When customizing your kitchen, one of the most important decisions you will make is which countertop material to select. And, with many stone countertop options available, the decision could be a difficult one!
Countertops are the focal point of your kitchen. It is important that they are not only aesthetically appealing, but that they can withstand life’s daily challenges and still maintain their beauty over time. Durability is important. You deal with water, heat and sharp objects, so your kitchen requires resilient material.
Are you wondering what surfaces make the best countertops? Natural stone is the perfect choice for countertops, it is durable and has many beautiful designs. We’re going to give you some information on five stone options to help you decide which one is right for you!
Granite
Granite has long been one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops. Its natural look and feel are what attracts people to this stone. On top of its beauty, granite is also known for being extremely durable. It’s ability to withstand abrasive damage and heat is what makes granite the most commonly used stone for kitchen countertops.
There was a time when granite was almost exclusively used in luxury homes. Now, granite has become the go-to stone for countertops. Granite is a very versatile stone, and with many color options to choose from you are sure to find something that will elevate the look of your space. Over the last few years, the production of granite slabs along with alternatives has increased, leading to the decrease in price, making granite a much more affordable stone.
Granite is an igneous rock that forms naturally deep in the Earth’s crust. Here, the pressure and temperature exceed 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. The intense pressure and temperature cause small particles of quartz and feldspar to fuse together. This process is what gives granite that speckled look. The speckled look is not only visually appealing, but also helps to cover seams and is responsible for the stones impeccable heat resistance.
Before putting granite slabs to use, it is important that they have been sealed. This closes up any small crevices or pores and makes the countertop safe for food preparation. Granite countertops should also be regularly resealed, it is recommended once a year.
Quartzite
Quartzite, similar to granite, is a naturally occurring stone that is known for its beauty and durability as countertop material.
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is formed when quartz sandstone undergoes extreme pressure and temperatures, quite similar to the process in which granite is formed. During this process, quartz, grains and cementing materials re-crystallize into an interlocking mosaic with a smooth, glassy surface.
The higher density of quartzite is one of its most significant advantages. This makes the stone resistant to chipping, staining, or scratches. Quartzite resembles marble and this resemblance adds to its value, because marble is often considered the epitome of luxury when it comes to countertop material.
Quartzite countertops also require regular sealing and resealing, but other than that quartzite is very low maintenance.
Dolomite
Dolomite is another natural stone that is becoming increasingly more popular. Dolomite’s increase in popularity is largely due to its durability and affordability compared to marble. It is often referred to as ‘dolostone’ to distinguish it from the mineral dolomite, which is a significant component of its composition.
Dolomite is sediment rock that forms naturally when limestone interacts with magnesium-rich groundwater and undergoes chemical changes. Dolomite can oftentimes be mistaken for marble because it normally comes in white or grey shades with streaks. Dolomite is considerably stronger than marble, making it resistant to scratches and chips.
Although dolomite is very abundant, the lack of variation in color choices makes it less useful as a substitute for marble countertops. Again, like most countertops’, dolomite requires sealing and regular resealing to prevent staining.
Marble
Marble is one of the most premium stones used for countertops. Renowned for its historical use in classical sculpture and as building material over centuries, marble is associated with luxury.
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed naturally under intense pressure in the Earth’s crust from limestone or dolomite. The formation process can cause impurities that result in a wide array of colors and patterns, which makes the stone more appealing.
Although marble countertops are widely popular, they are less durable than many of the other options on the market. Marble is porous which makes it very susceptible to staining unless it is regularly treated with sealant! It is not as hard as dolomite, granite or quartzite which makes it more prone to scratches and chips, and it can be affected by harsh chemicals.
Engineered Stone / Quartz / Porcelain
When discussing the best surfaces for kitchen counters, the list would be incomplete without mentioning engineered stone surfaces. Unlike natural stone, these materials were specifically designed to function as countertops, making engineered stone perfectly suited for this purpose. There are many different types of engineered stone to choose from.
Engineered Quartz is made of loose quartz particles bound together with resin. This is one of the most popular choices for countertops. It is nearly indestructible due to its hard and flexible structure, allowing it to resist scratching, cracking, and chipping. Quartz countertops are available in a variety of colors and can even be made to resemble marble. The cost of a quartz countertop is about the same as Quartzite, although they are much more durable except when it comes to heat. The resin in quartz countertops can sometimes melt when in contact with high temperature. It is important to use care when dealing with hot pots and pans.
Porcelain is one of the oldest types of engineered stone surfaces, available in almost any color, style, and texture. Porcelain is manufactured with extreme heat, making it very durable and heat resistant.
Sintered stone is one of the newest types of porcelain, this is hands down the most durable surface we have listed. Manufactured by heating to the point of liquification, and then formed into slabs or tiles, this surface is heat, scratch, and stain resistant. Just like natural stone, the coloring on sintered stone goes all the way through, making edges and bevels retain the same look as the rest of the countertop!
There are other options to choose from, including soapstone, wood and laminate, however those are harder to maintain and are less recommended than these top five. However, when designing or redesigning your kitchen, it is important to choose whatever surface best reflects your style and needs.
If you’re designing a new home or simply remodeling your kitchen, be sure to contact the team at C&C Stoneworks. We’d love to go over your countertop options and help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Give us a call at 252-902-5535 or visit our showroom at 6144 NC Hwy 43 South in Greenville, North Carolina today.