Reasons to Consider Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a manufactured product and can be very attractive. The manufacturing process allows a much wider range of colors than you’ll find in natural stones such as marble or granite. The appearance of the finished engineered stone is rich, even luxurious. The finish has a depth that can’t be produced with solid surface materials like Corian.
Quartz has the same durability as concrete and granite, but is quite a bit more forgiving, so it won’t chip or crack as easily. It doesn’t have the same hardness in the feel that some people find unpleasant.
Like other hard surface countertop materials, quartz is non-porous so it resists staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. It stands up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and other sources of stains in the kitchen. For cleanliness, a non-porous surface means that it will not harbor bacteria or viruses. You can always be confident that you are getting your quartz countertop absolutely clean, and that’s a great benefit in both the kitchen and the bathroom.
Reasons to be Cautious about Quartz Countertops
Tile took off in popularity in the 1970s and 80s but remains a viable countertop option with few drawbacks. Tile can come as fired tile, ceramic or porcelain as well as stone tile, slate, travertine, granite and even glass tile. Weigh the pros and cons of tile before making your decision.
Tile Countertop Pros
Endless Possibilities: Since tile comes in a variety of types, not to mention patterns and finishes, homeowners can achieve a unique look. Try mosaic tile for interesting patterns and textures or go for a different finish like smooth glazed, matte, handpainted, crackled and printed for other tile materials.
Heat Resistant: Tile is heat resistant, though you still want to use a trivet or a hot pad to put a hot pot on the countertop.
Easy to Fix: Tile has a tendency to chip through routine wear and tear but it’s a lot easier to repair than other countertops because it typically just requires removing the damaged tile and installing a new replacement tile.
Tile Countertop Cons
Tough to Clean: Grout tends to stain and cleaning those stains is a chore. Use a stiff-bristled brush and spray a mixture of vinegar and water on the stain. You can also apply a baking soda paste and vinegar to clean it or hydrogen peroxide or even oxygen bleach.
Stains and Bacteria: Tile countertops use grout to put the tile in place and grout is a porous material, meaning it will absorb liquids and can lead to bacteria growth. Just like with other countertops, tile needs annual sealing, if not more frequent sealing.
Chips: Tile, especially ceramic tile, can chip easily if dishes are banged on the tile or if someone leans on the tile too hard.
GRANITES FOR COUNTER TOP
What Are the Advantages of Granite Countertops
Scratching & Chipping Resistance. Granite is genuinely rock-hard. ...
Granite is Easy to Clean. ...
High Affordability. ...
Resistance to Stains, Heat, and Moisture. ...
Granite Counters are Perfectly Flat. ...
It Adds Value to Your Kitchen. ...
Granite is Family-Friendly. ...
Each Granite Slab is Unique.
Affordability
Even though it looks stunningly expensive, marble can actually cost less than other natural stone countertop materials. Although the cost can vary depending on the exact type and thickness chosen, marble is often less expensive than granite or quartz.
Durability
Marble is a natural stone, so it’s more resistant to scratching, cracking and breaking than many other available countertop materials. In spite of its durability, marble is softer than granite, so it’s possible to incorporate attractive design elements, such as fancy edges, during the fabrication process.
Distinction
Man-made countertop materials attempt to imitate the look of marble with only limited success. Since marble was created from sedimentary dolomite or limestone rock through a natural process, each piece is unique in appearance. The wide range of hues and colors found in marble are determined by the area of origin, and the proportional mix of minerals in the original limestone. The beautiful and distinctive veining this stone is known for comes from impurities trapped in the limestone when earth’s extreme heat and pressure transformed it into marble.
Heat Resistance
Marble has long been favored by professional chefs and home bakers because it stays cool, making it ideal for rolling out pastry. What’s not as well-known is that marble countertops are heat resistant as well. Marble won’t catch fire or burn, but it’s wise to preserve the finish by not placing a hot pan or pot on the surface without protection.
Longevity
Marble has been used as a building material for a very long time, so its ability to withstand the test of time is well documented. When it’s expertly installed and properly sealed and maintained, you can expect to enjoy the beauty of marble for a lifetime.
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