Choosing the Right Countertops for Your Home
Updated: Jan 13, 2020
After making the decision to upgrade your countertops, choosing the right material is a must! Allow us to help you make the decision simple.
When selecting countertops for your home, it can be challenging to know what material to choose. With so many colors and styles available, choosing the stone you want on top of everything else can be overwhelming. Not to worry! -We’ve created a simple guide below to help make your design decisions easier!
Your Kitchen Needs
In order to decide which material is best for your home, first you need to consider your kitchen habits. If you’re a cooking fanatic, how do you typically handle your countertops? When you use knives and hot pans, do you put them directly on your kitchen surface? If so, a more durable, sturdy material may be the best choice for you.
As for you take-out lovers, how much upkeep are you looking for in your home? Some countertop materials, especially natural stone, require more maintenance each year than others. However, if a certain look is the most important factor to you, a little extra maintenance may be worth it.
Natural vs Engineered Stone
While there are many possibilities for your countertops, the most commonly used materials are either natural stone or engineered stone. Unlike natural stone, engineered stone is man-made using ground-up rock and resin material. This allows for an extremely durable countertop, and a uniform look throughout. Natural stone on the other hand, gives a more unique, personalized look and is often more porous than man-made materials. This means that a little more maintenance is required, and the design varies from slab to slab.
QUARTZ
If you prefer the idea of a more durable, man-made stone, then an engineered stone material like Quartz can be a great choice. Our Calista Quartz countertops are naturally beautiful and durable, comprised of over 90% quartz, one of nature's hardest minerals, and a damage resistant resin. This countertop is not only more sturdy than natural stone, but it also requires less maintenance, as it is easy to clean and does not require sealing, re-polishing, or reconditioning. Simply wipe down with warm water and a mild detergent. Not only that, but the 99.9% solid, non-porous surface provides superior stain, scorch, scratch, and chip resistance and is impervious to bacteria and other microorganisms.
When tested against all other popular home surfaces, quartz surfacing holds the title of #1 performing countertop material.
Natural Stone
While Engineered Stone may be the obvious choice for our heavy-duty cookers, a natural stone can also be a great option for those who prefer a more stylish, personalized and cost-effective look. Our natural stone is extracted from quarries worldwide, allowing us to provide a vast selection of materials including granite, marble, quartzite, tavertine and more.
GRANITE
Granite is comprised of many different types of crystals. Because of its diamond-strength durability and timeless, classic appeal, granite tops the ranks in stone popularity and is arguably the most well-known of all the countertop surfaces. Granite was even used in the construction of the pyramids in ancient Egypt! Adding to the attractiveness of this worldly surface is its ease of care and longevity. Granite is naturally stain resistant, heat resistant, and scratch resistant, making it a worry-free choice for any interior or exterior project. With so many granite selections of varying colors, veins, markings, patterns and movement, you are sure to find a one-of-a-kind slab to fit your home or building.
Unlike Quartz which require no regular maintenance, it is recommended that Granite be re-sealed once a year to resist stains.
QUARTZITE
A naturally occurring metamorphic rock, quartzite is formed by sandstone meeting intense heat and pressure. Due to the rich colors and patterns created through this process, quartzite is regarded as one of the most beautiful and sought-after home surface materials, and it is dominating the countertop scene in today’s trendy and contemporary marketplace. Besides the obvious beauty that attracts most to this stone, boosting its desire is its strength and resilience. Quartzite is so strong, in fact, that it can cut glass (as quartzite is harder!). For those wishing for a stunning, yet low-maintenance home surface option, quartzite is a material that checks both boxes.
MARBLE
If you are looking for a luxurious surface to enhance your home’s aesthetic, marble is an undeniable favorite. Defined as a metamorphic rock that contains crystallized limestone, marble exudes an air of artistry with its unique veining and patterns, no two slabs alike. While there are many qualities to marble like its striking beauty and its resistance to heat, it should also be noted that this material is categorized as a soft and porous stone, making it more susceptible to scratches, stains and everyday wear. Due to its delicate nature, marble is typically best suited for lower traffic areas. As long as this surface is properly maintained by quickly taking care of spills, cleaning with a damp cloth, and using protective mats and coasters to prevent wear, marble is a top choice to add elegance and sophistication to your space.
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