Building a new home can be stressful, but it’s still a lot of fun to choose your own materials for everything. When it comes to countertops, there are quite a few material options to choose from. Here are some easy breakdowns of each material to help you choose the right one for your next kitchen or bathroom project.
Granite
Granite countertops come in a wide range of colors, but the most popular are earth tones since granite is quarried from the earth. The stone is natural and is cut out in one single slab piece and later cut down to fit your countertops. Granite ends up being a little more expensive than your quartz or concrete options because of this. You cannot see the seams in granite countertops because of the natural colors and marbled look of granite. These countertops are porous and will require sealant on top so they stay hygienic.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are less expensive than marble or granite because the quartz they contain is mixed with resin and crushed, instead of being quarried in a single slab piece. These countertops are just as strong as granite, but you can see the seams in them since they are manmade. Since it is engineered, it is a strong material and is more flexible than granite, concrete, or marble. Quartz is non-porous and therefore does not need any kind of sealing.
Concrete
Concrete countertops are about the same pricewise as granite countertops, but are much easier to install. These countertops can be easily customized due to the fact that they are mixed with an aggregate (such as sand) and any pigment you choose to match your taste or current décor in your kitchen. Concrete is also more malleable than any of the other materials listed, but it is more porous and therefore stains more easily. This can be a good thing, however, because you can customize it to be stained in any color you choose. It can also be etched and imprinted, giving you full artistic reign.
Marble
Marble is the most expensive material you can choose for your countertops, but the luxury definitely adds beauty and style to your kitchen. Marble is more natural looking, but these countertops are thinner than concrete, quartz, or granite and therefore cannot be exposed to high heat. Since it is such a heavy material, you often have to install extra support under your countertops, making it a much more expensive option.
