Embarking on the journey of remodeling your kitchen or building a new home brings forth a cascade of dreams. You imagine the harmony of space and workflow, envisioning a kitchen where every utensil has its place and the stove isn’t so far from the refrigerator. The mental blueprint is vivid — extra cabinet space, a designated spot for countertop appliances, and a flooring upgrade to bid farewell to the linoleum blues.
As you meticulously design your culinary haven, ensuring the right balance of cabinets, appliance placement, and ambient lighting, the grand finale awaits: the countertop decision. Amidst the exhilaration of crafting your ideal kitchen, decision fatigue threatens to cloud your judgment. You contemplate surrendering the choice to your contractor, but deep down, you know the countertop is the pièce de résistance, capable of elevating or undermining your entire kitchen design.
This crucial decision looms large in the final stages of your kitchen design. Cabinets are in place, appliances stand ready, and your dream kitchen is so close. The countertop material and color decision does actually make a profound impact. It’s a make-or-break moment, where aesthetics meet functionality. Some surfaces, though alluring, demand a high maintenance commitment. Others boast resilience against wear and tear, promising longevity and practicality.
Natural stone, with its unique variations, introduces an element of unpredictability and perhaps welcome design to your kitchen aesthetic. On the flip side, engineered stones like quartz present a uniform façade, a dependable choice.
As you stand on the brink of decision, navigating through the sea of choices, remember that this surface will bear witness to the stories of countless meals, conversations, and memories yet to unfold.
To help break down the pros and cons of each material we’ve created this guide to countertop styles. If you still can’t decide which countertop surface is best for you, we’re not surprised! Great Lakes Granite & Marble takes pride in helping you find a stylish surface that resists stains, scratches and spills and fits your budget! Call and talk with one of our highly skilled and trained experts today.
Phone: 1-800-913-8930
Local: 1-313-362-0123
Consumer Reports has long been a reliable source for comparing products and giving the pros and cons of all options. Their Countertop Buying Guide is another great resource to compare everything from natural stone, engineered stone, bamboo, and so much more!
Selecting the ideal countertop for your kitchen or bathroom can be a daunting task given the myriad options available. Navigate the decision-making process with ease by exploring our Go To Guide to Choosing the Right Countertop. This comprehensive resource is designed to assist you in making decisions that align with your specific needs, design preferences, and budget. Should you require further guidance, our team of specialists and project managers is readily available to provide assistance. Feel free to reach out with any questions or delve into our Countertop FAQ’s for additional valuable insights.
Whether starting a remodel or building a new home, countertops will definitely come into play. Not sure what countertop options suit your needs? Not sure how to match your budget to the surface that best fits your needs? Use our professional countertop estimation guide to help you obtain an accurate estimate for your remodel project. Looking for some help selecting the best island layout for your kitchen? Explore our comprehensive collection of planning resources, or call our experienced Project Managers today.
When investigating the type of countertop material that is best for your project, there are many things to consider as you can see from the chart above. With this large array of options available it’s important to consider the specific needs of your household and your personal design style, as well as factors like durability, maintenance, cost, and ease of clean up. Breaking down some of the most popular types of countertops and exploring their attributes may help to determine what will work best in your home. Countertops can be fabricated from natural stone, engineered stone, or a variety of other materials such as stainless steel, glass, wood, or even cement. Natural and Engineered Stone such as Granite or Quartz tend to dominate the market, with the other materials making up a smaller percentage of overall projects.
An outdated kitchen or bath can cast a shadow on your home’s market valuation potential. Imagine a simple yet transformative step – replacing your countertops with granite or another natural stone. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a strategic investment. Granite, in particular, reigns as the favored countertop choice among homebuyers, capable of elevating your home’s value by up to an impressive 25%.
The importance of kitchen aesthetics in the home-buying decision process is underscored by the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2021. A staggering 63 percent of recent buyers emphasized the significance of having their preferred kitchen style. In the current real estate landscape, marked by inventory shortages, sellers may question the need for their home to stand out. However, seizing the opportunity to showcase your home at its best can translate into commanding the price you desire in this competitive market.
Natural Stone is 100% organic material quarried from the earth. Granite is the most common natural stone for countertop use, followed by Marble and Quartzite. Other natural stone materials that can be used for countertops are Limestone, Slate, and Sandstone. Natural Stones have the following attributes in common:
Engineered Stone is a man-made material, comprising approximately 93% natural quartz, blended with advanced polymer resins and colorfast pigments. In comparison to natural stone which can have significant variety and pattern and variance between slabs, engineered stone is very consistent in look and pattern. Quartz is the most common of engineered stones. You may also be familiar with Ceasarstone or Silestone which are both brand names of Quartz manufacturers.
Engineered Stone is heat resistant, though perhaps not as much as Natural Stone. You can place a hot pot or pan directly on your Granite, Marble, or Quartzite countertop, where it is advised to use a trivet or hot pad on Quartz.
Newer to the residential space, but a long favorite for restaurants and other commercial spaces is Porcelain. Porcelain gives you the natural beauty of marble, without the maintenance. It is a very durable stone, holding up remarkably well to impacts. Porcelain is heat resistant, scratch resistant and stain resistant. As a colorfast material, it is resistant to fading making it suitable for exterior applications as well. Porcelain comes in a variety of patterns and finishes from various manufacturers.
Engineered Stone has the following attributes which are similar to Natural Stone:
As we explore the multiple types of natural and engineered stone, there are subtle differences between the different types of natural stones or engineered stones.
Both granite and quartz surfaces are durable and capable of lasting a long time. They are both heat, scratch, chemical and stain resistant. Quartz surfaces are engineered from natural quartz while granite, in and of itself, is a natural stone. Quartz is a manufactured stone and it is hard to duplicate the veining and pattern look you get from genuine marble or granite. While granite is limited to all the colors nature has produced, quartz is artificially colored. Both surfaces are low maintenance. Granite and Quartz are similarly priced, both slightly dependent on the stone or manufacturer/color selection. While granite and quartz are in the upper tiers of cost, they will give you the longevity and durability associated with their price.
Many homeowners choose granite for the rich, unmistakable elegance it offers as a natural building product. There are many options for color and texture to take your home renovation project to the next level. Because it’s an extremely hard material, granite is suitable in many different applications: It resists scratches and stains, and can withstand normal wear and tear with proper sealing and maintenance. Granite is also heat tolerant, suitable for installation near a range or cooktop, or in a bathroom where high-heat hair tools may be present.
You might consider a quartz countertop if you want a streamlined look with clean lines, as the slabs are extremely uniform due to its composition of natural stone mixed with resins. As a manufactured product, there is a wide range of colors available for quartz, including neutrals and bold shades of blue, orange, or red. Because it’s non-porous, quartz does not require sealing or special treatment, and its surface prevents the buildup of bacteria. It’s resistant to staining, acids, and scratches, so all you need is water and a mild detergent for cleanup.
Both Granite and Marble are made of genuine natural stone which means each slab is unique and beautiful. Marble is famous for its veining, which has led to the term “marbling.” Marble also ages beautifully. Granite and marble comes in a large variety of colors and the options and patterns are endless.
We touched on the pros and cons of granite above, let’s explore Marble here.
If you’re looking for spectacular, sophisticated appeal, a marble countertop may be the right choice for you. It’s an igneous stone, meaning that it derives from solidified lava, so marble offers a stunning display of color – from classic neutrals to shades of rose, gold, gray, sage, and yellow. For applications where high heat will be present, marble is resistant and stands up to pots and pans. Many homeowners choose it for fireplace surrounds because it won’t discolor over time.
Marble is more porous than granite and should have a quality sealer to reduce staining. Because the minerals that compose marble are sensitive to certain chemical agents, it is important to wipe spills away quickly. Anything acidic will leave an etch mark if left on the stone for too long. The stains can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove. There are sealants that can prevent liquids from absorbing, but it’s necessary to apply upon installation and every year or so. Marble needs to be cared for in the same manner a fine piece of wood is cared for. While marble is quite durable, it may not work well in busy kitchens where it can be scratched by knives or chipped by heavy pots.
Marble is a luxurious surface formed from limestone, lending warmth and elegance to any project. Marble is known for striking beauty, subtle color variations, and a uniquely classic look. The most common drawback of Marble is the care and maintenance, it is more porous than other natural stones, meaning spills need to be addressed quickly, and a sealer should be used. Marble can also be more sensitive to chemical agents and acidic materials. Quartz is a manufactured stone, made of natural quartz, blended with advanced polymer resins and colorfast pigments to create an elegant, durable work surface. The quartz industry takes inspiration from Mother Nature when designing colors, patterns and veining. Quartz has become extremely popular as a way to emulate the look of marble without the same care and maintenance concerns.
We explored the Pros and Cons of both Marble and Quartz above, so let’s dive into a few more comparisons.
Quartzite is a natural stone, composed almost entirely of natural quartz. Quartzite is similar in composition to Granite and is extremely strong and durable. Typically, quartzite is usually white to gray in color with some variations from differing mineral content in the rock. Quartz is a manufactured stone and it is hard to duplicate the veining and pattern look you get from genuine marble, granite, or quartzite. While quartzite is limited to all the colors nature has produced, quartz is artificially colored. Both surfaces are low maintenance. Quartzite and Quartz are similarly priced, both slightly dependent on the stone or manufacturer/color selection.
Quartzite is gaining popularity, especially with the current trend in light grey and white kitchens and baths. Quartzite has a similar look to many marble stones, with the natural beauty, veining and pattern in the stone. Pair this with the durability factor similar to granite and you have a stone that will stand up to heat, resist stains and scratches, and withstand normal wear and tear.
Quartzite, similar to Granite and Marble, will have pattern and veining, and no two slabs will be the same. If you are looking for a uniform look, this may not be the right fit. Quartzite is strong, but like granite also porous. It is important to be careful with spills, wiping them up quickly. Specifically acidic materials such as lemons, soda, salad dressings, and some cleaning materials. If you have etching (surface damage in the form of a dull mark on natural stone), you can work with your stone provider to restore the quartzite.
Porcelain countertops are made from a mixture of clay, minerals, and other natural ingredients. The materials are finely ground, compacted, and then fired at high temperatures & pressure resulting in a dense and hard surface. Porcelain countertops are known for their exceptional durability. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas in the kitchen.
One of the notable features of porcelain countertops is the wide range of design options. They can mimic the appearance of natural stone, such as marble or granite, or showcase a variety of colors and patterns. Porcelain countertops are relatively low-maintenance. They are non-porous, which means they resist liquid absorption, making them resistant to stains. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient to keep them looking pristine.
Porcelain countertops are lighter than some other materials like granite or concrete, making them easier to install. This can be particularly advantageous in certain remodeling or construction scenarios. While prices can vary, porcelain countertops often fall within a moderate to high price range. The durability and design flexibility contribute to the overall value of the investment.
Corian is a solid surface countertop made by Dupont Corporation. The name Corian is recognizable, although there are other solid surface countertops on the market. Swanstone, Wilsonart, Formica and several other companies also make solid surface countertops. Corian is created by combining minerals and acrylics. It can even be engineered with a granite or marble effect finish that stays true even when viewed at close range. Plus, Corian can be produced in large sheets to avoid the seams that some homeowners find unattractive. It’s easy to clean with a mild detergent and water, and very resistant to stains. Corian’s cost is also a pro for anyone on a tight renovation budget, as it’s affordably priced and will last for years.
Corian offers accessories such as integrated sinks and coved backsplashes that quartz or natural stones can’t offer. Because it is man-made, Corian is easier to get in specific colors than granite. Corian and granite are comparable in the cost of the original installation.
Granite is heat, stain, scratch and chemical resistant. Corian is stain resistant, but is not not heat or scratch resistant. Cracks and scratches are inevitable in Corian and though they can be repaired Corian can also become damaged if exposed to heat. It cannot be used as a cutting surface, due to its construction out of plastic resins. Corian is also not the best choice for bathrooms where it may come into contact with hot hair appliances. Cracks and scratches are inevitable in Corian and though they can be repaired, it’s often expensive
Corian slabs are 30″ wide, so if you have a wide island or peninsula, or an usual shape (id. boomerang), it will require more seams than granite or quartz surfacing. The seams are inconspicuous but not invisible.
To stay at the forefront of industry developments, we actively participate in various associations and supplier summits. This involvement allows us to stay abreast of cutting-edge innovations in the stone industry, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest advances. As a testament to our commitment, we’ve made strategic investments, such as adopting chip minimizer technology, to safeguard your new countertop from the rigors of daily wear and tear. Our pursuit of excellence extends beyond helping you choose the ideal stone — it encompasses the integration of state-of-the-art solutions to enhance the longevity and durability of your investment.
Visit our showroom to explore an extensive array of products for your home renovation endeavors. Alternatively, peruse our online portfolio for design inspiration and additional offerings. Feel free to reach out via phone or online to request a personalized quote.
At Great Lakes Granite & Marble, our dedicated team is committed to assisting you in comparing materials like Marble, Granite, Quartz, Porcelain, and beyond. Our project managers possess a deep understanding of the latest color trends and design styles, guiding you in selecting the perfect stone that not only reflects your aesthetic preferences but also ensures a timeless blend of design and functionality.
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12275 Dixie
Redford MI 48239
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-913-8930
Local: 1-313-362-0123
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