Choosing new countertops can be a stressful project. Italian Marble and Granite is here to help make the process easier and help you create the countertops of your dreams. When choosing new countertops you should consider cost, function, and style.
The cost of countertops widely ranges based on the material you choose and how much you need (based on square footage). Set a budget before you begin your search.
Granite can range from $40 to $100 per square foot.
Quartz can range from $50 to $155 per square foot.
Marble can range from $60 to $250 per square foot.
Quartzite can range from $55 to $150 per square foot.
Porcelain can range from $55 to $120 per square foot.
Dekton can range from $60 – $95 per square foot.
Next, you should consider function. Ask yourself these questions: How often do I cook? Is my kitchen a low or high- traffic area? Do a lot of people use the kitchen? These questions will help you narrow down what material would be best for your home based on durability.
Lastly, choose and design a stone that fits your style. Style is more than colors and veining; it also consists of edging or the placement of the sink and the type of finish you want. You can choose from a leathered, polished, or honed finish. A leathered finish leaves the stone slightly matte with a textured appearance and makes the surface less shiny, and retains more of the natural color. A polished finish is smooth and shiny and causes the stone to appear slightly darker in color. A honed finish has a smooth matte appearance which dulls the color of the stone.
Each stone has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down one at a time.
Many customers choose granite because of its durability. It is resistant to heat, stains, and scratching and is difficult to damage. Unless shattered, damage to granite is repairable. Regardless, granite is a porous stone and, as a result, needs to be sealed.
Quartz is another popular option due to its durability. Quartz is non-porous, which means sealing quartz is unnecessary. Quartz is also highly stain-resistant. However, it is not heat-resistant, and placing hot objects on the surface will cause discoloration or burn marks. Repairing quartz is more difficult due to its composition, and some damage is irreparable.
Marble is the most delicate stone you can choose. It is prone to scratching & etching and requires more care than other stones. To prevent etching, we suggest honed marble. Since the surface is dull, scratches and etching will be harder to see.
Quartzite offers beauty and durability. It is resistant to etching, UV, and scratching. Unless shattered, damage to quartzite is repairable. Quartzite can be stained, and some varieties require sealing.
Porcelain is another durable option. It is essentially scratch-resistant (ceramic knives may scratch it). Porcelain is also heat, stain, and UV resistant. But like all other stones, porcelain has its weakness and will crack if hit with a hard object (like a hammer).
Dekton is one of the newer and more durable engineered stones available. It has the highest scratch & high impact resistance created. It is also resistant to stains, fire & heat, abrasions, and UV. Dekton also has a non-porous surface that prevents water from being absorbed.
All of these options can last for years if properly maintained. Here are a few tips when it comes to caring for your countertops:
- Seal stones as suggested by the installer.
- We recommend using cleaners created for the stone you have. If you don’t have one, we recommend using warm water with mild soap- stay away from harsh and acidic chemicals.
- Place heavier objects on stone surfaces gently.
- Heat resistant or not, use hot pads, trivets, and cutting boards. Repeated exposure to high heat will result in damage.
The better stone is cared for, the longer it will last.
