Countertop Material Guide

There are many different countertop materials available on the market for you to utilize during your remodel.

At times, the number of different countertop materials and color varieties available within each line can be quite overwhelming. In this article, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of the most common countertop materials used in the remodeling industry. Those materials are quartz, marble, granite, corian (solid surface), wood, and laminate.

Quartz countertops are a very common choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Manufacturers make quartz countertops by grinding natural quartz down and combining it with other natural and synthetic materials such as polymers, resins, and pigments to create the final designs.

Quartz is our favorite countertop material to recommend for remodeling projects for a variety of reasons. Though quartz is newer to the countertop industry, it comes provides the most durability and peace of mind for our clients.

PROS:

– durability (won’t crack, scratch, or chip easily)

– warranty

– no maintenance

– large color variety

– non porous (food will not seep into it)

– honed and polished finish options

– can be used in a wide variety of applications

CONS:

– is typically one of the more expensive countertop materials

Cambria quartz offers a great warranty and color selection. Check out their website!

Marble is a very traditional countertop material that has beautiful coloring and patterns which make for a very elegant feel in a space. The naturally occurring stone can be found all over the world, making it widely available in many varieties. 

PROS:

– long lasting if maintained properly

– unique natural colors and patterns

– can increase property value

– honed and polished finish options

CONS:

– stains easily

– requires maintenance

– can be very expensive

– delicate (show signs of wear overtime)

Granite is another natural material that boasts a wide variety of colors and patterns. It requires a bit of maintenance overtime, but is still a great option for many different applications. 

PROS:

– tends to be more affordable than quartz and marble

– natural material

– large color variety

– bold colors and patterns

– a hard substance that doesn’t scratch easily

– can take heat without being damaged or weakened

– can be resistant to stains and liquids if sealed properly

CONS:

– porous (needs to be sealed)

– requires regular maintenance

– has the potential to crack and chip

Solid surface is a man-made or engineered stone material made by blending acrylic polymers with other minerals and stone-derived materials. The acrylic polymer mix is poured into molds, forming a consistent composition all the way through all the way through the product. It is very common in commercial applications.

PROS:

– certain color options can be more affordable than quartz and marble

– option for a seamless sink application

– warranty

– many colors to choose from

– easy to clean and maintain

CONS:

– colors and pattern options tend to be more simple in design

– soft material (can dent and scratch – is usually repairable)

– does not handle heat well

Wood countertops are a very common choice for bar tops, food prep, and baking. Wood has it’s limitations, but can make a true statement in a space. There are many wood species available on the market that vary in overall toughness and wood grain. 

PROS:

– appearance and variety

– neutral color palette

– warm to the touch

– can be refinished

– excellent work surface (easy on knives)

CONS:

– most need to be maintained and sealed overtime (unless a permanent finish is applied)

– does not handle heat well

– does not handle water well (not recommended around sinks)

Laminate countertops are made from layers of plastic that are bonded to particleboard or kraft paper to create a strong solid countertop surface. Laminate gets a bad rep and is sometimes though of as being cheap, but still has it’s place in certain residential and commercial applications.

PROS:

– very inexpensive

– large variety of colors and patterns

– easy to maintain

– easy to install

CONS:

– limitations in how countertops can be shaped and sized

– has obvious seams

– does not handle heat well

– susceptible to de-lamination and scratching