COUNTERTOPS - WHAT IS THE RIGHT CHOICE?

Granite - Azul Celeste

Photo by Abigail Jackson Photography

Quartz - Cosmos Calacatta Pearl

Photo by Marco Mendez Photography

Marble - River Blue

Photo by Marco Mendez Photography

Wood - Pine with Weathered Gray Stain

Photo by Abigail Jackson Photography

WHERE TO BEGIN?

Kitchens and bathrooms are at the top of the list as rooms that can age a home. It’s why they are the first to go in a renovation or remodel when the home is 15-20+ years old. With countertops getting most of the wear-and-tear, how do you know which one to choose? We pulled together a list of four popular selections and the pros and cons for each material. While this list will empower you to make a decision for your space, we encourage working with your interior designer to dig into the details (and even more material options!). The countertop is only one piece of the puzzle to the overall room. A trained eye can see how individual selections will pull in to the finished design.

1. GRANITE

A natural rock. It is heat resistant, which is great for being next to cook tops. Pans and cookie sheets right out of the oven can be placed directly on top of granite. There is a lot of variety in this stone because it is natural. Movement and color vary in each slab and both give it its beauty. Because granite is a natural stone, it is porous and needs to be sealed. Your designer can guide you in this area. At Motif Homes, granite is a favorite of ours in any hard surface work area, especially the kitchen. The variety and durability of granite is why it’s at the top of our list for any hard surface work space near heat and/or water.

2. QUARTZ

A manufactured stone, combining granite and modern day processing to make a beautiful, durable, and less porous stone than granite and marble. Unlike marble, quartz will not etch. The direct heat threshold is around 150 degrees. Use caution when placing hot items directly on quartz. A barrier like a pot holder or trivet is necessary between hot pots and cookie sheets. Because of the manufacturing, there is consistency with color, lines, and patterns. We recommend the use of this product in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry.

3. MARBLE

Like granite, it’s a natural stone. Depending on your selection the price per sqft can be higher than granite or quartz. Better quality marble is more dense and can be less-porous. It is still a natural stone, so sealing marble is a must. Marble will give a lived-in look with etching and possible chipping. When used in areas with heavier traffic, ie. the kitchen, it is more susceptible to visible wear-and-tear. While it is a beautiful backsplash material, use caution. Spills should be cleaned up immediately. Think wine or spaghetti sauce. Marble has a higher heat threshold than quartz, but we still suggest a potholder or trivet under items right out of the oven or directly off the stove top. Marble is a gorgeous natural stone and has a lot of variation to it. Work with your designer to hand select your slab(s). Marble has been used for centuries in places like Italy. The etching and chips tell a story of time past. It is a beautiful and classic material. If you want to keep your marble pristine, we suggest the use of it on bathroom and laundry room countertops.

4. WOOD

Like natural stone, wood countertops have a ton of variety based on wood species and stain/sealer selection. In the kitchen, if not sealed properly or maintained well, wood countertops can catch and hold bacteria, which is very dangerous when preparing food. Heat will leave burn marks and glasses that sweat will leave water rings. To lessen the appearance of aging, a darker stain is recommended. Sanding and oiling can minimize marks, as well. If used in a kitchen, we recommend on a smaller surface, like an island that does not need to be used for prep space often. We also recommend using cutting boards when preparing food. Even though it can be more cost-effective than stone, wood is not our go-to material in a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room space. We use wood in dry spaces that require built-in’s and or shelving like in the office, pantry, and/or living room.

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