Countertips Part II: Selecting the Right Material

So you’re getting a new kitchen. It’s about time! Just kidding. That orange wallpaper installed in 1972 looks great.

Either way, it’s coming down and time to begin planning the new layout. Of course, we have you covered on the countertops, but before you jump to any conclusions, let’s go over some material-based countertips to help you better understand what will work the best for your space.

Where quartzite countertops may be the best solution for some homeowners, different materials may make more sense for others. The one thing we can all agree on is that laminate makes no sense for anyone.

Let’s dive into the details about three of the many materials we keep in stock..

Considerations:

• Try to determine how much wear and tear you think you’ll put on the counters. This will give you a better idea of the best materials to use.
• What’s your taste? Dark, light, polished, matte? Think about what look you like.
• How edgy are you? And no, we’re not talking about the punk phase you went through when you dated that guy because he had a motorcycle. There are several ways to approach a counter’s edges, and it’s important to think about how yours should sit.

Now that we’ve tapped into the quarry that is your countertop thought process, let’s take a look at your options.

Granite

Given that it’s in our name, it likely won’t surprise you to know that granite is one of our most popular materials, and for good reason. But that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. On the pros side of things, granite is naturally beautiful, and comes in a plethora of colors, so it can generally be made to match any kitchen’s color scheme and style. It’s also one of the strongest and most durable materials out there—a perfect blend of beauty and functionality.

But there are some drawbacks for certain people. For instance, if it isn’t sealed correctly, it will absorb liquids that you don’t want it to drink (think spilled wine, olive oil, etc.).

If you aren’t the kind of person who is motivated to reseal your countertops every year or two, granite might pose some issues, but other than that, it’s truly suitable for just about any lifestyle.

Marble

When you hear the word elegant, you probably think of marble. It’s simple, yet grand. Ornate, yet dignified. Delicate, yet sturdy. Stunning, yet…you get the point. Marble is classy.

But purely looking good isn’t all it takes to be considered great. Or maybe it is… Take your pick of celebrities who seems to make it big off doing nothing, for example. All in all, marble has a lot more to it than an elegance factor.

For one, it can handle heat brilliantly. Even if a scalding pot is placed directly on it, the marble won’t be affected, or see discoloration. It’s also exceptionally durable in general.

However, marble stains easily. If you don’t seal it every year or two, an impossible-to-remove stain will most likely occur. As long as you’re careful and stay proactive, you won’t have issues with your marble countertops.

Quartz

While marble and granite are the big two so to speak, there are a slew of other materials that are equally as stunning and durable available on the market. Quartz is just one of the many we offer. Since it doesn’t come as a raw material, it’s easy to construct counters made from it in any color. Quartz also doesn’t stain nearly as easily as natural materials like granite and marble.

Since quartz is a manmade product, it doesn’t have many flaws. However, its price could be out of scope if you’re on a tight budget. But if you’re willing to pay a little extra right now, you’ll be the owner of a timeless looking product that will last for years and years.

While we’re best known as marble and granite fabricators, we have many other materials to offer. Take a look at our inventory, and check back for further countertips in the future. Touch base today if you want to learn more about how we can help you install marble, granite or quartz countertops!