When it comes time to shop for your countertops, there are a lot of different factors to consider and there are even more options. You may know exactly what you want as far as materials go or some have no idea which countertop is best. Trying to figure out the style… the material… the budget… it can all be daunting.
I want a certain look for our kitchen inspired by photos I have seen of finished kitchens. I have found that for me, looking at these photos helps me make these decisions. I knew I wanted a certain look, I wanted it durable and I also knew I wanted to stay in budget. I hope that my research gives you some insight as you begin to shop for your countertops. I was shocked at all the information we learned as we shopped for countertops.
The Natural Stone Options: Granite, Quartzite, Marble
Granite
One popular option is granite. Granite is a natural stone found inside Earth. It is very durable and extremely hard, so it is unlikely for granite to chip or scratch. You generally won’t have to worry about heat causing blisters because of the heat-resistant properties of granite. Many choose granite because of these benefits that you won’t find with other counter top options. Granite will need resealed from time to time, some think this is a negative.
After visiting a showroom here in Ohio, I learned that they use a 15-year sealant and after the 15 years you can easily reseal it using a product bought at a local store. Other research suggests resealing granite every 1 to 3 years but most granite owners find it to be an easy process that only takes about an hour.
Quartzite
This is another type of countertop that is cut out of rock found in the Earth. Some think this type of countertop resembles marble, but it is another durable countertop option comparable to granite with all the heat and scratch resistance benefits. In fact, quartzite is even more durable than granite. It is generally sealed before install and doesn’t require much maintenance.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock that can be found in many different variations based on the minerals from our Earth. Again, the color and veining can vary greatly which creates stunning, unique pieces. Although breathtaking, marble needs sealed after installation and every few years and can easily be stained, scratched, and cracked. The durability and strength are lacking when it comes to marble countertops.
Keep in mind, any natural option will be unique and when shopping for granite, quartzite, or marble the slabs can vary greatly within the same type. The veining and coloring may look different depending on the processes it went through and the minerals in the ground before being mined out of the Earth. It is crazy to think that our Earth creates these masterpieces!
The Other Options: Quartz, Solid Surface, Laminate, Butcher Block, Concrete, Tile
Quartz
This type of countertop is man-made. Quartz is made by combining ground quartz and other chemicals that harden the quartz pieces. Together this creates an extremely durable countertop that is not porous so does not need sealed like the natural stone options. Quartz is a heat and scratch resistant choice and very easy to maintain and clean. Designs, patterns, and colors are very consistent and can resemble granite and marble. A bonus with this product is that quartz is considered a food safe countertop!
Acrylic Solid Surface
Another product that is considered safe for food prep is solid surface counter tops. These are also a man-made option that is easy to clean and engineered to be relatively maintenance free. With this type of countertop homeowners need to be careful with hot pans and sharp objects because it can be scratched and can’t withstand the heat like natural stone. However, minor scratches can be easily sanded out and repaired. Another bonus is that solid surface can be cut much easier that natural stone and include an integrated sink.
Laminate
Laminate is another man-made countertop that is made from plastic and particleboard to create a solid surface. Laminate countertops come in many different colors, designs, and finishes. Laminate countertops are a budget friendly option but can be easily damage. There may be some limitations when it comes to laminate countertops and certain sinks may not be an option so make sure to ask about this with your supplier.
We have had laminate countertops in several houses we have lived in. There are some really nice designs when it comes to laminate and that along with the price tag may make this an appealing option. Just keep in mind that you will have to be cautious of staining with certain foods and products and the end pieces coming unattached.
Wooden Butcher Block
Butcher block is made from wood strips glued together into thick slabs. They are a sturdy option for countertops but needs maintained properly. Using products like certain oils or waxes helps keep butcher block looking beautiful and are required for the maintenance of this counter top option. You can easily sand out small blemishes and then apply either the wax or oil again. Check out (Re)Finishing Butcher Block 101 for step by step directions on this process. Butcher block may be a great DIY choice because you can cut using common power tools.
Mr. built me an island last Christmas for our current house with butcher block for the top and I love it! However, I plan to keep butcher block away from my sink… wood and water don’t do well together! The island will be going in my pantry in our new house and will be a great versatile piece!! Check out the article about how to finish or refinish butcher block!
Concrete
Looking for a rustic, industrial feel? Concrete countertops are becoming more popular and are made from concrete just like a sidewalk. The concrete for countertop will generally have color added. Concrete needs to be sealed to make it a non-porous surface and it is heat resistant. Concrete can crack over time due to settling but can be repaired if cracking does occur. Staining is also another concern when it comes to concrete countertops. There are some people out there DIY-ing concrete countertops so further research may have you convinced this is the best choice for you!
Tile
Countertops can also be done out of ceramic, glass, or natural stone tile, like granite and porcelain. Tile countertops are installed very similarly to tile flooring. There is an adhesive that holds the tile to a solid surface (plywood and cement board) and then it is grouted. Most tiles are heat resistant and can be sealed if the surface is porous. Many would agree that the biggest issues with tile countertops would agree that cleaning grout lines is not practical.
These are some of the most popular choices for countertops described. Making the decision over what countertops to use may be an easy one for you! If not, hopefully this provided some clarity with the different options! Choosing two materials that you like on paper and then checking them out in person may help you make the decision!
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L says
Quartz countertops are NOT heat resistant. Heat is it’s Achilles heel— I have white quartz and already have burn marks from setting my instant pot lid on the counter.
ML says
https://www.marbleandgranite.com/blog/2017/september-2017
Careful!!! Quartzite fractures when hot pans are put on them. It also stains when subjected to acid (lemon juice, vinegar, etc). See the above link for info.
While quartzite is slightly harder than granite, it’s important to understand that it’s not bullet proof. Quartzite does have one particular flaw that you won’t see in granite: etching.
Etching is surface damage in the form of a dull mark on natural stone. It happens when acidic substances come into contact with countertops, floors, walls, or anywhere you may have natural stone. Some common household items are notorious for etching, including lemons, colas, ketchup, and even some cleaning products. In some quartzite slabs, there can be traces of calcium carbonate — a substance that reacts very easily to acid. If these areas come into contact with acids, this can cause localized etching. Mild etching still feels smooth and can be removed with a polishing powder. Deeper etches feel rough and may be cloudy looking. If this happens, you’ll need to reach out to a stone restoration professional. However, there are a few protective measures that you can take to help avoid etching: Choose a honed finish over a polished finish or add a stone sealant for an extra layer of protection.
Jess says
So excited to be putting in quartz!
Gina Abraham says
We did concrete kitchen counter tops in our previous house and they turned out great. We did two long counters and a bar with a stove. It cost us about $400 for the counter top concrete (not regular concrete), color mix, sealer, rebar, and the wood for the forms.
Abby says
Also check out epoxy for countertops. Stonecoat Countertops on YouTube has a lot of DIY vids and it’s very versatile as far as colors and patterns go. I think it’s heat proof but may scratch if you hit it hard enough with something sharp.
Leisa says
I’ve had tile countertops in a previous house and the grout joints were so hard to clean. I’m planning on installing butcher block countertops in the house we are currently building. I have a friend who used to work in a furniture shop and he gave me the recipe to a great sealer for the butcher block.