Quartz, and marble, and granite, oh my! With so many different countertop options readily available, it can be difficult to decide on the best countertop material for your home. A few main points to consider when selecting a countertop are budget, activities, and cleaning routine. While having so many options can make it tricky to decide, it also means that there are lots available to fit your price point and style.

Popular Countertop Options

Quartz

A popular option, quartz is made up of 90-95% quartz, and 5-10% polymers, pigments, and resins. This combination makes quartz very durable, and a great option for a kitchen that gets a lot of heavy use. Quartz is non-porous which means it doesn’t require sealing and is bacteria resistant. Its durability is almost unmatched, and is stain, crack, heat, and acid resistant. A mid-to-high-end option, quartz is often used as a marble substitute. As it is a man-made surface, the natural veining is actually manufactured.

Granite

The uniqueness of granite is part of what makes it a popular option for countertops. With many colors available, you’ll be able to find a color palette that fits your home’s style, and the different grades lend flexibility to different budgets. It’s moisture, scratch, and heat resistant, making it a very durable option. It does need to be sealed, but lifetime sealers cut down on the frequency of having to apply it. Coming in at the mid-to-higher-end range of countertop options, granite is a quality choice for renovations that will be enjoyed by current homeowners. Installing granite as an upgrade when selling a home can be tricky as color schemes can be very personal choices.

Marble

A totally natural material, marble is often seen as the epitome of high-end countertops. As the slabs are pulled directly from the earth, no two are completely alike. Most marble is highly porous, and should be resealed often. While marble is heat resistant, it is not heatproof, so you’ll need to be diligent in using trivets to protect the counter from hot pots and pans. Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario are the most popular marble choices, and are replicated by quartz manufacturers. Carrara is a more affordable marble option as it is readily available. 

Money-Saving Tips

As one of the largest investments in a renovation, countertops can quickly eat up a renovation budget. Some of our favorite ways to make sure your countertop quotes don’t stop you in your tracks are listed below.

●      Mix and Match:  You don’t need to have marble throughout your whole kitchen to make an impact. Place it on your island for a focal point, and use a more affordable option on the remaining counters.

●      Shop Around: It’s easy to want to sign on the dotted line when you spot a countertop you love, but your budget will thank you by making sure you check out at least 3 different stone yards or fabricators. 

●      Check Out Remnants: Leftover pieces from other jobs, remnants can be a great place to save a few dollars, while still getting the same impact. 

Countertops are one of the best ways to elevate a kitchen or bathroom. Take your time to find the best material and provider that will suit your home’s needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. 

Need help deciding which countertop is right for your space? Book a complementary discovery call!

http://www.ebonyandoakinteriors.com