With so many options for your countertop surface, the decision process is slightly overwhelming. Choosing the ideal countertop ultimately depends on your priorities and lifestyle. Below we’ll explain the pros and cons of each type to help you make the best choice for your home.
Marble Countertops | Starting off with a classic choice: marble! Marble is a natural metamorphic rock known for its veining and one-of-a-kind appearance. No slab is the same!
Advantages of Marble
- Appearance: No two pieces of marble will look the same, giving your home a unique look. Marble countertops are also known for their beautiful veining.
- Great for Cooking: Since marble remains cool naturally, it is a great surface for baking or other cooking. However, marble is not completely heat resistant, so it’s recommended to not place hot pots and pans directly on the countertops.
- Longevity: With regular upkeep, maintenance and sealing, marble countertops will last a long time in your home.
Disadvantages of Marble
- Porous: Because marble is porous, it is susceptible to staining. Staining can be avoided by sealing the countertops annually.
- Etching: If exposed to acid for a long period, marble will scratch and etch where the sealant fades.
- Cost: Marble countertops run more expensive than other countertop options.
Quartz Countertops | Unlike naturally occurring stone countertops, Quartz countertops are engineered stone, made from ground-up particles of stone bound together with plastic resins. Because of the strength and abundance of the naturally occurring mineral quartz, quartz countertops are a popular and reliable choice.
Advantages of Quartz
- Durability: Quartz is one of the most durable materials you can find. If you’re looking for a material that won’t crack, scratch, or chip easily, you should consider quartz.
- Appearance: Quartz countertops are known for their sleek and modern look. Also, quartz countertop manufacturers are able to create nearly any design and color you want.
- Non-Porous: Unlike natural stones that have microscopic pores which allow for staining, engineered quartz countertops are non-porous. This means quartz countertops are extremely resistant to stains.
- Low Maintenance: No sealing required.
Disadvantages of Quartz
- Cost: One of the most expensive countertop options.
- Appearance: Quartz is not a natural stone.
- Susceptible to Heat Damage
Granite Countertops | Another classic: granite! Very popular for its strength and durability, granite is a great dependable option.
Advantages of Granite
- Appearance: Granite offers a unique appearance. Since granite is a natural stone, it gives your kitchen or bathroom a one-of-a-kind look.
- Durability: Granite is scratch- and heat-resistant. When sealed correctly, granite will be able to take the heat of a pan.
- Maintenance: It's easy to clean with warm water and a mild detergent.
Disadvantages of Granite
- Cost: Granite itself is expensive, and the labor-intensive installation can run three times more than the cost of the material.
- Porous: If not sealed currently, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be difficult to remove.
- Cracks: Though known for its strength, because each slab has naturally occurring imperfections, granite can still crack under pressure. Sealed granite will never be as strong as quartz.
Soapstone Countertops | Soapstone is a naturally occurring softer material that has been used for years as countertops. It gives your home a more rustic, natural look, with a “milky or soapy” finish.
Advantages of Soapstone
- Nonporous: Unlike granite, soapstone is non-porous. Meaning, soapstone does not require sealing and is less likely to stain. Because it is non-porous, soapstone is easy to clean and a very sanitary option.
- Seamless: Soapstone is also ideal for carving sinks directly into the countertops, creating a seamless look.
Disadvantages of Soapstone
- Durability: Soapstone is a softer stone. It’s advised you should avoid cutting directly on the stone.
- Limited Options: Since it is a natural element, buyers are limited to naturally occurring shades like charcoals and whites.
- Cost: One of the more expensive countertop options.
Concrete Countertops | Gaining popularity, concrete countertops are trendy, modern, and made to last!
Advantages of Concrete
- Durability: Incredibly hard and scratch-resistant, with proper maintenance, concrete countertops can last years.
- Customizable: Concrete doesn’t have to be gray. In fact, you can stain or add pigment to your concrete slabs. Another option is adding tiles, shells, or other materials to personalize the countertops.
- Highly heat-resistant
Disadvantages of Concrete
- Cost: More expensive than laminate or butcher block.
- High Maintenance: Because concrete is porous, regular upkeep is necessary. Stains can occur if your concrete countertop is not sealed properly.
- Cracks: Cracking can occur due to the material’s natural shrinkage over time.
- Heavy: Concrete also requires some heavy reinforcements. The extra weight of the concrete can weigh heavily on your floor and cabinets. Make sure you install reinforcements if necessary.
Stainless Steel Countertops | There are many reasons commercial kitchens go stainless!
Advantages of Stainless Steel
- Durability: Food-grade stainless steel resists both heat and rust.
- Nonporous: As the name suggests, stainless steel countertops are stain resistant.
- Installation
- 100% recyclable
- Sleek and Modern
- Easy Maintenance: Easy to clean and great for chefs!
Disadvantages of Stainless Steel
- Very Noisy: Pots, pans, and kitchenware when hit off the countertops will create loud sounds.
- Can scratch and dent
- Cold: Stainless steel has a colder and more modern look as opposed to warmer countertop options.
- Cost: The price is about the same as classic high-end countertop options.
Butcher Block Countertops | Known for its warm, natural vibe, butcher block is both budget and DIY-friendly.
Advantages of Butcher Block
- Cost: One of the most affordable countertop options.
- DIY: With butcher block being easy to install, it can make a good DIY project.
- Cleaning: Easy to clean with cleaning materials you have on hand in your kitchen.
- Customizable: You can choose from a variety of hardwoods that offer a range of hues, patterns, and wood grains.
- Longevity: Another pro of butcher block, with proper maintenance, your countertop can last decades.
Disadvantages of Butcher Block
- Moisture: Butcherblock is extra sensitive to liquids. Because wood can warp, bend, and grow mold; it is recommended to keep butcher block out of the bathroom.
- Maintenance: Butcher block needs to be sealed after installation, and it is recommended to seal your butcher block monthly.
- Durability: Since wood is not as hard as naturally occurring stone or quartz, butcher block can ding and dent more easily. It is recommended to not cut directly on the countertops, since sharp knives can ding the wood.
Laminate Countertops | Affordable and easy cleanup! Laminate countertops are made from layers of plastic that are bonded to particleboard to create a strong, solid countertop surface.
Advantages of Laminate
- Affordable: They are a good choice for those who want an affordable countertop material that offers a vast range of design choices.
- Installation: Easy Installation, able to DIY.
- Stain resistant
- Design & Color Options: Can mimic the look of natural stone at a fraction of the price!
Disadvantage of Laminate
- Durability: Laminate countertops can scratch and are not heat resistant. Over time, delamination occurs, which often requires replacing the whole countertop.
- Longevity: The shortest lifespan of all countertop options.
Did you know that 84 Lumber can help you pick out and source a countertop for your next remodel? Find the store nearest you, and give the design experts a call for more information: https://www.84lumber.com/store-locator/