Kitchens and bathrooms need good countertops. If you want to re-sell your home, then your countertops have to be in good shape. Here are the facts about the different kinds of countertop materials to help you choose the right material for your home.
Durability
In the durability category, you have to look at heat resistance, scratch resistance, stain resistance, and how porous each material is. Marble is very porous and therefore easily stained and scratched. Quartz is artificially manufactured and is therefore very durable. It looks like marble, but doesn’t require the large amount of maintenance that marble requires because it is non-porous and stain resistant. Concrete is customizable and can be as thick as you prefer, giving it a nice strength and durability. Granite countertops are pretty durable, but require a thick seal to keep out stains and scratches.
Cost
The most expensive option is marble, not only because it is an expensive material, but also because of the amount of maintenance it requires. The cheapest option is concrete. Granite is becoming more and more affordable, but it also requires regular sealing maintenance to prevent staining. Quartz is not extremely expensive, but because it is artificially manufactured, any repair work needed can cause it to be more expensive. You need to think of the lifetime cost as opposed to the upfront, out-of-pocket expense.
Installation
The installation of countertops really makes a difference when you’re trying to choose the right material. For example, a quartz countertop is an engineered material, so you have to make sure to measure perfectly because you can’t cut it again. When installing a granite or marble countertop, you will need to make sure your countertop foundation is sturdy and stable so that it will be able to support the weight of the natural material.
Pros and Cons
Each material has good and bad qualities. Quartz is highly customizable, but needs to be installed and measured by a professional. Granite is lustrous and beautiful, and holds up well under heavy-duty usage. However, granite countertops need to be professionally sealed to protect them against the normal wear and tear they will face in your kitchen. Marble is luxurious, but it is expensive. It’s also very porous, and therefore it is susceptible to stains and scratches. Concrete is inexpensive and can match any kitchen, and it’s highly heat resistant. However, concrete countertops will only be stain resistant if they have been professionally sealed against the elements.
