Let’s Talk About the Pros and Cons of my favourite Kitchen Countertops!
The kitchen is the heart of the home… cliche, I know. Although I can’t say I disagree with this statement.
The kitchen has a way of bringing everyone together! It is also one of the spaces within a home that can dramatically increase the value… especially when it comes to Kitchen Countertops.
So let’s find out the Pros and Cons of My 4 Favourite Kitchen Countertops!
Whether you are just moving in or giving your existing kitchen a face lift, you will need to explore the many finishes and kitchen countertops that can bring your vision to life!
There are plenty of options to pick from and each kitchen countertop material has its own benefits. This can sometimes make the decision seem quite overwhelming. Here I will be sharing some pros and cons on a few of my favourite kitchen countertop options; granite, quartz, marble and porcelain.
The question is, which option do you choose!?
I hope the information I share can help make your decision a little easier!
GRANITE
Granite countertops have been one of the most popular choices on the market for homeowners for a long time. It is a natural stone comprised of many mineral crystals bonded together to create a beautiful product.
Pros:
- Granite is a naturally formed stone, giving it unique veining that creates beautiful patterns.
- There is a wide array of options to choose from when it comes to granite.
- Granite is well liked for its durability and tolerance to heat.
- It is stain and scratch resistant if properly sealed.
- This product will add value to your home.
Cons:
- Granite can be a decently high maintenance product. It is a porous stone, therefore you will need to have it sealed approximately once a year.
- This product must be professionally installed and is not meant for DIY projects.
- Because granite is a natural stone there can be inconsistencies in the pattern which can be a negative to some.
- Granite can be costly in some cases, although is generally affordable.
QUARTZ
Quartz is an engineered surface that is generally composed of 93% stone-like materials and 7% cement or plastic binders. Sometimes unique materials such as glass are combined into this product to create a more interesting visual. There has been a growing demand for man made products such as quartz over the last few years.
Pros:
- Because this is an engineered product, there is a consistent, uniform look to the surface with fewer imperfections than that of natural stones.
- Quartz comes in a variety of colours and patterns, although is generally produced with a more simple look, making it desirable for many people.
- This product can be completely custom made to your liking.
- It has an extremely hard surface making is durable and strong.
- Quartz is both heat and stain resistant.
- It is a non-porous surface, therefore it does not need to be sealed making it easy to care for and very low maintenance.
Cons:
- It lacks uniqueness, unlike natural stones.
- There is a smaller array of options to choose from, unlike granite.
- This product is expensive, although with the growing demand, it has become readily available and can be quite affordable.
MARBLE
Without a doubt, marble is one of the most luxurious stones on the market. It is a timeless natural stone where each slab is unique from one another.
Pros:
- Marble has a unique veining throughout the surface, giving it a clean and sophisticated look that will never go out of style.
- This product will add great real-estate value to your home.
- Marble is heat resistant.
Cons:
- Marble is a very high maintenance material. It should be sealed approximately twice a year to preserve the finish since it is a very porous material.
- This stone is not practical for everyday use as it is not very durable and can scratch easily.
- Marble is not stain resistant.
- Repairs can be difficult to fix on marble.
- Marble is very expensive.
PORCELAIN
Porcelain is made up from 100% natural materials and has been extremely popular in Europe for a very long time. Although here, it is not the first option that comes to mind when searching for the perfect countertop material. It is slowly becoming more and more popular and for good reason!
Pros:
- There are many options to pick from when choosing porcelain countertops. They can come in various colours and patterns as well as a glossy or matte finish.
- Porcelain is recyclable and completely environmentally friendly.
- It is a hard surface, making it very durable.
- Porcelain is heat, scratch and stain resistant.
- This product will not fade from the effects of UV rays so it always looks brand new.
Cons:
- Porcelain isn’t as widely available as other countertop materials such as granite and quartz.
- It can be quite pricey.
- Because this product is manufactured, the pattern is only printed onto the top of the surface and does not run throughout the material. This is something to keep in mind if you are looking for an exposed edge.
Overall, each one of these materials are great products and have unique benefits. The functionality of each option varies so you can find what will be the right material for you. I hope this information has been helpful and allowed you to narrow down your search for the perfect countertop that fits your lifestyle.
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Thanks for stopping by, always a pleasure to have you!
Your Girl,
A
