Countertop Comparison Material – HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COUNTERTOP MATERIAL

Today there are many countertop options in the market for kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops, but these10 materials are commonly used in the majority of countertops in residential kitchens and bathrooms and even offices as per requirement and need of the area. The common material includes; Granite, Marble, Laminate, Quartz, Wood, Steel, Solid Surface, Concrete and more. 

In this post, we discus about countertop material comparison with its own Pros and Cons. It also depends on its application and how it’s being used and maintained. Some materials are highly durable and require less maintenance, while others can easily get stains and scratches. Some materials are very costly while some remain cheap and affordable.

It’s important to know and understand the features, quality and usage of different types of Countertop Material. Before buying, if you know well its Pros and Cons, this will make it easy for you to choose the right countertops for your kitchens and Bathrooms; even office areas.

Different Types of Countertop Material are:

• Granite Countertops
• Soapstone Countertops
• Marble countertops
• Quartz Countertops
• Solid Surface Countertops
• Ceramic Tile Countertops
• Laminate Countertops
• Wood or Butcher Block Countertops
• Concrete Countertops

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are made of natural stone and considered one of the most elegant, costly kitchen countertops.  They are among the most expensive, too.  Granite being a natural stone has its own outstanding strength and durability that out rests others. Being costly it is not affordable for all and therefore many engineered stone has taken its place in the market.  

Pros

• Natural Stone
• More strength and durability.
• Almost impermeable to heat
• Add beauty and value to your home ambiance
• Available in vast range of colors and types.
• Rarely any maintenance is required, just need new sealers with time.

Cons

• Not Affordable for all.
• Granite slabs have imperfections
• Not appropriate for DIY installation
• If heavy pressure is raised can crack easily. 
• Can damage if improperly installed.
• Not preferred for direct cutting using knives as they get dulled quickly.

Granite Stone is porous and needs proper sealing as with time it can get stains.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is another natural stone, it is an alternative to granite.  It is usually found dark gray in color with a silky feel and smooth texture. Soapstone is known as a tradional material commonly used in historic homes. Due to its color and texture it’s also used in modern homes as sink material and a kitchen countertop too.  Having qualities of natural stone, it develops an antique type patina with time that becomes more attractive and many people love it to be part of their kitchen’s style. 

Contrary to expectations of the user, the soapstone used for countertops is more likely resistant to stains and is quite a hard material. Having few pros, using soapstone countertops also has some cons; 

Pro

• Its deep and rich in color
• Offers antique look
• Fairly stain resistant
• Less impervious to heat
• The damage and scratch can be sanded out

Cons

• Darkens over time
• Not suitable for DIY installation
• Needs to be treated with mineral oil
• Surface prone to scratch and dent.

Marble Countertops

Marble are elite in look and adds beauty to your kitchen or bathroom countertops. Certainly another most elegant natural stone materials that fits best for home. Apart from its natural appearance and luxurious look, marble is extremely expensive and people prefer to add marble for some part of their kitchens, like island or some baking section of kitchens.

It’s highly prized and some other features may not add marble countertops as best kitchens choices. It’s easy to get stains and scratches on the surface and spoils the look. However there are certain Pros and some Cons which make us east to decide it usage for our homes.

Pros

• Add a value and elegance to the kitchen
• Heatproof and Waterproof 
• Has unique veining and is exceptionally beautiful.

Cons

• Not affordable for all fairly expensive
•  Not appropriate for any DIY installation
• Prone to scratches and stains unless sealed
• Repairs are quite difficult and costly.

Quartz Countertops (Engineered Stone)

Another famous version or replica of natural stones are Quartz countertops. Also known as engineered stone countertops. They are mostly made from a high concentration (93%) of quartz crystals and other different minerals. They are shaped into slabs and bound with resins. 

Quartz Countertops were made to be more adaptable and cost effective than granite and marble. Like natural stones these are also available in vast range of colors. It has a nonporous surface and is ideally suited for kitchens as it resists both scratching and staining. Some types it’s difficult to identify the difference between natural marble and quartz stone as having being made an identical copies with similar veining.  Moreover, engineered quartz requires no annual sealing like natural stones.

Glass countertops are also being assembled using the similar technology like quartz countertops, they contain particles of recycled glass which are blended with resins and shaped into countertop slabs. Consumers can have a good choice of selection if they want to consider glass or want to go for quartz countertops. 

Pros

• Easy to maintain 
• No sealing required
• DIY installation possible
• Uniformity in slabs with zero imperfections
• Custom-fabrication is easy in any size and shape
• Impervious to heat and acid 
• Resists stains and scratches.
• More attractive having natural appearance than solid surface materials

Cons

• Fairly Expensive
• Countertops are little heavy

Solid-Surface Material Countertops

Solid surface countertops are commonly used in kitchens and bathroom remodeling projects. They are made from solid synthetic material which is a man-made material. It consists of a blend of acrylic particles and resins which are pressed into sheets and other shapes. 

Solid-surface countertops and sinks have become a common feature of every home. Once they were considered as a luxury and a premium countertops. Now it has become an excellent choice for all mid-range kitchens as well as a good material choice in high-end kitchens.  

Pros

• Resists stains
• Damage can be sanded easily.
• Seams are not much visible
• Several color options and also sizes.
• Integrated countertop/sink units are available

Cons

• Fairly expensive
• Likely to damage from hot pans
• Need to be professionally fabricated
• No DIY installation possible.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

 Tile countertops are available in many colors and designs and almost comes in endless variety of styles. It is one the most versatile material to be used in countertops making. Tile countertops are produced using ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles and glass tiles. 

They are easy to clean, durable and less expensive as compare to the natural stones like; quartz, or solid-surface countertops. 

Modern innovations in porcelain tiles designs have added many design options than in past. Vast range of design options are available within porcelain tiles and Ceramic tiles than any other countertop material. Like from wood to marble and even cork and leather effect, also oriental tile styles and more. 

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Usually affordable
• Easy for DIYers to construct
• Immune to heat damage from hot pans
• An enormous range of colors and styles available

Cons

• Custom tiles can be very expensive
• Tile are brittle and may crack under impact
• Grout lines can stain and are difficult to clean
• Does not carry the same prestige as granite or quartz

Laminates Countertops

Laminate countertops are affordable and available in widest array of colors and patterns. Laminate Countertops are manufactured by bonding the laminate sheets to a MDF core. Laminates are much popular in midcentury modern kitchens as they offer retro designs appearance. They have smooth surface and easy to wipe and clean as they are layered with plastic-coated synthetics. Laminates are much popular in midcentury modern kitchens as they offer retro designs appearance. 

Pros

• Easy maintenance
• Affordable countertops
• Wide options available
• Easy DIY installation 

Cons

• Surface can be easily scratched and chipped
• More visibility of seams
• More likely considered as an average material by potential clients.
• Damage is almost irreparable.

Wood or Butcher Block Countertops

Another popular choice for home buyers is Butcher block countertops or wood countertops. There are certain types of wood which works well in bathrooms and kitchens; Hardwoods such as maple and oak are the species most often used as countertop woods. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are mostly used for this purpose. They are considered quite handy for food preparation and cooking.

Wood countertops has its own unique appearance and gives a beautiful warm look to the ambiance. It is available in many colors and finishes. 

Pros

• Offers a grace and charm to the kitchens
• Easy to clean and wipe
•  Has more life and lasts long of taken proper care. 

Cons

• Not cheap, Fairly expensive
• Surfaces can be scratched and cuts of knives are visible.
• Water and spills can damage it with time. 
• Germs and Bacteria can be a problem so needs proper maintenance.
•  Frequent oiling and sealing needed to avoid cracks.

Concrete Countertops.

If you are looking for a unique countertops in unusual shapes than concrete countertops are a good choice. Due to their heavy weight, these countertops are commonly casted directly in your kitchen. These are not usual slabs used on pavements and walk areas but much better in appearance as they are polished, textured and also acid-stained for colors, specially designed for kitchen interiors.

Although concrete can be easily cracked but new technology is applied to reduce this tendency. The porousness of concrete is usually reduced by using additives. 

Pros

• More sophisticated look Can be color-tinted
• Scratch and heat resistant
• More decorative textures are possible

Cons

•  High in cost
• Needs more custom work 
• DIY installation can’t be done
• Cracking with the time is a very common feature
•  Highly porous and needs regular sealing
• Likely more industrial and commercial than homely.

Conclusion

Opaly Quartz – No matter what the size of the kitchen, everyone likes a unique and contemporary blend of materials applied. Before choosing a countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, one always considers its cost and maintenance over time.

The value of money remains the important factor apart from its appearance and décor. Quartz Stone countertops and solid surface countertops are more likely capturing markets all over the world for its uniqueness and material variety, styles and choices; at the same time being more durable and long lasting and can be easily maintained over the time.