There are a variety of kitchen countertop surfaces available to homeowners today, and it can be tough to decide which is best for you and your home. Here are some of the characteristics, pros and cons of popular kitchen countertop materials. Each material has its own unique advantages.
Granite countertops are naturally hard, tough, durable, and beautiful. Depending on the type or color of stone, granite is usually around a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. As a natural stone, granite is somewhat porous but can be pretty well protected from stains with proper sealing and reasonable care under normal household conditions. Granite countertops are often among the most practical and economical stone countertop materials for use in the home and are among the most popular choices.
Marble countertops can be beautiful and are becoming increasingly popular. But coming in at around a 3 on the Mohs scale marble is a relatively soft material and can be more vulnerable to scratches, chips and cracks. Since marble countertops are more porous than granite countertops, marble can be somewhat more prone to stains if not cared for properly. Because of its high calcium content, marble countertops can also be vulnerable to acid etching from certain foods and household products like vinegar and lemon juice. Though it is beautiful, marble is perhaps better suited to bathroom vanities and homeowners should consider carefully before putting marble countertops in residential kitchens that are expected to be used heavily and often.
Engineered stone or manmade “quartz” countertop products like Silestone, Caesarstone or Zodiaq can be a good choice for some homeowners. They are typically made from crushed natural quartz that is pressed in a colored resin. While they may not have some of the same natural beauty as granite countertops, quartz products are less porous than most natural stone materials and can also be found in colors that are not easily found in nature. Quartz might also be a good choice if large areas of a very consistently uniform color are desired, or if room-to-room continuity is important in an architectural design vision. However, many homeowners are often surprised to learn that engineered quartz countertop products are often more expensive than some of the lower priced granite and marble products.
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