Countertops: what to choose?

The choice of countertop can be confusing as there are so many options available in the market and all of them seem to be very inviting. If you are the one who wants to transform your kitchen, bathroom or office into an amazing design statement, then this information will come in handy, because our goal is to keep your desire for change.

The materials used to make countertops are numerous, but there are three most common selections that we are going to talk about, these are granite, quartz, and soapstone. However, it is impossible to state categorically which is the best option, because each one has a series of advantages and disadvantages that will surely influence your choice.

For starters, let’s take granite countertops. Granite is normally at the top of the list of number one choices for kitchen countertops. Granite stone brings elegance to any kitchen, even the most modest. Kitchen counters made from granite are highly durable and are about to serve you for life. They are very solid so it really takes some effort to break it, which we hope you won’t try to do. Although it is difficult to find the necessary color of natural material for countertops, for example, to match your kitchen cabinets, be sure that you will not have any problems with granite. The color palette of granite is amazing – there are almost 3000 colors to choose from, so you will definitely find what you are looking for. But with all these advantages there are also some disadvantages. The first thing you will pay attention to is the high price. Granite is quite expensive, but the price is gradually decreasing these days due to high demand.

Also, granite countertops cannot boast of having a smooth surface, in fact it is porous, which makes it impractical for the kitchen. Spills or stains, especially oil and coffee, easily seep into the countertop, so you either have to clean them right away or remove the stains later, which is not so easy to do. With this in mind, it is recommended that granite countertops be sealed. Sealers are specifically created to protect granite surfaces from dust. Additionally, granite countertops need to be cleaned and cleaned regularly to maintain a pleasing appearance. Overall, it’s still a great option for those willing to pay a lot.

Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is becoming more and more popular nowadays. A quartz slab consists of crushed quartz (not less than 93%) and sticky resin, which helps to obtain a very smooth and pore-free surface, making the quartz countertop ideal for kitchen and bathroom. If it happens that you cannot find a necessary color among granite countertops, then you are offered to consider quartz countertops, because they can be any color you need. Therefore, you will not be limited in your choice, so you can go for any bold design for your kitchen. Unlike granite, quartz countertops are stain resistant and maintenance free. No sealing and waxing, no extra efforts or money spent. If you like the idea of ​​a quartz countertop and easy living with it, then you should be ready to pay a high price. In fact, like granite, quartz countertops are very expensive, but considering their durability and reliability, it seems like a good investment.

Soapstone is the last on our list, but not the least. Out of three, this is the only ‘magic’ stone that can fit both very old and ultra modern houses and still retain style. Although it is not so solid, but it has a soft, silky and pleasant touch. Soapstone countertops are stain and heat resistant, allowing you to experiment while cooking without fear of blemishes. With an absolutely smooth surface, soapstone countertops are also resistant to moisture, which is why many homeowners opt for sinks in conjunction with soapstone countertops.

Soapstone countertops have a rich, dull color that ranges from light gray to dark gray. As you can see, the choice of color is scarce and you should adjust the color of your furniture and walls to a touch of soapstone and not the other way around. Soapstone is soft compared to granite and quartz and can be scratched, but due to its dark color all cuts are difficult to notice. The most beneficial feature of soapstone is that you can cut it yourself with the tools you normally use to cut wood, so you can easily install your soapstone countertop and save on installation labor.

As you can see, there is no ideal worktop without drawbacks, and whatever material you choose, there will be some pros and cons, so it depends on what you want to get out of it. You would like to get a large countertop to meet your demands and better fit your kitchen.