Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well. It is easy to clean and is heat, scratch and stain resistant.
Polished Granite Countertops
Still the top choice of most homeowners, traditional granite countertops offer a high-end look that adds to your kitchen's value while providing a durable prep surface.
Unlike granite and marble that require regular sealing, quartz is low maintenance making it a cost-effective alternative. Granite countertops are still dominating kitchen countertops in 2021.
Bullnose Edge. Also called a rounded edge, the bullnose edge is one of the most popular countertop edge designs, particularly for bathrooms. It creates a soft profile rather than sharp edges, contributing to a warmer, more inviting ambiance.
One of the most popular standard countertop edges is the Full Bullnose. This sophisticated edge profile is a timeless classic and will look great on your quartz countertops in the kitchen or bathroom.
Bullnose edge
This countertop edge is fully rounded from top to bottom and is popular in families with young children. It tends to make the countertop look a little thinner, so some homeowners choose a half bullnose, which only is round on the top.
Today, Quartz is overtaking Granite as the number one, most desirable countertop material on the market.
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern.
Trend #1.
Granite a natural rock, has for years dominated the countertop scene especially for homeowners who want something strong, durable and good looking.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
The black countertops of today are as timeless as white marble and as versatile as the LBD (little black dress) in your closet. And even better, they lend themselves to pretty much any kitchen style, including modern, bohemian, minimalist, and even rustic.
Granite and other natural stone countertop sales are projected to grow into 2025, according to economists. Consumers and homeowners have fallen in love with granite over the last twenty years, and that's not ending anytime soon!
If you are thinking of a kitchen renovation, you should know that dark speckled granite is no longer in vogue.
Solid surface countertops are a wonderful in-between for laminate and stone countertops. They are made from minerals and acrylic or polyester resin, giving them a nonporous surface that is easy to keep clean. They are heat resistant, seamless, and extremely durable without the need for regular maintenance or upkeep.
While Corian is not some cheap, easy-to-damage surface, quartz is one of the most durable materials you will find. As long as you take proper care of it, your quartz will stay in great shape for years to come. When it comes to durability, quartz has an advantage over Corian.
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.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
The main downsides of quartz countertops are their price, appearance (if you desire the look of natural stone), and lack of resistance against heat damage.
In a clean-lined kitchen design, a straight edge often fits the profile of the kitchen best. If you have chosen to highlight another material in your kitchen, such as an eye-catching tile or beautiful appliance, a straight edge countertop will blend with the kitchen rather than attract attention or steal the show.
The most popular granite edge style is actually the half bullnose, which is seen in many traditional and modern styles of kitchen. It's easy to keep the counters clean and stops spills from seeping into your cabinets below, though it's not ideal for kids and smaller spaces, so make sure you keep that in mind.
Half Bullnose (Or Demi Bullnose) Edge Profile
A half bullnose (or demi bullnose) edge is essentially a gentle rounded edge which slopes down to become a vertical line straight to the floor. This means that the countertop is easy to clean and wipe down, and things like water spills are easier to contain.