One of the most noticeable features of your kitchen is the countertops, so it is essential that you choose a countertop material that is attractive as well as durable. There are a lot of natural stone options to choose from, so how do you choose which material is the best for your kitchen and your specific needs? Trying to pick may feel overwhelming. To help you make a decision, here are the pros and cons of four the most common materials used for kitchen countertops: marble, granite, quartzite and slate.
Marble
Marble is a high demand material used for countertops for a number of reasons, especially its look of elegance. There are a couple of pros for this material:
- Available in a variety of color hues, including white, solid black, rose and yellow
- Slabs of marble can be similar, but most have various characteristics about each slab which creates a unique countertop
Cons:
- Requires more care due to how porous the material is
- Needs to be professionally sealed to avoid stains and scratches, but is an easy process
- Can crack if not installed properly
Granite
Granite is one of the most popular material choices for kitchen countertops. There are several pros with this material, including:
- Holds up to heat
- Comes in a vast array of color options
- Lasts a lifetime
- With sealer, it’s almost maintenance free
- Extremely hard
- Provides high resale value to kitchen
Cons:
- Slightly expensive, but becoming more affordable
- Needs to be professionally sealed to avoid stains and scratches, but is an easy process
- If not properly installed, it can crack
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone. More specifically, it is a naturally occurring metaphoric rock that is formed when sandstone is exposed to extreme pressure and heat. The pros include:
- Popular choice for countertops due to its hardness (it’s harder than glass)
- Heat resistant
- Usually white to gray in color, while other colors include pink, red or purple. Impurities to this material may add different colors including yellow, orange, brown, green or blue
Cons:
- Needs to be professionally sealed to avoid stains and scratches, but is an easy process
- This material can crack if it’s not installed correctly
Slate
Slate is commonly used as a flooring material, billiard tables and walkways. However, it is also an excellent option for your countertop. There are a variety of pros when it comes to using slate, including:
- Non-porous (easy to clean)
- Available in various shades of black, charcoal, gray, pewter and brown. Some slabs may include colors of green, blue or red
- Very hard and durable
- More affordable in comparison to granite and marble
Cons:
- Needs to be professionally sealed to avoid stains and scratches, but is an easy process
- Brittle – stone may flake (getting it professionally sealed will take care of the problem)
- Corners need to be rounded to avoid sharp edges
Your kitchen countertops play a major role in the value of your kitchen as well as the quality of your entire home. Whether you are planning to resell your home or you are ready for some basic upgrades, the countertops are the best place to start. When choosing the materials you will use, it is best to have a clear picture of how you want the kitchen to look and keep in mind that the material chosen should be durable as well as meet your family’s needs.
Contact us at Mees Distributors, Inc. or visit our store to talk to our professionals on how we can help you complete your kitchen remodel!