When designing your kitchen, you should consider the three essential elements…budget, style, and function. When choosing a countertop, we often consider the color and style first. Style is an important element to consider, but it’s also important to choose a material that meets your kitchen’s functional needs. 

 

Types of Countertops:

Quartz: Quartz is an engineered product that is virtually maintenance-free. It is stain, scratch, acid, heat, and impact resistant. Quartz is non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing. It can cost a bit more than the traditional granite countertops. 

 

Quartzite: Quartzite is 100% natural stone that is often mistaken for quartz. Most natural stone is porous, which means the countertop will need to be sealed. Because Quartzite is a natural stone, it can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.  

 

Granite: Granite continues to be a top choice for homeowners. This type of countertop offers a wide variety of colors and movements within the patterns. Granite is a porous material and will require periodic sealing. Spills need to be wiped up quickly so as not to seep into the natural material. 

 

Honed Granite: Honed Granite is just as durable as granite, but with a soft matte finish. 

 

Butcher block: Butcher Block is a durable and functional choice that also offers a warm, decorative appeal. With proper sealing, this choice can be ideal for meal prep., even chopping meat.

 

Marble: Marble is currently in style and very popular with the current color trend. Marble is an attractive option, but it does require some maintenance. The porous nature of marble requires sealing, as it is prone to staining. You will also need to be careful to keep anything acidic off of marble counters, as it will permanently etch it. 

 

Soapstone: Soapstone is available in multiple gray tones, making it a popular choice. It is highly stain and bacteria-resistant. Soapstone does not require sealing, but mineral oil should be applied to buff out subtle marks and scratches. An added benefit of buffing with mineral oil is that it will deepen your counter’s color over time. 

 

A new countertop can bring a fresh look to any kitchen. Countertops come in many different materials, and each one requires a different level of care. Your lifestyle will determine if you need a low maintenance countertop or if you can select a countertop that requires a higher level of maintenance. Make sure you choose carefully. Ideally, you’d like your countertop to hold up well to everyday use and to last for years to come.