What Type of Countertop is Right For You?

When building a custom home, you have a wide range of countertop choices. The material you use will not only play a part in how your kitchen, bathroom, or bar may look, but also in the resale value and overall perception others have of your house.

It’s important to understand the materials available to you and the differences that accompany each. Below, you will find five of the more common options, along with reasons for (and against) each choice.

Granite

Granite is a common countertop option for homeowners looking to create a perception of elegance and luxury. A natural stone, it is incredibly strong and allows for thousands of variations while remaining relatively maintenance free. Due to the quality and perception of granite, its installation will increase the value of your home if you decide to sell.

As with most materials that indicate luxury, granite can be very expensive. Adding to the expense, granite should be installed by a professional. Considering the countertops could crack under too much stress or if they are improperly installed, we highly recommend avoiding a DIY installation. You should also note that there may be imperfections.

Marble

Another natural stone that signifies luxury, marble has an incredibly distinct appearance. With veining that differs every sheet, you can be sure your countertops will be unique. The stone is also waterproof and heatproof. Overall, marble is considered one of the most beautiful stones you could use in a custom countertop.

Similar to granite, the stone is incredibly expensive. It also requires upkeep - you must seal it to prevent stains and be extremely careful to not scratch it. Marble, again similar to granite, requires professional installation.

Quartz

Quartz acts as an engineered substitute for more expensive natural stone like granite and marble. The material comes in a wider range of options, and as it has been created by man, is more damage resistant.

Quartz is still expensive, however, and quite heavy. Its use can also lead to a more contemporary aesthetic in your custom home.

Concrete

That’s correct - the industrial material can be used to form a modern countertop in your kitchen. Concrete is adaptable and can be crafted into a number of different visual variations.

Similar to its ability to vary in appearance, concrete varies in price. When choosing a countertop in its natural color, the material is affordable. The more an artisan customizes the pattern or finish, the higher the price.

Bluestone

One of the more rare modern countertop choices, homeowners love bluestone’s durability. Technically an encompassing term for variations of sandstone, the material creates a harder countertop than other options such as soapstone.

The bluestone does require a sealer to guard against stains, which can be worn down over time. This can lead to extra work resealing the counters as well as potential minor color shifts.

There are a number of other countertop options, including wood, soapstone, tile, laminate and stainless steel that we have not yet mentioned. Some of these, like laminate, come from synthetics and, despite being more cost efficient, are in fact harder to repair or replace. Others, like tile, are still more difficult to replace, but can provide an opportunity for self installation.

We recommend taking a look at your budget, as well as which pros and cons are most important to you when deciding. The material you choose for your countertops will add another level to the aesthetic of your dream home.

If you are curious about our opinions on these or would like to ask us which of the above options we believe would work best in your custom home, contact us today.