Countertop Material Options

The process of redesigning the kitchen or bathroom is an exciting endeavor. There are so many design options of colors, finishes, and brands to choose from. This can often be confusing and may require the assistant of a professional cabinetry specialist. One of the choices that he/she can help with is countertop material options. Cabinet companies today offer quartz, granite, and marble. They may also natural stone, acrylic sheets, and/or butcher block wood countertops. The first step is to review the pros and cons of the available options based upon budget and design style. All of those mentioned are available in a wide array of textures, colors, and pattern.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz composite is still considered to be one of the newest options though it has been around a little longer than individuals realize. Some companies refer to this material as engineered stone consisting of about 9/10 natural quartz and 1/10 epoxy binder or acrylic. Quartz composite is said to be one of the hardest countertop options.

• Quartz is one of the hardest and most durable materials on the market.
• Since it is engineered, quartz offers consumers an extremely varied array of color and pattern choices.
• This is a non-porous material which does not allow bacteria to breed or live making it simple to sanitize.
• Quartz does not generally require professional sealing and is stain resistant without this treatment.
• This material may suffer discoloration from intense heat from pans, but is less likely to than other materials.
• Quartz composite is one of the more expensive options.

Granite Countertops

Granite is retrieved from quarries in the earth in large chunks making it a completely natural stone. They are cut into slabs with the assistance of a laser. Granite is slightly less flexible than quartz and can present a small challenge during its installation. Since this material is derived from the earth itself it is somewhat imperfect and less uniform than others.

• While granite is not indestructible, it is an extremely durable material which can last for many years with proper care.
• Granite is a tough material which can withstand most spills without staining and is somewhat scratch and heat resistant as long as it has been properly sealed.
• Granite is available in many beautiful hues and patterns.
• While granite is resistant to mars, it is not immune; however, it is simple to fill in and repair.
• This material is heavy and generally requires a professional for installation thereby increasing its cost.
• The seams are often visible as it is not easy to conceal them when granite is installed.
• In most cases, samples will only resemble the actual granite which will be installed as it is impossible to find an exact match.

Quartz and granite are not the only two countertop choices available. These two do seem to run neck in neck in popularity above all other materials. Contact ADI Designs today to discuss your new cabinet installation and which countertop material is best suited for your unique situation. We will be happy to present you with all of your gorgeous options as well as all the pros and cons of each.