Kitchen Renovation Tips - How to Choose a Countertop Surface
With so many options for your kitchen countertop surface, choosing the right one can feel a little overwhelming. Good news! Over the last 40 years we've learned a thing or two about countertops and we're happy to share our experience with you. Choosing the ideal countertop depends on your priorities - we'll explain the key characteristics of each type to help you make the right choice.
1Granite
Choose Granite if:
You love the unmatched natural beauty but are prepared for occasional maintenance to protect your investment.
Material
SyntheticNatural
Natural product quarried into blocks and then sliced into slabs. Granite comes from many different sources including Italy, South America and China.
Durability
FragileDurable
Porous surface requires maintenance (sealant) every 10-15 years to protect against staining and oil penetration. Ask your vendor about a warranty, origin of species and how long before your granite needs to be resealed.
Colour & Pattern
ConsistentVaries
Appearance varies from slab-to-slab. Visual movement and vibrant colours give granite a natural beauty that can't be duplicated.
Finish
MatteGloss
Range of options from leathered to high gloss.
Price
LowHigh
Moderate to high depending on availability, origin of species and finish.
2Quartz
Choose Quartz if:
You want a high-class look without the high-maintenance. Great if you have a high traffic kitchen or young children and want a surface that is less susceptable to staining and marking. However, Quartz still requires vigilance, especially with lighter colours.
You can find Quartz countertops under product names like Cambria and Ceasarstone.
Material
SyntheticNatural
One of the hardest minerals on earth, this natural product is mined and formed with binders and pigments. Quality varies so be sure that the quartz product you purchase has a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) rating. Look for a composition of 93% natural quartz and 7% binders/pigments for a surface that is more resistant to marking and staining.
Durability
FragileDurable
This is one of the most durable countertop surfaces available today and is rated for commercial kitchens and health care facilities. Nonporous because all of the air is extracted by the vibration, heat and pressure of the forming process. Low maintenance and does not require special cleaners but still needs attention, especially with lighter colours.
Colour & Pattern
ConsistentVaries
Colour is relatively consistent from slab-to-slab but patterns may vary.
Finish
MatteGloss
Almost always glossy.
Price
LowHigh
High with some variations based on manufacturer and colour.
3Marble
Choose Marble if:
You want a classic luxury look in a low traffic kitchen where you are not planning on doing much cooking and meal prep.
Material
SyntheticNatural
Natural stone product from a range of species.
Durability
FragileDurable
Porous surface requires regular maintenance. One of the most susceptible surfaces to staining and abrasion.
Colour & Pattern
ConsistentVaries
Appearance varies from slab-to-slab. Range of colours and veining from subtle to robust.
Finish
MatteGloss
Range of options from leathered or honed to classic gloss.
Price
LowHigh
High to extremely high depending on species.
4Solid Surface
Choose Solid Surface if:
You prefer a surface that is warm to the touch, has a modern matte look and offers seamless molding options for sink and technology integration.
One of our most popular Solid Surface countertop products is Dupont Corian - it is durable enough for medical and industrial applications but offers aesthetics and moldability for unique residential applications.
Material
SyntheticNatural
Synthetic product formed from mineral derivatives and binders into sheets. Quality varies based on composition and manufacturing process. Any seams are almost imperceptible and the surface can be molded and integrated with a sink for a smooth transition.
Durability
FragileDurable
This nonporous surface is stain heat resistant. Minor scratches will appear with use but can be buffed out.
Colour & Pattern
ConsistentVaries
Select a colour from almost limitless options with confidence that it will be consistent throughout your kitchen.
Finish
MatteGloss
Almost always matte.
Price
LowHigh
Moderate to high depending on colour.
5Solid Wood
Choose Solid Wood if:
You like the warmth and character of wood and want to add a furniture-like focal point in a small area of the kitchen.
Material
SyntheticNatural
Wood is one of nature's finest, strongest raw materials.
Durability
FragileDurable
Wood is great as a focal point or dedicated food prep/chopping station but is not recommended as the main surface throughout a kitchen. Wood requires regular maintenance, scratches easily and is susceptible to damage by water, steam and other household items. However, wood can easily be repaired with a light sanding and an application of oil.
Colour & Pattern
ConsistentVaries
Appearance varies. Range of colours and grain structure based on species and finish.
Finish
MatteGloss
Typically a matte finish, but high a gloss coating can be applied.
Price
LowHigh
Moderate to high based on wood species and manufacturer.
6Laminate
Choose Laminate if:
You're designing on a budget or plan to purchase your "dream" countertop in the near future.
Common Laminate countertop products include Formica, Wilsonart, Arborite, Nevamar and Pionite.
Material
SyntheticNatural
Synthetic product composed of compressed paper and melamine resins with a plastic laminated finish. Has evolved since the early 1900s to meet modern environmental and aesthetic demands.
Durability
FragileDurable
Resistant to abrasion and very easy to maintain.
Colour & Pattern
ConsistentVaries
Whichever of the virtually limitless colour and pattern options you choose will look consistent throughout your kitchen.
Finish
MatteGloss
Wide range of options from matte to high gloss.
Price
LowHigh
Low to moderate.
Have more questions about planning your kitchen renovation project?
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