Expert Advice on How to Select the
Best Countertop for Your Lifestyle

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Whether you’re building a home or just remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you’re faced with endless choices and products to choose from. How do you know which countertop material to pick? This week we’re talking about the different types of countertop materials, in order to help you determine which one is best for your taste, lifestyle and investment.

Here in Western Massachusetts, the countertop materials we see the most are granite and, more recently, quartz. You may not realize this, but there are other options out there as well! They each have their benefits, which may or may not work for your needs. Some of them also lean toward certain design styles, so choosing the right countertop is an important decision! If you’re stuck and need inspiration, check out our post about finding inspiration here. Now, let’s chat about all of these different options.

Quartz

Quartz is an engineered material that offers so many different color and pattern options. It’s often made to look like natural materials, like granite. There are even some that look like marble and soapstone! It’s made from ground natural quartz and resin. Quartz is heat and scratch resistant, and easily cleaned and maintained! You can use most chemicals to clean it without harm. It ranges from average-high in price point. Quartz can be easily confused with quartzite, which is a natural stone that is cut into slabs. Quartzite is extremely heat and scratch resistant, and also easily maintained.

Both quartz and quartzite can meet a variety of design style needs. They look fabulous in a super modern setting, like this fun pattern below that we saw at the Cosentino Showroom in Canton, Massachusetts.

There are also tons of options that work well in a transitional or traditional setting, like this one below that we designed in Palmer, Massachusetts. Installed by Granite Creations, Wilbraham, Mass.

Quartz also looks great in bathrooms or even fireplace surrounds or hearths. With quartz, the design options are endless! I would say that quartz is now the number one countertop material that we specify right now.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns!  Similar to quartz, it can fit into many different design schemes.  There are some granites that lean toward a modern feel, but there are also a lot of other options that feel very traditional or transitional like the bathroom below that we designed in Hampden, Massachusetts.

It also fits most price points, ranging from low to high. It’s highly heat and scratch resistant, and easily cleaned and maintained.  It is mined and cut into slabs for you to choose from.  Granite can be used in bathrooms,  kitchens, outdoor areas, fireplace surrounds or hearths, and works well in most situations. Granite used to be the number one choice for kitchens but lately it’s been overtaken by quartz. I’m not sure why because there are really beautiful granite options that work with today’s styles.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful natural stone that comes in a small range of colors and patterns. It typically has veining running through it which gives its unique character. Marble has a very classic and timeless look. (Read more about how to create a timeless kitchen here!) It’s highly heat resistant, but easily scratched. It also tends to stain. So if you’re a red wine drinker, you may want to pass on the marble. This type of stone is harmed by harsh chemicals too, so it’s not easily cleaned or maintained. The price point for marble can range from medium to high and fits a variety of price points. BUT, the total gorgeousness (yes, that’s a word) can totally win you over, over the cons of the upkeep.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone that is cut into slabs. It has a more consistent look than granite, but can have veining similar to some marbles.  Soapstone can be really beautiful in farmhouse style designs.  It is highly heat resistant, but can scratch.  It is easily cleaned, as it is not affected by harsh chemicals.  Soapstone doesn’t have many color or pattern options, but has a specific and distinct look. Soapstone is a fabulous option for those clients who like a more simple, classic look without a lot of pattern.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are pieces of solid wood that are adhered together. Depending on the type of wood, the price point can vary. The wood can scratch easily, but that typically lends toward it’s “lived with” and “rustic” appearance. Butcher block countertops are heat resistant, but CAN burn. They are not easily repaired or maintained though. We typically use these in a farmhouse or rustic style design.

The raw wood adds a nice touch of warmth. It’s nice to get a variation, and butcher block is great to have on an island, paired with something else on the rest of the countertops. The look is great, you just have to be willing to do the upkeep and maintenance. You also need to be vigilant about cleaning in order to avoid any bacteria.

Laminate

Laminate is the most budget friendly option for countertops, consisting of layers of plastic adhered to particle board. There are so many colors and patterns available. The newer options really look like marble, granite or quartz! You probably wouldn’t know the difference until you feel it. It’s stain resistant, but can be scratched. And do not put a hot pan on a laminate countertop, or you’ll have a big dark spot! It’s easily cleaned but easily stained, damaged and scratched.

Now that we’ve gone through numerous types of countertop materials, which do you think is the best for you? Do some stand out but you’re still not sure what to choose? If so, schedule a consultation with us and we can bring different options to you. We’ll help you choose right in your home! We can even go with you to look at slabs, which can be daunting and overwhelming, we know. We’ll help point out which will work with the rest of your space and with your lifestyle.

Did you know that we can help you pick other finishes such as paint and flooring as well? Schedule your consultation here!