What is the right countertop material for your kitchen?

When designing or remodeling your dream kitchen, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of decisions you must make. These individual decisions all impact each other and can ultimately make the entire process overwhelming! Many find it easy to start the kitchen design process with countertop selection, but unfortunately that can raise even more questions! What material interests you? What is the best material for your lifestyle? Do you need an easy-to-maintain stain-resistant surface? What kind of designs are you loving? What is your style type? The questions seem endless and essentially the primary question is this: what material is going to give you the best balance between beauty, style and maintenance? You are in luck! Construction Resources offers a vast range of countertop options including natural stone, quartz, porcelain, etc. in our Atlanta Design Showrooms. The industry professionals at CR will be able to walk you through the durability and maintenance of each product while keeping your aesthetic and style in mind. The Design Consultants and Project Managers have ironed out the differences of each surface and will be able to give you knowledgeable answers and advice. For more questions about countertops in the Atlanta area contact Construction Resources to speak with an industry professional.

Granite countertops

Granite has been the number one kitchen countertop option for homeowners for several years. While it has more competition than in the past, granite remains to be a top choice among homeowners because of its natural composition, exquisite looks, and designs that cannot be replicated. Each slab appears to be different than the next, making every piece one of a kind. Granite is a hard, unique natural surface that can withstand heat, making it very appealing to busy families for their day to day interactions. While it does not chip or scratch easily, if nicked just right there is the possibility of etching or other damage. To keep your granite tops in the best condition it is recommended to seal it yearly, depending on frequency of use. The cost of granite can range by country of origin, slab size and rarity.

Quartz countertops

Quartz is a man-made, extremely durable, low-maintenance, tough surface option. Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz countertops are non-porous (meaning it will not stain or scratch and does not require sealant). However durable, it is not completely resistant to heat and can be damaged if boiling pots or pans are placed directly on the surface. Always remember to be aware of the temperature and protect your surfaces while cooking or entertaining!

Quartz countertops can mimic the look of almost any design including various natural textures and patterns. Slabs come in a variety of different color variations and thickness, making them a beautiful option for any style home. Construction Resources offers a wide selection of top-selling quartz brands like Silestone and Cambria. stop by their Design Center to see their extraordinary display of unique designs.

Ultra Compact/ Porcelain countertops

Porcelain is a manufactured material that is made up of ceramic clay that contains various minerals such as kaolinite and silica. Similarly, ultra-compact surfaces are composed of raw materials that include marble, quartz, porcelain and glass. Both surfaces are one of, if not the most durable countertop in the market today. Porcelain surfaces are resistant to heat, scratching, stains and are UV resistant. These tops can be in direct sunlight without fade or sun damage, making them perfect for an outdoor space. Another reason why porcelain has become a top choice for homeowners in recent months is due to its ability to fight against bacteria and unwanted germs. As a non-porous material, porcelain will not absorb leftover foods or liquids, making it a highly hygienic surface that will leave you feeling confident about your clean kitchen counters. To keep a cohesive look throughout your home, consider using porcelain for both indoor and outdoor applications. Designs are offered in a wide range of colors and patters and can even replicate textures of other popular materials like concrete, marble and wood. Infinity and Dekton are a few brands that offer top-of-the-line, high quality material and their collections will enhance your next project!

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are a non-porous, low maintenance material that is made up of alumina trihydrate, acrylic, epoxy or polyester resins and pigments. It is an affordable countertop option that provides a seamless look and feel. Although it may lack the depth of detail that natural stone portrays, solid surface countertops can mimic the appearance of granite, marble and other naturally made materials.

Marble countertops

Marble is a soft, natural stone that offers a timeless appeal with its delicate detailing and sophisticated hues. Available in both a polished and honed finish, marble countertops are often a homeowner's desired choice while trying to achieve a high end look. Marble countertops are a tedious surface for your kitchen or bath, as they are soft and susceptible to damages including stains, scratches, and heat. In order to maintain these tops, it is highly recommended to seal the surface yearly and continue daily care by cleaning with soap and water.

Wood countertops

A butcher block style countertop can bring a warm, cottage style look to any home! When properly sealed, wood countertops are ideal for food prep because they do not harbor any unwanted bacteria on the surface. There are many species of wood including teak, acacia, cherry and American walnut that can accommodate various looks and feels for your surface. Wood countertops are also commonly used alongside other countertop surfaces as a complementary asset to enhance the other designs in the room. Incorporating wood tops in an all-white kitchen can help bring warmth while providing contrasting colors and textures.

Comparison of Each Countertop

Shop Our Countertops Today!

Natural Stone

• Granite countertops
• Marble countertops

Quartz countertopsSolid Surface countertops Ultra-compact/ Porcelain Other bathroom surfaces

• Piedrifina
• Cultured marble

For more information about countertops in Atlanta, Decatur, Buckhead, GA, Birmingham, AL, or Santa Rosa Beach, FL, contact us at Construction Resources or visit a showroom nearest you today!

What is the right countertop material for your kitchen?

When designing your dream kitchen, or remodeling your current one, there is no shortage of tough decisions to make and with one decision impacting another, it can all seem quite overwhelming. Many find it easiest to first focus on countertops. Unfortunately, that raises even more questions! Specifically, what material and design do you want? What’s the right countertop material for your lifestyle?  Do you need an easy to maintain, stain resistant surface?  Or is style most important to you? For most people, the primary question comes down to which material is going to strike the best balance between beauty, style, and maintenance. 

Luckily, there’s a vast range of options available that address durability and maintenance, and all importantly, the style factor.  However, with so many materials ranging from natural stone, quartz composites, stained concrete and even natural wood available, in practically any color, pattern or texture you could want, making the right choice can be tricky. And you might want to incorporate two materials into that space. Here's the basic 101 on deciphering what's what in surfaces. 

Here's a quick look at some of the top countertop materials available today to help you choose the right options for your kitchen. 

 

GRANITE STONE While it now has more competition than in the past, granite is still a top choice among homeowners.  Granite countertops offer both a high-end look and durability.  With granite being a natural material, it has variation in color and pattern which adds to its appeal. Granite is comparable in cost to manufactured quartz but does require more care and a regular sealing routine.      

QUARTZ STONE

With quartz being a manmade product it is practically maintenance free and far tougher than natural marble or soapstone.  It has a pre-sealed, non-porous surface, making it stain, scratch, heat, and impact resistant.  It’s also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, giving perennial top choice granite a run for its money in recent years.

 

CONCRETE COUNTERS

A thick concrete countertop can be the focal point of a modern kitchen design.  Concrete is highly customizable with many stain and texture options available.  It can also stand high heat very well and is scratch and stain resistant if sealed properly.  Concrete on its own can feel overly cold or architectural, so it’s often mixed with other materials and accents like glass, tile, and marble to create a soft, one of a kind look.

WOOD COUNTERS

A butcher block style countertop can create a warm, cottage style look and when properly sealed is highly heat resistant and ideal for food prep. While you may have one vision of this style countertop, there are many species of wood, including teak, acacia, cherry and American walnut, that can be used for this purpose.  It is also common for wood countertops to be mixed with other surfaces like natural or engineered stone to bring in the cozy element of natural wood while still providing a variety of prep surfaces.  

MARBLE STONE Marble has a timeless appeal, providing an elegant and sophisticated feel.  Available in a polished or honed finish, it is many people's choice for a high-end look. Marble is highly porous so staining can be a problem without regular sealing and care. If you go for marble, expect it to weather with time. It will also stain, but it lasts forever. Think of the great marble facades in Europe. If you love those, then you'll love this as a kitchen countertop.    

SOAPSTONE COUNTERS

Soapstone is a non-porous natural stone that doesn’t require regular sealing, making it highly stain and bacteria resistant.  Soapstone is more specific in its color variations, available in a range of gray tones from light to dark with subtle veining. It is a soft, natural material and is more prone to a variation of light and dark spots, as well as scratching. That said, it's often a farmhouse favorite. 

 

STAINLESS STEEL COUNTERS Stainless steel countertops are a popular choice for homeowners looking for that commercial kitchen look.  Stainless steel provides a modern, industrial feel that coordinates with any color.  It is also one of the easiest countertop materials to clean as well as the most hygienic being impervious to heat and bacteria.        

ULTRA-COMPACT COUNTERS

Ultra-compact surfaces are composed of raw materials that include marble, quartz, porcelain, and glass. This countertop option is extremely durable and can be used both indoors and outdoors without the risk of fading. Ultra-compact products are available in many colors and looks, including that of other materials such as marble, wood, and concrete.