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How Do You Know What Counter Top Material is Right For You?

Choosing the right counter top
You have many options but you want to make sure you are informed about the plusses and minuses to each before making your selection.
Let’s start with the different types and then list the positive and negatives to each.
Marble-
This has been a very popular choice in the last few years. So it is easy to see why so many other products are trying to mimic its good looks. For many people it is marble or nothing! This is fine as long as you understand how to care for it and can appreciate how it may patina over time.
Pluses
It is a natural product and has beautiful movement that is looser and softer looking than granite.
It works in both modern design as well as traditional design.
If you are a baker you will love that it is cooler.
It is heat resistant, but you should not place hot pans directly on the surface.
It works well when applying fancy edges or more complex cuts.
Minuses
It is a porous stone so it can stain easily.
Marble is softer than other stones and can etch from acidic items like lemons
If it becomes stained or damaged it is not able to be polished out.
Requires maintenance (sealing) annually or if you cook often semiannually.
Granite-
Counter tops made of granite are durable and beautiful but may be a little bit limiting for design choices.
Pluses
100% natural
Heat resistant
Resists nicks
You can cut directly on surface (will dull your knifes)
Very sturdy product
Minuses
You must seal every year.
Limited in looks with more movement (busy pattern) in the stone and darker color choices.
Man-made Quartz-
Quartz counter tops differ from marble and granite in one way, they are engineered and not solid stone. They do offer lots of design choices that may make up for that.
Pluses
Durable
Many design and color choices
You can find options that closely mimic the beauty of marble without the hassle of the natural stone.
Antimicrobial
Minuses
It is made with resin that is sensitive to heat.
It is not recommended for exterior use that is not covered.
Porcelain Counter tops
Has the ability to mimic many natural stone products and is man made. The product is newer to the market and has fewer qualified fabricators. The upside is price of the product and large slab sizes.
Pluses
It can closely resemble the look of marble.
You can have a matte or polished finish.
It comes in many colors
Larger slab sizes
No sealing
Heat resistant
Minuses
Can chip and crack
More expensive to fabricate
Less qualified number of fabricators than stone fabricators (newer product on the market)
Fabricating is more expensive than other stones.
Soapstone-
Completely natural product. Soapstone has the ability to work with many different styles from modern to cottage. The colors range from pale green to light grey and often has veining that mimics marble.
Plusses
Natural product
Wont be damaged from heat
Wont stain
No sealant required
Minuses
Consistency not even
Surface texture can be rough depending on finish
Regular maintenance if you decide to oil
Limited selection because it is a natural product
Cost factors can be pricey
Hopefully this information will help you feel more comfortable when choosing the right counter top for your home.