Which Countertop is Right for Your Home?

When you are thinking about building or remodeling, there are hundreds of decisions and details to consider along the way. Countertops can be made of many different materials and choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake. Countertops are often large surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom so it is important to choose something that is beautiful to look at and will stand the test of time. Longevity will depend on your lifestyle, cleaning habits and degree of use.

Granite

Granite countertops are made of igneous rock and are quarried from the Earth. They produce a natural and unique pattern that is a beautiful addition to any home. They are heat and scratch resistant and extremely durable. It is generally recommended to seal your granite countertops about once a year.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are made by combining 93% quartz mixed in with polymer resins and pigments. After this mixture has been poured into a mold, pressed, cured and polished, it is ready to be cut to fit in your home. This engineered stone is non-porous and does not require sealing. It is still a good idea to wipe up spills regularly as a precaution to staining. Quartz countertops are able to achieve the look of marble without the heavy upkeep of marble.

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock made up of carbonate materials. Marble countertops have gorgeous coloring and veining that yield an elegant and timeless look. They are generally the most expensive out of all the countertop options but will also add a lot of value to your home. Marble is naturally heat resistant but is very prone to staining and etching. If you choose marble countertops for your home, plan on sealing every 3-6 months to ensure that you protect your investment. 

Quartzite

Quartzite is made of metamorphic rock and pulled directly from the Earth. It does not allow for any uniformity or customization as it cannot be manipulated. Quartzite is naturally heat resistant, harder than quartz and slightly more resistant to scratching. It is also typically much lighter in color than granite. However, it does require more maintenance than quartz as it needs to be sealed numerous times a year to prevent staining.

All four of the materials above will give you a high-end, premium look. If you prefer zero maintenance, quartz is your best selection. If you prefer natural beauty with less maintenance, granite or quartzite are your best bet. If you prefer a timeless classic look and are okay with regular maintenance, marble is your winner.

We have samples of all these materials in our design center, located in Columbia, MD and are happy to walk you through the best option for your home!