Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen and bathroom renovation can be quite daunting.
Depending on your wants & needs and the depth of the renovation, there are plenty of choices.
The main surfaces we deal with on a daily basis are:
- Granite
- Quartz
- Marble
- Laminate
Each of these surfaces have their own pros and cons. Some work better for a family home, while others would be best suited for Hotel Renovations or Multi-Family Repositions.
Granite
One of the most popular and used countertop surfaces these days! It’s durable, looks great, and comes in many color choices with prices that can fit almost any budget.
Granite is rated via grades and priced accordingly. The rarer and more uniquely patterned granite will have a higher numbered grade, and therefore a higher price. Lower grade granite is often referred to as “commercial grade” and has excess soft minerals mixed into the stone and a thinner cut. Granite is heat-resistant but usually porous, therefore staining can be possible.
Quartz
Quartz popularity is rising and it’s becoming a great choice for homeowners who want to renovate their countertops. Like granite, the cost of quartz varies depending on the quality of the stone. It is usually (but not always) a little less expensive than granite, but gives the same high-quality look and durability. Quartz is nonporous and scratch and chip resistant, but unlike granite it isn’t heat-resistant so it cannot withstand hot pans being placed directly on it.
Marble
Marble is one of the more expensive options on our list. This natural beauty certainly gives a ‘wow’ factor and really stands out as luxurious. Marble is not as strong as granite or quartz, it scratches easily and is prone to staining, therefore installing it in a kitchen that will be well-used, usually isn’t a wise idea. On the other hand, it is very heat resistant. Using marble sparingly – for just the kitchen island for instance – can really make a statement.
Laminate
It is of course well known to be the least expensive material to use for countertops, therefore it can really help keep your costs low when renovating. There are different types of lamination, and we recommend the ‘high-definition’ for the best comparison to a solid-surface without the high cost. This type of Laminate really gives the look of a high-end product.
Laminate of course has its disadvantages though. Durability is low and it’s definitely not stain/heat resident.
Overall, weighing the costs and needs of what you’re looking for in a renovation will help you make the perfect decision on what countertop to go for.