Countertops! You have a huge number of options to choose from. If you walk into any home improvement store, you’ll probably see at least two dozen different types of countertops. This can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are the basics on how to choose the right countertops for your kitchen or bathroom.
-Typically there are three main types of countertops material: natural stone, wood, and man-made composites such as laminates. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on budget and style.
-The easiest material to maintain is a laminate countertop because they don’t stain easily and all scratches can be easily buffed out with a damp cloth. A disadvantage is that laminates cannot withstand heat from ovens or dishwashers.
-If you want to add character with organic materials but also need durability, then stone is an excellent choice for its resistance to heat and other abuse while still being easy to maintain because it does not require sealing as marble does.
Granite Countertops
Granite is one of several types of solid-surface countertop materials. Solid surfaces, which include granite, quartz, and engineered stone, are durable and easy to maintain. However, they’re also more expensive than laminate and manufactured stone countertops. To find out if a solid surface is a good choice for your home or business, here’s what you need to know about each type:
Granite: Granite has natural variations in color and texture that make it an attractive option for the kitchen and bathroom counters. It’s hard but not as hard as engineered stone; however, it can be damaged by acidic foods or cleaners. Granite tends to cost more than other solid-surface materials because it requires careful cutting and shaping during installation. But it still considered a fairly affordable countertop option.
Quartz: Quartz offers many of the same benefits as granite, including low maintenance and high durability. The material has been popular since roughly 2010 because of its timeless appeal. It can be found in different colors ranging from neutral whites to reddish hues. Quartz does require sealing, but it doesn’t stain easily, unlike some woods.
Quartz Countertops
Before you dive into your quartz countertop project, it’s important to learn about different types of quartz and their pros and cons. Different types of quartz include brushed, polished, matte, vintage-finish, and high-gloss. You can also choose between solid or engineered quartz. Another thing to consider is whether you want commercial or residential grade; most homeowners will opt for residential grade for its durability at an affordable price point. However, if you’re planning on selling your home anytime soon (within three years), commercial-grade may be worth splurging on since it won’t show signs of wear as quickly.
If cost isn’t a factor, other considerations might be aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. Ultimately, determining which type of quartz countertop is best for you comes down to personal preference. To help make your decision easier, use our guide below to compare the pros and cons of each type. Once you have decided on what type of quartz countertop is best for your budget and lifestyle, move on to choosing a color. Then find out how much does it cost to install quartz countertops in five easy steps.
Marble Countertops
Granite is considered to be one of, if not the most popular type of stone used for kitchen and bathroom counters. With thousands of colors, patterns, and textures available it’s no wonder that granite is so popular. However, some people prefer other types of stone over granite because granite can be quite expensive and they want a more unique look.
If you fall into that category then take a look at these other types of stone that are also used in kitchens and bathrooms. And while we’re on the subject don’t forget about quartz countertops. Quartz isn’t technically a stone but rather man-made material made from silicon dioxide (sand). It does look like a solid surface or marble and is almost always more affordable than actual stone options like granite or marble.
No matter what type of stone you choose though make sure to consider maintenance issues before buying your new kitchen or bathroom countertops. Maintenance requirements vary widely depending on which kind of stone you choose. Stone counters require periodic resealing by professional contractors who coat them with clear sealants; unless you enjoy doing things like that yourself I would recommend against using stone as your primary choice of countertop material. No matter what kind of budget you have though there’s definitely a good choice out there for anyone looking to update their home’s kitchen or bathroom!
Concrete Countertops
Concrete is a versatile and robust material that’s easy to work with. Formed from cement, water, and aggregate materials such as pebbles or recycled glass, concrete has a number of distinct advantages over other kitchen countertop options. It can be used for large solid slabs or as thin tiles affixed to plywood or particleboard.
Lightweight and durable, it’s also easy to clean and maintain—so you won’t need to seal it as often as some other surfaces. But if your goal is to create a unique piece of architecture, consider some options for decorative finishes on top of your concrete slab: You can opt for colored cement or paint that provides a consistent look throughout. Or add texture by placing multiple layers of matte-finish stucco and sealing them together. The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to creating your own custom style, whatever you choose.
There are a few guidelines worth following: Always choose natural stones like granite or marble over-engineered stone products. While engineered stones may seem cheaper initially, they tend to have inferior qualities in appearance and durability after installation (not to mention environmental factors). Engineered stones don’t hold up well against wear-and-tear as natural ones do; at least half will crack within 5 years of installation due to their soft composition.
