Pros & Cons: 5 Countertop Materials Compared

New countertops are expensive, so you expect them to last a long time. If you are remodeling your kitchen, your countertops will be the most costly material you pick out, surpassed only by your cabinetry package. You'll see them every day, prepare food on them, and need to keep them in good condition. Aesthetics and price are important considerations, but don't forget long-term durability and maintenance requirements when choosing the right materials. Read on to find out how the most popular materials compare.

Quartz

According to recent surveys, quartz countertops have finally surpassed natural granite in popularity. Also called manufactured stone, this material consists of ground up quartz (a natural mineral) that is bound together with resin and then molded into slabs. These days, more than 90% of our clients choose solid-surface quartz countertops because of the durability and easy maintenance. In recent years, the choice in colors and patterns has exploded. Quartz is available that mimics many natural stone slabs as well as many unique colors and patterns.

Pros

●Resistant to heat, scratching, and stains

●Many color and pattern choices available

●Nonporous surface does not require sealing

Cons

●Some quartz may slightly be less resistant to very high heat

●May lack the unique patterns of natural stone

Quartzite

This material is often confused for quartz, but unlike that engineered material, quartzite is a quarried natural stone.

Pros

●Extremely hard, even more so than quartz

●Variable pattern and coloring from the geologic forces that formed it

Cons

●Depending on the quality of the slab, it can be pricey

●Slightly more prone to denting and chipping than quartz

●Designs that require complex cuts can be expensive

Granite

Granite is now the second-most-popular countertop choice. It is available in a wide range of colors and natural patterns.

Pros

●Each slab is unique

●Extremely durable, resistant to scratching, heat, and stains (when properly sealed)

Cons

●Prone to chipping

●Must be resealed periodically

●May emit small amounts of radon, a carcinogen

Marble

This classic quarried stone has been a popular choice for kitchen countertops for ages. It traditional good looks add a touch of formality to a room.

Pros

●Remains cool to the touch and is great for working with pastry

●Honed marble can make scratches and stains less obvious

●Prices vary widely but common Carrara marble can be one of the less expensive stone

Cons

●Prone to etching from acidic foods

●Scratches easily

●Can be stained by fruits, wines, etc.

Laminate

Laminate has fallen out of favor from its boomerang-patterned heyday in the 1950s, but there are still reasons to consider this inexpensive option.

Pros

●Among the least expensive options

●Easy to install and can be changed frequently

●A wide variety of colors and patterns are available

Cons

●Can easily be burned, melted, and scratched

●Probably not a good investment if you plan to sell your home