Countertop Material Choices

One of the largest decisions with the largest impact for your kitchen is deciding you countertop. Not only do you have to decide what type of material, keeping in mind that the best options are durable and long-lasting, but also deciding on the color and pattern. This review of granite, marble, quartz and silestone will help you decide what type is best for you and highlight the color options found within each category.

 

Granite: Granite is traditionally the most popular countertop choice and comes in a decent variety of colors and patterns. Granite is known for its strength, including heat and chipping resistance. Granite is very heavy and granite does need to be sealed to maintain its stain resistance. Due to granites popularity, it instantly adds value to your home.

 

Marble: Marble is known for its beauty, especially in the white tones with the distinctive veining. It is heat resistant, but is very susceptible to stains, scratches, and chips. However, with the proper care, marble makes a beautiful, timeless addition to any kitchen.

 

Quartz: Quartz countertops recently gained popularity in the market. It is an engineered stone that comes in the largest variety of colors and patterns. Additionally, it is equally as durable as granite against chipping and is heat and stain resistant. It can, however, be more expensive than its counterparts.

 

Silestone: Silestone is primarily made from quartz, but contains small amounts of plastic and similarly is offered in a large selection of colors and patterns. Silestone is also a hard, sturdy material that is resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and cracks, but one of the unique features of silestone is that it has an antimicrobial protection built-in to protect against bacterial growth.