Skip to main content

What Countertops Best Suit Your Needs?

By March 23, 2021Home

High-quality countertops are a key aesthetic and practical feature you can add to your current home or to a new home you plan to have custom-built. In fact, given the centrality of the kitchen and the necessity of functional bathrooms, choosing the right countertop is a major home building decision.

There are a plethora of options for countertops and a few of the top contenders in today’s market for stone countertops are granite, quartz, quartzite, and marble.

Which stone should I choose?

All of them are quality and popular materials, each of which has its own set of pros and cons. Some situations will call for one, while others may call for the others. Every homeowner may have his or her preference in this regard as well.

The important thing, then, is to decide based on the facts which option is “right for you.” Here are the main points you need to know when choosing what stone countertops best suits your needs.

  1. All Stones Offer Much Variety In Color & Style

There is a huge variety in color and style when choosing stone countertops. In general, granite slabs tend to be darker and bolder, but this is just a rule of thumb and nothing more. Marble usually has softer vein patterns than other stones. This may make them more appealing to those seeking a lighter touch, a softer ambiance. Quartz is an engineered stone that allows you to have an even and consistent appearance and Quartzite has the look of marble, but it’s much easier to care for.

  1. Granite Costs Less & Lasts Longer

Although it always varies from specific stone to stone, granite has a lower price range than does marble. You can find some marbles, however, that cost less than some granites.

In general, granite is more durable. It survives longer and requires less maintenance over the years. Both stones have to be sealed from time to time, but marble may require more frequent sealings. (Note that each particular granite stone slab is given a durability rating ranging from A to D, with A being the most durable.)

Marble is “magnificent,” but it is also more “touchy.” You have to be a little more on your guard against staining and etching with marble. But again, it varies from stone to stone so that some marble slabs are less at risk of staining than some granite stones are.

  1. Marble Gives You Greater Consistency

There is always some variation in pattern and color from stone to stone, which is considered desirable by most involved in the home building process. But many prefer countertops made up of slabs that are as close as possible to each other in style.

Granite slabs usually vary more from piece to piece, which may be an attraction to some home builders. However, the greater consistency of marble slabs may be more important to others. Usually, marble’s closer matches are considered more appealing, and this is part of the reason why marble generally requires a little bit more of an investment.

  1. Quartz Is New But Here To Stay

Quartz countertops are relatively new, but they’ve found a loyal following because of their many good qualities such as their attractive appearance, durability, and the fact they don’t have some of the weaknesses of natural stone.

Quartz has the same durability as concrete and granite but is quite a bit more forgiving, so it won’t chip or crack as easily. It doesn’t have the same hardness in the feel that some people find unpleasant. A downfall is that they can be a bit pricey, but if you want an upscale look with very low maintenance required, quartz countertops are definitely worth considering.

  1. Quartzite

Quartzite countertops are often confused with quartz countertops, but quartzite countertops is a naturally occurring stone. Quartzite is an extremely dense material and does not etch when exposed to acidic foods, making it a popular choice for countertops, especially for those looking for an alternative to typical granite.

Due to its density, quartzite takes a nice polish and is also available in honed and brushed finishes. If maintenance is an issue that keeps you from marble, quartzite is a great alternative. It is also very durable, like granite, quartzite leans toward the hard side of natural stone, so that means it won’t wear down or develop problems in the short term.

  1. All Stones Are Highly Heat-resistant

One part of a home building scheme is to envision your home design in actual use. Your daily habits and everyday use can partially determine which highly-rated stone you’re more likely to choose. Each of these different stone types can take the “heat” of the kitchen in everyday use and will continue to add value and a pleasing aesthetic to your cozy space for years to come.

To learn more or to discuss a custom home building plan, contact Experience Homes in Amarillo, TX today!