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countertops

Stone

Countertops are a fundamental feature of any workspace in your home. Not only are they functional, but they are also integral to the overall look of your space.

Quartz

This manufactured stone has gained a devoted fan base due to its appealing appearance and resilience. Crafted by combining 90% finely ground mineral quartz with 10% resin and pigments, it lacks certain vulnerabilities inherent in natural stone, such as porosity.

Pros

  • Durability - They won’t scratch, crack, or get chipped easily due to their ultra-durable nature.

  • Warranty - Since quartz is durable, many manufacturers will confidently offer warranties for their quartz countertops. 

  • Non-porous & low maintenance

 

Cons

  • Heat damage - Quartz is heat resistant, but the resin coating is not. So you will need to use caution with heat.

  • Installation - You will need to hire a professional who is familiar with the nature of quartz 

Quartzite

Quartz countertops are a form of engineered stone, whereas quartzite is a natural stone. Quartzite, a durable metamorphic rock, originates from quartz sandstone subjected to intense heat and pressure. Natural quartzite countertops emulate the appearance of exotic stones but surpass granite in hardness and performance. With a Mohs scale ranking of 7, quartzite exhibits exceptional resistance to stains, scratches, etching, cracking, and various other forms of damage.

Pros

  • Aesthetic Appeal: distinct veining and vibrant colors often mimic the look of exotic stones

  • Durability: Very strong & durable, making it resistant to scratches and abrasions

  • Heat resistant allowing you to place hot pots and pans directly on the surface

Cons

  • Limited Color Options: While quartzite offers a range of colors and patterns, the selection may not be as extensive as the color choices available with engineered stones like quartz.

  • Porosity: Although less porous than some natural stones, quartzite is not completely non-porous, and some varieties may still require sealing to prevent stains.

  • Weight: Quartzite is heavy, and proper structural support is necessary to accommodate its weight. This might require additional considerations during installation.

Porcelain

Porcelain slabs are lightweight, durable, and are typically suitable for floors, accent walls, backsplashes, and countertops. Porcelain is made from heating a mix of powdered china stone and white china clay, also known as kaolin, at about 1450°C. When porcelain slabs are manufactured for use in countertops, they’re coated with a pigmented glaze. This is to give them an aesthetic appeal similar to that of natural stone or even marble.

Pros

  • High heat endurance

  • Durability & Hardness- porcelain is stronger than the hardest granite 

  • Many options for colors & patterns

  • Easy maintenance- porcelain is non-porous and stain resistant. 

Cons

  • Can crack under extreme blunt force

  • It may be difficult to find fabricators and installers to install this high-density material

  • The cost to fabricate and install Porcelain is much higher than other stones

Marble

Exploring the world of marble countertops reveals a diverse range of types, prices, qualities, and colors. Conducting thorough research is essential to identify the ideal marble that meets your specific requirements. The endless variations in marble arise from factors such as its source, impurities, patterns, colors, and veining. From white and black to pink and green, the color spectrum is extensive. While Carrara marble is a popular and cost-effective choice, kitchens also feature other options like Statuary, Calacatta, and Crema Marfil.

Pros

  • Added value; many believe that marble increases the value of your home

  • Look: Nothing rivals the look and feel of natural marble countertops

  • Longevity: With regular upkeep, marble will last a very long time in your house

Cons

  • Porous: Marble is subject to staining, it is recommended to seal your countertops annually to avoid staining

  • Scratches: Marble will scratch and is sensitive to acidic properties 

  • Cost: Marble countertops typically run more expensive than other options

Granite

Granite countertops have long been a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms, prized for their durability, timeless appeal, and natural elegance. As a sturdy natural stone formed by geological processes, granite offers a unique combination of strength and aesthetic variety. With an extensive range of colors, patterns, and finishes, granite provides homeowners with the opportunity to enhance their spaces while also adding potential value to their homes.

Pros

  • Heat resistance: Granite is resistant to heat, so it can withstand hot pans and pots without damage

  • Natural appeal: Many people appreciate the natural and unique beauty of granite, which is formed by natural geological processes

  • Durability: Granite is a durable natural stone that is resistant to scratches and heat, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens.

Cons

  • Weight: Like quartzite, granite is heavy, and proper support is essential during installation to prevent structural issues.

  • Limited Color Matching: If a portion of the countertop is damaged and needs replacement, it can be challenging to find an exact color match due to natural variations.

  • Maintenance: While not as demanding as some other natural stones, granite may require periodic sealing to maintain its stain resistance and appearance.

Sintered Stone

Sintered stone is characterized by a range of proprietary terms, with some commonly used ones being Ultra-compact Surfaces and Pyrolithic Stone. The diversity in terminology arises because each sintered stone-producing company employs unique ingredients and specific processes in surface creation. Consequently, the variations in these production aspects result in materials with distinctive nuances, establishing each as its own technological approach.

Pros​

  • Large Slab Sizes: Sintered stone can be produced in larger slab sizes than natural stones, reducing the need for seams in larger countertop installations.

  • Low Porosity: Sintered stone is typically less porous than natural stones, making it more resistant to stains and less likely to harbor bacteria.

  • Versatility: It can be manufactured to mimic the appearance of various natural stones, as well as unique and contemporary designs, offering a wide range of aesthetic options.

Cons

  • Brittleness: While sintered stone is durable, it can be brittle and may chip or crack if subjected to heavy impacts or improper installation.

  • Limited Repairability: If damaged, repairing sintered stone can be challenging, and in some cases, replacement of the entire slab may be necessary.

  • Professional Installation: Due to its hardness, sintered stone may require professional installation by a sintered stone specialist, adding to the overall cost.

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