The Countertop Guide You Didn't Know You Needed
We cook, eat, clean, gather, and do life in our kitchens. For many, the kitchen island has supplanted the dining room table as the main gathering place in the home. With so much activity and life happening in the kitchen, you need to get your counter choice right the first time.
Of course, we are partial to the beauty and functionality of wood countertops. Wood has become the choice for ours customers who want to add warmth and beauty to their kitchens while also having a statement piece that becomes the envy of their friends.
Wood countertops might not be for you, however, and we want you to make the right choice.
We put together a guide gathering the pros and cons of popular countertop options so you can be confident with your decision.
Overall Countertop Similarities
Countertops come in a wide array of colors and edge detailing
Can be custom fit for your space with unique cut outs for stoves and sinks
With natural materials, no two surfaces look the same
Very few are maintenance free
Wood
Edge Grain Black Walnut
Pros
Instantly adds warmth and character to a space
Depending on fabrication, food can be prepared on the surface
Easy to install
With Conversion Varnish, it’s water resistant and zero maintenance
With Osmo Finish, it’s easy to fix scratches
Cons
Can scratch easily
Not resistant to heat
Granite
Pros
Scratch and heat resistant
Durable, hard material
Spills wipe up quickly and cleanly
Cons
Harder to install
Needs to be sealed regularly
Repairs are costly
Marble
Pros
Classic, timeless and bright white beauty
With naturally cool temperature, it’s great for baking
While many think it’s costly, the Carrara option is the least expensive natural stone countertops
Cons
Maintenance and sealing is necessary
Etching and staining can easily occur with acid ingredients
quartz
Pros
Man Made material that is very durable, low maintenance
Because the product is manmade, there is a wide range of colors
Since it non-porous it resists stains easily
Versatile in design trends, though mostly favors modern decor
Cons
More expensive
Isn’t as heat resistant as granite or concrete
Can be difficult to disguise seams
While it’s heat resistant, overexposure to high heat can melt the resins and cause permanent damage
Difficult to install
quartzite
Pros
Natural Material that is harder than granite and quartz
High heat tolerance
It looks like marble, but won’t etch and is easier to care for
Very low maintenance
Cons
It’s expensive and costs more than Quartz
Soapstone
Pros
It’s a stunning and natural surface
While it can get scratched easily, it’s easy to buff away imperfections
Cons
May not be a con depending on personal preference, but it does develop a patina with use
Typically comes in only grey tones
Concrete
Pros
When properly sealed, the surface is stain, heat and water resistant
Customizable in color, thickness, size, edge and texture
Seams are easy to disguise
Cons
May not be a con depending on personal preference, but it does develop a patina with use
It’s permanent
Hard to install, best to ask someone with experience or a professional
