Building Materials: Comparing 5 Popular Countertops
When you need a solid, durable surface for working, a high-quality countertop is what you need. No matter what your intended purpose is, from cooking in a kitchen to working in your agricultural buildings, countertops are a great way to add style, functionality, and durability to your cabinets.
But which countertop will work best for you? Depending on your budget and intended purpose, different countertops have different pros and cons. KBS has broken down the top advantages and disadvantages of five of the most popular countertop materials.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are just that–granite. They’re 100% natural stone with nothing additional added. Granite is removed from quarries around the world as large blocks, which are then shaped into countertops. Let’s break down the pros and cons of granite countertops.
Pros
Durability: Resist damage from heat and scratching very well and will last the longest.
Resale Value: If planning to sell a building with granite, you can expect to recover around 25% of the retail cost.
Natural: Aside from installation, granite is as natural as it comes.
Unique: No other granite countertop will look like another.
Cons
Price: Granite countertops may come at a premium price
Maintenance: Granite countertops must be sealed yearly to prevent staining and prevent bacteria growth.
Installation: Professional installation is necessary.
Limited Repair Options: Though granite is difficult to damage, repairs can be costly, difficult, or impossible.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are man-made from acrylic or polyester resins. They are available in hundreds of colors and patterns and are sometimes preferred over natural stone.
Like any countertop, a solid surface comes with its own pros and cons.
Pros
Seamless Joints: Solid surface countertops are seamlessly molded to fit exactly as needed.
Durability: These countertops are hard and impact-resistant.
Non-porous: Resistant to stains and food-borne bacteria.
Restorable: Solid surface countertops can be sanded out and repaired, unlike granite.
Easy Care: Maintenance is simple – just wipe down with water and a mild soap.
Cons
Not Heat Resistant: Solid surface countertops can crack, scorch, or discolor if something hot is placed on the surface.
Not Scratch Resistant: This is a softer surface that can be scratched.
Vulnerable to Strong Chemicals: Some chemicals, such as nail polish remover, paint thinner, lacquer, oven cleaner, and others, can damage solid surface counters.
Less Practice Finish: Though glossy, scratches and damage can easily be seen.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are beautiful. Like granite, quartz countertops are extracted from the earth and made into countertops.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of quartz countertops.
Pros
Durability: Quartz won’t crack, scratch, or get chipped easily due to its ultra-durable nature.
Warranties: Because of its durability, manufacturers are confident enough to supply great warranties.
Versatile: Quartz is perfect for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms and can also be used in fireplaces. Comes in many colors and styles.
Non-porous: Quartz does not absorb liquids or bacteria.
Low Maintenance: Quartz countertops are low maintenance.
Cons
Difficult to Install: Quartz countertops are more difficult to install, requiring a professional hand to level, measure, and fix the slabs.
Susceptible to Heat: Quartz itself is heat resistant, but the resin that holds it together is not. The resin can melt when exposed to high temperatures.
Indoor Use Only: It is not recommended to use quartz outdoors, as UV rays will change the color and make the countertops look less than appealing.
Laminate
Laminate countertops have come a long way since the 1980s. Today, high-pressure laminates (HPLs) are of higher quality and have abundant design choices.
Laminate countertops are made from layers of kraft paper, plastic resins, and protective resins that are pressed together and heated to form a thin, durable coating. That layer is adhered to a solid substrate to create the surface.
Pros
Color and Design: Laminate comes in many colors and designs to resemble other countertop materials.
Budget-friendly: Laminate is cheaper than many other materials.
Stain-resistant: Dirt and moisture won’t penetrate the surface, which keeps stains away.
Maintenance-free: No sealing or special care is required!
DIY-friendly: Laminate is much easier to install than other materials.
Cons
Resale value: Laminate has virtually no resale value.
Durability: Laminate has some impact resistance but is vulnerable to heat damage and scratches.
Not Repairable: Deep scratches and chips are not fixable.
Lifespan: They have the shortest lifespan of the other countertop materials.
Cultured Marble
Cultured marble countertops are made in factories using a blend of stone pieces and resin to simulate the appearance of marble.
It can have pigments and other additives to produce a specific color or style.
Pros
Price: Cultured marble is a cheaper option than traditional marble.
Seamless: This countertop material does not have seams, so there is no grout or places for dirt and grime to collect.
Customizable: Can be made in any style, pattern, or color.
Cleanliness: It is easy to clean with water and a mild dish soap.
Relative Durability: Fairly resistant to chips and scratches.
Cons
Vulnerability: Cultured marble is still vulnerable to scratches and can be difficult to repair.
Weakness: It is not the strongest material on the market.
Demand for Care: To make it last, you need to keep cultured marble in good repair. Avoid hot items and scratches.
Staining: Acidic materials can cause stains on cultured marble.
Gel Cracks: Cultured marble is protected with a gel coating, which can crack with age.
Consider Your Countertop Options With KBS in Minnesota
At KBS Companies, we can help you choose the best countertop for your purposes. Whether you’re a commercial builder, home owner, or looking for countertops in your agricultural buildings, KBS is there for you. We can provide all the above countertops for your project.
To see our countertops in person, check out our Rochester showroom. Our team is happy to help you decide which countertops are suitable for you.
Give us a call today at 507-534-3855 (Rochester, Minnesota) or send us a message online.