Quartz Countertop Value
Compare kitchen countertops
When it comes to remodeling our living space, there seems to be way too much brain-racking to be done over colors and designs. There are many things to consider, such as costs, aesthetics, installation issues, etc. Not infrequently, the diversity of goods available for sale makes us feel dizzy and unable to make sense of what’s better. Kitchen countertops come in a wide variety. They differ in size, shape, design, material and therefore price and reliability. In order to make a final decision, home owners should compare different kitchen countertops. For some people, this is pretty much of a challenge!
When you finally get to your local home improvement store, there will be counters made of the following materials: laminate, solid surface, wooden or butcher block, stainless steel, quartz, granite, marble, engineered stone, concrete and ceramic tile. These vary in price, durability, appearance and maintenance requirements.
Laminate countertops are generally low budget. However, laminate counters have been around for more than 30 years, so their quality has gotten better and some of them do look attractive. Usually, a counter is made of a particle board with a sheet of plastic glued to it. Providing they are cared for properly, plastic counters stay in good shape for at least 20 years.
Contrary to the low budget laminate, natural stone is very costly. Marble, granite and quartz countertops are rarely seen in homes for the simple reason that few people can afford them. At the same time, price may depend on the grade of the material, so you should compare several kitchen countertops made of natural stone before purchasing them. Granite and marble countertops can be cut out of a single slab or composed of several tiles. There is no uniform color for these, since there are no two granite or marble pieces with identical patterns. Besides, both stones are porous and stain easily. Therefore, natural stone countertops require regular sealing.
Quartz countertops are just as expensive as granite or marble countertops. However, they require less maintenance and they do not stain so much. Besides, they are available in a variety of colors. Unlike granite, quartz slabs are not mined from the earth and are actually engineered. However, they look very elegant and natural.
Compared to granite and marble counters, stainless steel countertops are low maintenance. However, they are quite expensive too. They can boast high durability and ease of use, but they cannot boast high aesthetic value.
If you are fond of natural materials and your budget is tight, compare wooden kitchen countertops. They are usually medium price and may look beautiful. They are made either from hard maple or butcher block and require a lot of maintenance.
Solid surface countertops are made of resins and are less expensive. However, they look great and are easy to care for. Besides, they have no serious installation issues, and seams are less visible than in natural stone countertops. Scratches can be easily removed by sanding.
Concrete countertops are durable, medium price and heat resistant, and they can be styled in different ways. However, they are rather heavy and therefore must be installed by qualified professionals. They are likely to crack and therefore require careful handling.
Ceramic style counters are available in various shapes and styles. They are durable and heat resistant and relatively easy to maintain. However, ceramic tiles stain easily. Unless cared for properly, they may stain indelibly and are likely to crack.
About the Author
If you would really like your kitchen to look beautiful and good to work in, compare kitchen countertops according to price, durability, maintenance and appearance.
Kitchen Countertop Material?
My wife is in love with the Absolute Black Granite countertops.
I’ve heard that granite is not as durable as some of the other materials and can crack or stain. I’ve also heard that the darker the granite is less pourous and more durable
Our options would be Quartz (Silestone, etc), Granite, Corian or Tile.
I’ve looked all over at Corian and Quartz and despite what people say it does not look as good as the best granite, however it is defiinitely more durable.
What is the best material to use to enhance the value of the home if you are looking to sell in the next 5-10 years?
Also is it worth the extra money for an undermount sink if you already have a sufficient drop in?
Thanks!
Beacause I’m told once you install the countertop you can’t go back and get the undermount sink.
If I do granite would the undermount increase the chances of water staining?
Granite is very durable. As with the quartz products, it is made of quartz. The only thing harder is diamond! Yes, it can crack under certain circumstances, but so can Silestone and Cambria. Darker granites are harder and less porous than lighter colors. Here is the rundown:
Granite: One of a kind piece that no one else will have, durable, porous (it can stain, and should be sealed every year or so – not a big deal), very “green”, well-received in resale situations.
Quartz: More even pattern with less movement, non porous, cannot be stained or scratched, no sealing necessary, does not have the depth of real granite. Also well-received in resale situations.
Corian: Totally different look, a downgrade from the above 2 products for resale value, can scratch (can also be buffed out), matte finish which some people prefer.
Tile: Grout is a nightmare to clean – wouldn’t recommend it.
Definitely put in the undermount sink! It’s worth the extra money and gives the cleanest, high-end look. The reason you cannot do it later is that the sink cut-out needs to be polished for an undermound sink – it does not need to be polished for a drop-in sink.
In my experience, people who like granite usually aren’t as excited about quartz products. People who like a more consistent look like the quartz products better than granite.
A note on Absolute Black granite: Since there is little visual texture in this color, it does show fingerprints and dust much more than other colors will. If you get something with a larger “grain” or “fleck” in it, you will have less maintenance to keep it looking clean. Good luck!
Great townhouse with numerous upgrades!
Service is cornerstone for local business
Francois and Maggie Van Eeden live in Kingston Springs. The couple said they found the perfect location for their business, Bison Countertops Inc., while enjoying a leisurely scenic drive on Highway 12. “We saw the sign that it was for sale, and it turned out to be a perfect fit,” Francois said.
Many cleaning supply retailers may claim the best way to clean a granite countertop Quartz Countertop Value employs the use of harsh chemicals. Not so! To clean any kind of stone product Quartz Countertop Value, its smart to use a product with a neutral pH. Cleaners that contain acidic ingredients, including vinegar, can cause scratching and even deep etches.