy wear. But unlike marble, it is stain resistant and will not be affected by acids. It's heat resistant as well, so it's often used in kitchens.
Maintenance
Soapstone is actually surprisingly low maintenance and does not require sealing. It naturally darkens over time and will develop a rich patina that gives it character. Oiling the surface periodically will help keep the dark look consistent.
Cost
Soapstone is a bit more limited in its availability and can cost more because of this. It is in line with the price of marble and quartzite.
Aesthetics
Soapstone is limited in color, and ranges from light grey to black and has subtle, elegant veining. Because it darkens over time and achieves an antique look, it's great for those looking for a more vintage, unique feel. It can be limited in size like quartzite and may require a seam in larger areas.
Butcher Block
Description
Butcher block counters are made of thick pieces of hardwood that are glued together to obtain maximum strength.
Durability
Butcher block counters are not nearly as durable as stone or quartz, but if cared for properly can last for decades. Because they are wood, they are more prone to dents, scratches and water damage.
Maintenance
Butcher block counters are porous and therefore require maintenance in the form of applying food-safe oil to them. This will keep them staining easily or getting damaged by water.
Cost
By far the most economical choice here, these counters are great for projects on a budget, or areas of the home that are “back of house”. Laundry rooms, pantries and mud rooms are great places to use these counters.
Aesthetics
There are many options for butcher block counters, including wood species that vary from light to dark. You can also choose from a variety of wood grains, or the pattern you see, which can be simple and linear, or a checkerboard pattern.