Concrete countertops are a versatile and exciting new choice for today's homes and businesses. Concrete serves as an extremely durable material for a countertop and it can exude the look and feel of natural stone, metal or wood.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, plus it's non-porous. This makes quartz one of the most durable countertops you can buy for your kitchen or bathroom.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty, while quartz offers a more modern look with excellent scratch resistance.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.
Selecting the most durable option is the best and the most cost-effective choice you can make. With a long-lasting and robust material, you can be sure that you won't need to make another large investment anytime soon. Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation.
The national average cost to install new countertops at $3,102, with prices ranging typically between $1,859–$4,346. The expected cost of installing new countertops will vary considerably, usually $15 to $70 per square foot, depending on material, labor, dimensions/layout and the kitchen's location.
Quartz countertops are one of the best alternatives to granite counters in terms of durability, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and versatility.
There is some discussion about which is the most durable material for kitchen countertops – but the top two are granite and quartz. Granite is a natural material, with each slab unique, and beautiful colors and veining available. Man-made quartz is incredibly durable, stain-resistant, will not crack or chip.
White marble will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years, and you can prepare food directly on it.
Other than perhaps stainless steel, no countertop is 100% stain proof. Quartz is the most stain resistant material because it is engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly stain resistant. Quartz is also easy to maintain as no sealer is required.
“Quartz and quartzite continue to be the most popular countertop choices amongst homeowners today,” says Margie Kaercher, founder and lead designer of Hearth and Honey Homes. Read: The Guide to Home Renovations. Here are the top eight kitchen countertop materials.
Both materials are very durable and enhance interior designs and functionality, but which one costs less? Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project.
If you don't want to replace your countertops with granite, consider quartz, quartzite, marble, concrete, or the many other options from which homeowners can choose.
The choice here is a matter of personal preference. If you truly want the look of natural stone, then choose the truly natural product—granite. But many people find that quartz countertops offer looks that are different and better than natural stone.
Your Granite Countertop Installation Decision Guide
Consider that while new countertops can add appeal, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says that home sellers typically only recoup 57% of what they spend when they sell. So, if you spend $10,000 on new countertops, you are immediately throwing away $4,300.
Synthetic materials are typically less expensive than natural stone, with laminate and acrylic being the most cost-effective choices. "Soapstone and tile are also lower-cost options for countertop materials, but they come with some weaknesses like low durability and limited color options," says Carson.
There is some debate around recouping the money you spend on upgrading kitchen countertops. But as a general rule, you should not bet on this happening. Instead, if you do choose to go through with the upgrade, consider it an investment towards selling the property faster.
Pick Classic, Neutral Colors
Quartz can be a single consistent color or feature the looks of beloved white marble and other soft natural stone patterns. When choosing a quartz countertop that's designed to last through the decades, stick with neutrals like beiges, grays, off-whites, and bright whites.
Quartz countertops from companies such as Caesarstone and PentalQuartz are another good option. Blackband recommends sticking with white or, if you don't like white, a neutral color, such as tan, beige or ivory. Go with a subtle pattern and low veining for a longer-lasting look.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.