Countertops

There are pros and cons to every type of countertop. Some shine because of their durability, some for their ease of repair, some for their price point, and some for their versatility. Below you’ll find our breakdown of the common countertop materials that are available for remodeling projects. You’ll learn what each countertop is composed of as well as the negatives and positives of each.


Granite

Granite is one of the most well known types of countertop used in remodels. It’s a natural stone known for its beautiful colors and patterns. Granite does require some upkeep, which should be kept in mind. It’s a porous stone that’s supposed to be sealed every year to keep debris from clogging the pores and staining the countertop. While granite is a hard material, it’s still possible for it to chip or crack if abused. If that happens, a perfect repair isn’t likely. Even though its popularity has decreased in recent years in favor of quartz, it’s still a perfectly viable option for your renovation.

Pros:
Durable
High Quality
Beautiful
Natural Stone
Good Resale Value

Cons:
Price
Requires Upkeep
Difficult to Repair
Is Porous


Quartz

Quartz is the gold standard for modern remodeling projects. It’s a man-made countertop composed of a mixture of ground up stone materials mixed with resins and dyes. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns and its durability is unmatched. It’s a harder material than granite, so it’s less likely to break or chip. On top of that, it is completely non-porous, so there’s no need to worry about anything seeping into the pores and causing a permanent stain. Quartz requires zero upkeep so there will be no need to ever seal it. The main drawback for quartz is its price, although it’s usually not that much more expensive than granite. Another negative is that just like granite, it’s near impossible to repair back to its former state if it does crack or chip. However, it’s durable enough for cracks and chips not to be a big worry.

Pros:
Durable
High Quality
Beautiful
Non-Porous
Zero Upkeep
Great Resale Value

Cons:
Price
Difficult to Repair


Corian

Corian is very different than the other countertops on this list. It’s composed of a mixture of acrylic resin and natural minerals that are derived from the same ore that aluminum is taken from. Corian is much softer then the other materials on this list and has a similar feeling to a very soft and smooth plastic. Because of the softness of this material, it is far more prone to scratching, burning, and damage from harsh cleaners. However, there are some benefits to Corian. The softness makes it easy for repair if it scratches or chips, where the harder materials on this list might not be able to be repaired. It’s also possible to integrate a Corian sink into a Corian top so that there are no seams whatsoever.

Pros:
Easy to Repair
Ability to Integrate a Sink Without a Seam
Doesn’t Get as Cold to the Touch as Other Tops

Cons:
Scratches Easily
Burns Easily


Laminate (Formica)

Laminate is the least expensive countertop material on this list and probably the most widely used because of that. It’s not a high quality material, but it is functional, decently durable, and inexpensive. Laminate countertops have absolutely no stone in them. They are made from paper dipped in resins and then glued to particle board. It too is available in many, many colors and patterns. You’ll find laminate in most builder-grade homes, condos, and apartments.

Pros:
Inexpensive
Reasonably Durable
Non-Porous
Stain Resistant

Cons:
Not Very Heat Resistant
More Prone to Scratches than Stone Tops
Not Good for Resale


Butcher Block

Butcher Block is a favorite for chefs. It’s made from straight pieces of wood that has been glued together to form a seamless countertop. It’s convenient if you’re into cooking as it’s essentially a large cutting board. Plus, it’s beautiful to look at and can really make a kitchen stand out. Butcher Block countertops are resistant to heat, so putting a hot pot on them won’t cause damage, especially of the top has been sealed. Speaking of sealing, Butcher Block countertops must be sealed with mineral oil every month if you want it to maintain any type of of germ resistance. Otherwise, they will become magnets to potentially harmful germs and bacteria. These tops can also be sanded down once scratches or stains have been built up, which means that they will last a very long time if well maintained.

Pros:
Like Having a Cutting Board for a Countertop
Beautiful
Heat Resistant

Cons:
Prone to Become Unsanitary if not Sealed Often


Choosing the right type of countertop makes a big difference when remodeling. We hope that this post has helped you understand the differences between the various countertop materials so that you can choose the right type of countertop for your remodeling project.

Considering a countertop remodel of your own? We would be happy to help you!