Kitchen Counter Top Options
Choosing the perfect kitchen counter top can be overwhelming, and expensive! Before diving into a kitchen remodel, check out the pros and cons of the most popular kitchen counter top options.
Concrete
Quartz
The great thing about Quartz counter tops is that they’re practically maintenance free. Engineered quartz counter tops don’t need to be sealed like natural stone counter tops. Due to it’s non-porous surface, quartz counter tops are stain, acid, scratch, heat and impact resistant. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, quartz ranks close in popularity to the top choice: granite. However, quartz also comes in solid colors, which is appealing to some.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a non-porous natural stone that’s available in a wide variety of colors ranging from light to dark with the natural stone features. Because soapstone is non-porous, it’s highly stain and bacteria resistant. Unlike other natural stones, it doesn’t require yearly sealing but regular applications of mineral oil will help to disguise any surface scratches, add sheen and deepen the stone’s color over time.
Granite
Granite is still the top choice of most homeowners. Traditional granite counter tops offer a high-end look that adds to your kitchen’s value while providing a durable prep surface. One appealing feature is the variation in the stone’s pattern but that can also make matching up slabs tricky. The cost of granite and quartz are comparable, but natural granite requires more care than manufactured quartz to keep its good looks. Granite is a naturally porous surface which means there is potential for the counter top to become stained. Oils, wine, acids and soda, are most likely to stain the surface. However, if you follow a yearly sealing routine, that will lessen the risk of stains.