How to Compare Countertop Materials

When it comes to deciding which countertop material to pick out, you’ve got plenty of options. From durable granite to beautiful quartz or marble, which material is right for your kitchen? Before you pull out your credit card, here’s what you should keep in mind when comparing countertop material for your renovation.

Types of Countertop Materials

Before we get into which factors to consider for countertops, let’s take a look at the popular countertop materials you can purchase and how they differ from each other.

Granite

Granite is one of the most popular materials to choose from—if not the most popular. While a little less affordable, granite countertops don’t require a lot of maintenance, and they’re resistant against heat, scratches, or even stains.

Marble

For anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind look, marble is definitely the way to go. No two slabs are exactly the same, but that unique look does come at a cost: this stone isn’t as resistant to scratches or spills.

Quartz

If you’re looking for more design options than granite provides, quartz may be the best alternative. Unfortunately, this stone can still cost you a pretty penny, and it’s not as resistant to heat.

Solid Surface Stone

While solid surface stone doesn’t have a high resistance to heat and you’ll need a professional installer to set it up, it’s impervious against scratches, spills, or stains.

Concrete

Concrete countertops aren’t quite as popular as granite or quartz, but if you’re looking for a highly-custom design, concrete could be the way to go. Not only can you shape concrete to exactly meet your kitchen’s dimensions, but it also resists scratches fairly well.

What to Consider When Comparing Countertop Materials

Even if you know which options you have, there are still quite a few factors you’ll need to consider before you make a final decision.

Maintenance

Most people don’t want to spend more time cleaning their countertops than they do their dishes, but some materials can require a surprising amount of maintenance. Both quartz and granite are relatively easy to clean, and since they’re already resistant to scratches and spills, you’re unlikely to have to do it too regularly.

Other materials, like concrete or marble, may take some more work. Since marble isn’t very resistant to scratches, you could spend a lot of time trying to remove them. Concrete, however, can require annual resealing to keep it in good shape.

Price

Even if you already have a material picked out, plenty of homeowners still have to consider their budget. Granite and quartz can be a little more costly, while an alternative like laminate or ceramic tile may be more affordable.

Keep in mind that many of these materials, like granite, marble, or concrete, will also likely need a professional installation.

Lifespan

If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on a new kitchen countertop, you’ll probably want to aim for a material that’s going to last more than one or two years. Both granite and quartz have excellent reputations for a long lifespan, although you will need to occasionally reseal granite if you want it to last the test of time.

Marble is also an impressive option and could last several decades if it’s cared for properly.

Found Your Dream Countertop Material?

While there are plenty of factors to consider when comparing countertop material, there is no one “right” answer. Marble may be the best option for one homeowner, while granite works better for another.

Regardless of your decision, installing a countertop or picking out a material isn’t a solo effort. At CCT Natural Stone Designs, we can not only help match you with the best material for your kitchen, but we’ll also provide a flawless installation too. Contact us today for a quote about your countertop installation!