Pros and Cons of Popular Countertop Materials
With the versatility of home design materials, selecting the best countertop material for your kitchen surfaces, countertops, and worktops might be a hassle. In this article, we have narrowed down your search to the three most popular countertop materials, highlighting their pros and cons so as to help you make an informed choice on the countertop material you should be settling for:
Quartz
Pros
- Quartz is great for countertops because it allows for easy cleaning of spills, splashes and stains. This is due to its non-porosity, which makes it moisture-resistant. Nonetheless, do not let spills sit on quartz countertops for too long without cleaning immediately.
- Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials and will last long before the surface starts scratching and chipping, or the edges start etching.
- Quartz is aesthetically pleasing and will elevate the elegance of your kitchen space.
Cons
- Although quartz is heat resistant, it is not heatproof. What this means is that while it can resist the harm from heat and fire, extended exposure to heat will eventually affect it, leading to discolouration, fading and a general reduction in quality.
- Due to their durability and quality, quartz countertops are expensive and will cost much more than regular kitchen worktops.
- Installing quartz must be done by a professional as it is easy to fall apart when not installed properly. This is because installation is quite technical and can only satisfactorily be done by quartz worktops surrey expert.
Marble
Pros
- Experts applaud marble for being a baker’s best friend. Marble countertops are known to enhance the smooth kneading of dough as they are cool to the touch.
- Being a natural stone, marble is certain to last for as long as you want it to, albeit with proper maintenance, like reapplying sealants when necessary.
- Marble is a home staple and will blend in with whatever space design you are going for. It comes in different designs and veining that will bring glam to your home.
Cons
- Marble is generally a high-maintenance material, and your marble countertop will not be different. It is highly porous and will require special care to maintain.
- Due to its high maintenance, you might spend more on marble countertops.
- Marble may scratch and etch especially when not specially cared for or exposed to acidic content for a long time.
Granite
Pros
- Granite is highly heat resistant and can work well in kitchen environments.
- Granite is a great financial investment as it positively influences a home’s resale price in the market.
- Granite comes in unique designs.
Cons
- Granite does not cover a variety of colours and designs to choose from, which may be a setback for homeowners who are particularly concerned about their spaces’ aesthetics.
- Granite is quite heavy and bulky and may be a daunting task to manoeuvre and install.
- Granite is relatively expensive to repair after sustaining major damage. And depending on the damage, you may need a fresh installation of granite countertop altogether. However, this applies to other countertop materials, and major damages that require replacement are rare.
Which of these materials are you going for?