A kitchen is the heart of every household. In today’s modern lifestyle, it has many roles to play, more than merely being a place to prepare meals. A functioning kitchen serves as a space where we entertain our guests, socialize while cooking, and even spend time with our families over meals, therefore every material used in designing the kitchen, from countertops to cabinetry, is important.
When considering remodeling or building a kitchen from scratch, homeowners often end up choosing the incorrect material for their kitchen countertops and regret it later. This happens because very few initiatives are taken to educate homeowners regarding countertop surfaces. So, don’t worry! We are here to reveal all of the secrets to choosing the ideal countertop material for your beloved kitchen.
Let’s look at the major factors you must consider before choosing your countertop surface:
Your Lifestyle
Believe us when we say that knowing your habits is the first step towards your desired countertop. Are you someone who is quick to clean up the cooking spills and splashes? or someone who has a very tight schedule and doesn’t have much time to clean thoroughly? Wherever you stand in this range, we have the perfect stone for your kitchen. Let’s just say that marble being a soft stone requires more attention, as it is more prone to staining than granite or quartzite, which do not pick up stains easily.
Your Requirements
We realise that you want your kitchen countertop to be a multitasker just like you, a showstopper in your home while also being durable enough to support your daily cooking endeavours. When it comes to aesthetics, hands down nothing beats the exquisite charm and versatile palette of natural stones. If you are not very nitpick about the look and prefer to focus on the functionality of the material, you can also explore engineered stones such as quartz and porcelain. Engineered stones are more durable and easier to maintain.
Your Budget
We hope you have set a budget for your kitchen countertops. In case you are wondering about the price range of stone surfaces, let us give you some clarity. Natural stones like travertine, limestone, and soapstone are more affordable than marble and granite. Quartzite can be a little pricey due to its rare beauty and difficulty in quarrying. On the contrary, man-made surfaces like quartz are reasonably priced.
Now that you know your criteria, let’s explore the top 4 all-time best kitchen countertop materials:
Granite Countertops
Granite has been held high in the list of most popular countertop surfaces, and we do not see it change anytime soon. Formed from molten magma, it is prized for its exceptional durability, while meeting the aesthetic standards equally. You can easily recognise granite by its signature mineral crystals encrusted within the stone, which glitter in the light. However, we are sure you would be amazed to see granites with pronounced marble-like flowy patterns in strong, bold colors, such as Black Forest, Eclipse, Grey Mist, and more.
Perks
- Available in a plethora of colors and patterns.
- Resistant to heat and staining
- Strong enough to endure wear and tear.
- Granite countertops are easy to clean and maintain
- Comes in different finishes.
- Eco-friendly.
Drawbacks
- Can be prone to chipping from heavy impact.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is our personal favorite material for countertops for all the right reasons. This natural stone reigns supreme with stunning color variations and unparalleled endurance, outperforming granite on Moh’s scale of hardness. Quartzite countertops are naturally resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. Moreover, it is available in a riot of colors from the subtle Taj Mahal to the gorgeous Amazonite, giving you an ocean of options for designing your dream kitchen.
Perks
- Available in exotic colors and unique designs.
- More durable than any other natural stone.
- Resistant to wear and tear.
- Excellent heat resistance.
- Comes in big sizes and different finishes.
- Translucent quartzite can be backlit.
- Low-maintenance.
- Eco-friendly.
Drawbacks
- High price compared to other natural stones.
- Limited options in subtle colors, as quartzite typically comes in very bold and vibrant hues.
Marble Countertops
When it comes to elegance, marble steals our hearts with its timeless aesthetics characterized by a brilliant white background with a subtle flow of veins. Marble countertops have been gracing kitchens of houses and luxury hotels for many years. Even though the material can be prone to stains and scratches, you can enjoy its natural allure for years with timely sealing and cleaning. However, marble’s tendency to absorb heat makes it a promising material for countertops, allowing for quick cooling of hot objects.
Many people believe that marble is an exorbitantly expensive stone, which is not entirely accurate. Marble, like all other natural stones, is available at a wide range of prices. Carrara marble, for instance, may seem expensive because of its luxurious appearance. In reality, they are more affordable than Calacatta or Statuario marble.
At Ultra Stones, we take pride in our exclusive assortment of marbles, consisting of over 150 hues and swoon-worthy patterns ready to transform your kitchen.
Perks
- Available in both subtle and bold colors.
- Very good at resisting high temperatures.
- Every marble slab looks unique.
- Available in different finishes.
- Eco-friendly.
Drawbacks
- Susceptive to scratching and staining.
- Can etch in contact with acidic substances.
- Consistent cleaning and sealing are required.
Quartz Countertops
Before you become confused, let us clarify that quartz and quartzite are both different materials, the first being an engineered material and the second being a natural stone. Quartz kitchen countertops have been trending for quite a few years, for a number of reasons. Being made to perfection, quartz slabs serve as an embodiment of durability, almost immune to stains, etches, or scratches. The stone is designed inspired by the appearance of natural stones. Every slab looks the same, with an even distribution of colors and patterns. If you want to give your kitchen a chic makeover, you are most welcome to check out our Ultra Quartz countertops surfaces.
Perks
- Very durable.
- Immune to scratches, stains, and etches.
- No more fussing over sealing the surface.
- Low maintenance.
- Offers a clean and harmonious look.
Drawbacks
- Can warp in extreme temperatures because of its resin content.
- Unsuitable for outdoor kitchen countertops.
To know more about Ultra Stone’s complete product selection, visit https://ultrastones.com/
In addition to the four stones mentioned above, you can explore the earthy tones of travertine and soapstone countertop surfaces. We must understand that, like individuals, each stone comes with its own set of unique features, and “the best stone” is a myth. However, we hope that our efforts to educate you on natural and engineered stones will help you make a conscious decision when selecting material for your kitchen countertops.
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