There aren’t many moments during a project where a client feels stuck on making a decision, until countertops. For many reasons, clients seem to have the most questions and show the most indecisiveness when it comes to picking out these materials. And I’ve learned that the type of counter you choose, really is a reflection of your lifestyle. How you live day to day ( especially in the kitchen ) is going to greatly impact your choice. So we’ve found that our job doesn’t always get to include picking the specific material, but we do get to pick out the actual selection.
Now I’ll be the first to tell you, there is no one perfect material. Each option has their pros and cons. So what you have to do as the consumer, is weigh the options and decide which ( beyond style ) is going to be the most fitting for your specific lifestyle. Today we’re laying out every advantage + disadvantage for you! Should you have any more questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
Q u a r t z
Advantages: Quartz is a very long lasting, nonporous material. This means it will resist staining, chipping and corrosion. You can also buy quartz at a great price point. Quartz is a man-made material so there are seemingly an endless supply of color options to choose from. They also have a wide variety of “marble look” options so you can somewhat mimic the look of a marble for a fraction of the cost. Because of its man-made nature, no periodic sealing is required. The material has a very low water absorption rate, making it a highly-favored surface for areas that include a sink. From an eco friendly aspect, quartz is the most sustainable choice (behind wood) given that many contain content that has been recycled and the manufacturing process is the most environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages: Quartz can burn. A hot pan placed directly on the surface of a quartz countertop can result in permanent rings and sometimes cracking. Also no cutting can be done directly on it’s surface, as it will scratch. Stains and chips are rare, but can happen. Another drawback is that quartz can discolor over time in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight. Quartz cannot be used outdoors as the material is durable, but not indestructible. The biggest disadvantage to a man-made material like quartz, is that you can’t enjoy the real beauty of a natural stone. In other words, it will never look like the ‘real deal.’ A real stone countertop will always add to the value of your home.
W o o d
Advantages: Wood or butcher-block countertops are among the most affordable of options. Once sealed, wood countertops become very sanitary. In fact, they have natural anti-bacterial properties in them already. They are also heat-resistant, making them a great resource for cooking. The real beauty of wood countertops are that stains and scratches can be easily sanded out and repaired. Making this countertop material virtually the only one that can be refinished over and over again.
Disadvantages: Although many believe you can use your wood countertops as one big food prep station, it’s still best to protect your surface with a cutting board. Dents and scratches will accumulate over time. Maintenance on this material is not easy as it requires attentive care (such as monthly oiling) and proper periodic sealing. And it is prone to water damage if the material goes untreated. The look of a wood countertop is beautiful, but it will become your new baby. You will find it doesn’t easily accommodate the modern lifestyle.
S o a p s t o n e
Advantages: This material, although softer, is less porous, more pliable and much more resistant to cracking than other countertop materials. It’s a great choice for outdoor counters as it’s totally resistant to weather and bacteria. Soapstone is also extremely heat resistant, making it a great option for the kitchen or even a fireplace surround. Small scratches can be easily removed with fine sandpaper or by rubbing with mineral oil and it does not need to be sealed.
Disadvantages: This material’s softness makes it more susceptible to chipping from dropped dishes or cookware. Edges surrounding your sink are likely to see the most damage. Soapstone can also be easily scratched, although bringing it back to its originally beauty isn’t hard, as mentioned above. If you choose to keep your countertop oiled ( keeping it dark in color ), oiling will need to happen weekly to monthly for the first year or more, then about every six months after that.
G r a n i t e
Advantages: For years I looked at granite as the ugly gold counters I grew up with, but as it turns out granite does have beautifully modern options. Like this dark slab from our Fort Villa Project ( below )! Granite countertops can last a lifetime and contain no harmful chemicals. They will not crack or stain when exposed to heat and behind Soapstone, are the most heat-resistant countertop on the market. Its hard surface is very hard to scratch or chip. And sealing needs to happen very minimally, likely every ten or more years.
Disadvantages: Granite is a porous material, meaning it will absorb liquids if left on the surface. Lighter colored granites are more susceptible to stains. Each slab of granite is unique and going to vary in color. So if you’re looking to use granite to cover a large surface area, you might not get an entirely uniform look. Granite itself can be very expensive and the labor-intensive installation can sometimes run three times more than the cost of the actual material. Keep that in mind if you’re tolling with budget! And lastly, take note that granite is quite difficult to remove. Should you change your mind about your selection down the road, removing it will most likely result in damage to your cabinets.
Q u a r t z i t e
Advantages: Quartzite is often confused with quartz, but it is a naturally occurring stone, quarried in a very similar way to granite. One really great pro to quartzite is that it’s often mistaken for marble, but much easier to care for. So if you foresee maintenance being an issue, this is the most comparable alternative. Quartzite is a very hard surface so it will not wear down easily. It can sustain a lot of daily wear and tear and won’t crack or chip with everyday impact. This material is highly resistant to UV rays, meaning it won’t fade, and making it a great component for naturally lit spaces and outdoor areas.
Disadvantages: Quartzite can be easily damaged by sharp objects, so cutting directly on its surface is not recommended. It also doesn’t hold up well to heat so pot holders or trivets will need to be used in the kitchen. Staining can happen, but can be removed with recommended detergents. Sealing will need to happen, usually once a year.
C o n c r e t e
Advantages: Concrete is obviously a very durable material choice, and that is probably its biggest strength. While many may be bothered by its imperfections and get stuck on its many disadvantages, others love the rustic look and embrace the rich patina that develops over time.
Disadvantages: Concrete countertops are prone to crack. Preventatives can be added, but it’s really only a matter of time before a crack happens. Thankfully they aren’t always super noticeable and usually somewhat easy to repair. But in general, concrete is notorious for flaunting flaws. Because of it’s highly porous qualities, the material can absorb liquids ( even bacterial growth ) and is highly susceptible to stains and scratches. In theory, sealing your countertops will make it highly resilient to stains, scratches and heat, but not necessarily when it comes to concrete.
M a r b l e
Advantages: Marble is undeniably a beautifully unique and exquisite material. It instantly creates a sense of elegance in a space and it’s colors and veining are definitely grandiose. It’s not surprising some of the worlds greatest architects throughout history have chosen to work with this medium. And it continues to be an easy sell among designers today. If cared for properly, marble will generously add to the property value of your home.
Disadvantages: Beauty has a price and you will find that marble can sometimes costs a pretty penny. Marble is a softer, more porous stone, making it more prone to stains, scratches and chips. It will need to be protected from acidic foods like lemons, tomatoes and vinegar, which can cause etching.
