Countertops | 12 Steps of Building a Home
Can you believe it's already month 10 of our 12-month series of Building a Home?! This month we are chatting about Countertops.
Choosing a countertop for your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room is an exciting stage in finishing your home. We're going to focus on five popular types of countertops – marble, quartzite, quartz, granite, and soapstone. By no means is this a comprehensive list of countertop material options, but it is a list of some of our favorites.
MARBLE
You may remember that our blog last month on tiles featured a section about marble. This natural stone is a very timeless and elegant choice for countertops. Each slab of marble has unique veining, meaning no two pieces are exactly alike. Marble is wonderfully heat resistant and maintains its coolness, making it a great option for kitchens and bathroom countertops where hot hair appliances may be used.
However, marble also requires a good amount of maintenance to stay looking beautiful in the long run. It is a porous stone, meaning acidic substances like citrus will stain the marble. Regular sealing is required to make sure that staining is kept at a minimum. Marble is also a softer natural stone and can chip and scratch rather easily.
Care tips:
Seal your marble countertops regularly to prevent stains
Wipe any spills quickly to avoid potential damage
Use cutting boards to protect marble kitchen counters from scratches
QUARTZITE
Quartzite is an increasingly popular countertop material option! It is extremely hard and durable, making it resistant to scratches and chips. Like marble, quartzite can handle high temperatures extremely well without damage. And you can get natural or engineered quartzite slabs, meaning you can find any color, pattern, or veining that suits your personal style.
While quartzite isn't as porous as marble, it does still require sealing to prevent long term stains from setting in and ruining your countertops. Quartzite is also a bit pricier than other countertop materials due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Care tips:
Clean with a mild soap and water for daily maintenance
Use cutting boards and trivets to protect against scratches and heat damage
QUARTZ
While quartz is a naturally occurring stone, quartz countertops are a man-made composite of quartz stones and fillers like resin, glass, and color pigments. Quartz counters are very popular because they are extremely low-maintenance surfaces. These counters are resistant to staining, making it a top choice for kitchens. And since it is an engineered material, you can find quartz in any color or pattern you can imagine.
Unfortunately, as is the case with many engineered materials, quartz is not as heat-resistant as its natural stone counterparts. And while there are many quartz options that look very close to natural stone, less expensive options can sometimes look a bit unnatural.
Care tips:
Clean with a mild detergent and water for routine maintenance
Avoid extreme heat; always be sure to use trivets and hot pads on quartz countertops in the kitchen
GRANITE
Granite is the countertop material of choice for many designers and homeowners. It is an exceptionally durable natural stone; even your sharpest knives won't scratch its surfaces. Granite is one of the hardest surfaces on Earth and comes in a broad range of beautiful colors and designs. Like marble, each slab is one-of-a-kind; we always recommend going to a stoneyard to see your granite in person so there are no unexpected surprises on install day.
Because granite is so dense and heavy, it requires proper support during installation. We always recommend a professional to install your granite counters and can help you find the best ones for your project. Granite should also be periodically sealed to keep it looking nice, though this can be an annual event.
Care tips:
Use cutting boards and trivets to prevent long-term damage
Seal your granite countertops once a year
SOAPSTONE
Soapstone is a gorgeous natural stone option for your countertops. It is a naturally dark and stone which is matte finished for counters. A patina will develop over time on your soapstone counters and add to its charm. It is pretty resistant to heat damage, and requires minimal care to keep it stain-resistant.
Like many other natural stones, soapstone is soft. Your soapstone counters will be susceptible to scratches and dents; however some people see these chips and marks as part of the character. And if you're looking for light countertops, soapstone probably isn't the material for you. Soapstone can come with lighter veining, but the primary colors are shades of black, grey, or dark blue or green.
Care tips:
Apply a mineral oil periodically to maintain the stone's natural luster
Embrace the natural patina; your stone will naturally change over time
We hope this guide has helped you find the right countertop surface for your home. It’s important to pick something that suits your lifestyle, personal style, and budget. If you have more questions about these countertop materials, or any others you may be interested in, please reach out!
