Which Material, Color and Texture Is For You
In the realm of kitchen renovations, choosing the right countertops can have a significant impact on both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space. With a plethora of options available, ranging from natural stone to engineered surfaces, navigating the selection process can be daunting.
With a multitude of options to choose from, the right countertops for your kitchen primarily comes down to personal preference with careful consideration of various factors, including durability, aesthetics, maintenance requirements and budget constraints.
From natural stone and engineered surfaces, butcher blocks and more, our area countertop connoisseurs sell it all.
“We sell a lot of different natural stones… historic leaders have always been granite and marble, and then there’s manmade quartz or we say engineered stone,” Josh Szymkowiak, Vice President at Stone Innovations, Inc. in Appleton, explains.
“We carry natural stone (granite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone) and 5 different brands of quartz, which is a manmade countertop material,” Becky Bentz, Countertop Sales & Design at Darboy Stone, adds.
Natural + Manmade Stone Options
Granite Benefits: Renowned for their durability and natural beauty, granite countertops offer unmatched elegance and strength. Formed deep within the earth’s crust, granite is one of the hardest natural stones, making it highly resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. With a wide range of colors and patterns, each slab is unique, adding a luxurious touch to any kitchen.
“It’s hard to beat the beauty of natural stone,” Szymkowiak admits.
Considerations: While granite is durable, it does require periodic sealing to maintain its integrity and prevent staining. Additionally, the higher upfront cost of granite may deter some homeowners, but its longevity and timeless appeal often justify the investment. Relevant Details: Granite countertops are available in various finishes, including polished, honed, and leathered. Polished granite surfaces have a glossy appearance, while honed finishes offer a matte look.
Leathered granite features a textured surface that adds warmth and character to the kitchen.
Quartz Benefits: Engineered quartz countertops combine the beauty of natural stone with enhanced durability and low maintenance. Composed of approximately 90% quartz particles bonded with resins, quartz countertops are non-porous and resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. They offer consistent coloration and patterns, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a uniform appearance.
“The quartz is pretty bulletproof,” Szymkowiak says. “It’s very strong. It’s 97% stone and the rest is glue like filler. It never has to be sealed.”
Considerations: Generally more expensive than other materials, quartz countertops may not appeal to those seeking the authenticity of genuine granite or marble. However, their durability and low maintenance requirements often outweigh the higher upfront cost.
Relevant Details: Quartz countertops are available in a wide array of colors and patterns, including marble-look designs and bold hues. Some manufacturers offer quartz countertops with antimicrobial properties, making them an ideal choice for germ-conscious homeowners.
The Right Countertop for Your Lifestyle
Our experts urge you to consider cooking habits, frequency of use, and maintenance preferences when selecting a countertop material. If you have a busy household with young children or love to entertain, opt for durable and low-maintenance materials like quartz or granite that can withstand daily wear and tear.
Define Your Style: Determine the aesthetic you want to achieve in your kitchen, whether it’s classic elegance, modern sophistication, or rustic charm. Choose a countertop material that complements your design vision and enhances the overall look and feel of the space.
“Stark white and grey quartz countertops are on their way out white more natural, warm toned granite and quartz colors are taking over,” Bentz explains. “When I first started, quartz wasn’t even available. Everything was granite. The most popular granites being darker black or golden tones. Once quartz came on the market and there were more color options available, especially in the lighter/whiter tones we saw the shift to quartz. Within the last 3 years we have seen the shift back to more natural and warmer countertop options.”
Evaluate Durability and Maintenance: Assess the durability and maintenance requirements of each countertop material to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. While natural stone exudes timeless beauty, engineered surfaces offer enhanced durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and heat.
“Granite, quartzite and quartz remain the most durable surfaces for kitchen and bathroom applications,” Bentz explains. “We do recommend resealing natural stone countertops yearly to help prevent staining. We also recommend using the proper cleaners to prolong the life of the materials.”
Consider Environmental Impact: If sustainability is a priority for you, explore eco-friendly countertop options like butcher block, concrete, or recycled glass. These materials offer renewable and recyclable alternatives to traditional stone surfaces, reducing your environmental footprint.
Set a Budget: Establish a budget for your kitchen renovation project and prioritize accordingly. While natural stone countertops may be more expensive upfront, they add long-term value to your home and can withstand the test of time. If cost is a concern, explore budget-friendly alternatives like laminate or butcher block that offer a balance of affordability and functionality.
Gather Samples and Compare: Visit showrooms or request samples to compare different countertop materials firsthand. Assess their appearance, texture, and performance characteristics under different lighting conditions to ensure they meet your expectations and requirements.
Consider Additional Features: Depending on your needs and preferences, explore additional features and customization options for your countertops, such as integrated sinks, decorative edges, or built-in accessories like cutting boards and drainboards. These enhancements can elevate the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your kitchen while maximizing space and efficiency.
Consult with Professionals: Seek guidance from experienced kitchen designers or countertop specialists who can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget constraints. They can help you navigate the selection process and make an informed decision that enhances the beauty of your home.
Creative Options + Timeline
Don’t let the term “countertop” limit the purpose of stone. Homeowners are getting creative when it comes to their purpose.
“For wall cladding, fireplaces and shower walls. Many are looking for that smooth, seamless finish over the grout lines of tile,” Szymkowiak says. “This has definitely been more popular lately.
“We have also seen a huge rise in new builds adding outdoor kitchens to their blueprints. Some are as simple as two small tops on each side of a grill and some are as elaborate as full kitchens with grills, sinks, large islands, built-in coolers and Green Egg smokers.”
In terms of preparing for new countertops, our professionals say it’s easier to work with specific businesses specifically known for their countertop work.
“Working with the right people can make all the difference in the process,” Bentz says. “Big box stores can be cheaper, but working with a specialty countertop store will give you more options on customization of your space.
“I would recommend taking rough measurements and pictures of the area you are looking to upgrade. From there, we are able to help you select the perfect countertop for your needs and design goals.”
While samples are great, in countertops, our experts suggest visiting warehouses and spaces that provide full slabs to fully understand what will be installed in your space.
“I think many first time buyers are surprised that their countertops are cut from unique slabs of stone,” Szymkowiak adds. “They should definitely be picking the exact stone going into their home and not just ordering them off a small sample in a store.
“Stone can vary in color and veining from piece to piece. They should also be touching and feeling their stone especially when picking out natural stone. There will be natural flaws in them but they usually add to the overall look and beauty. It’s just nice to know exactly what you are getting before we start the cutting process.”
You may be surprised by the installation timeline.
“Surprisingly, the timeline is shorter than most people think. From final measurements to installation our fabrication time is only 2 weeks,” Bentz says. “Our crew will remove your existing tops and install your new tops all in the same day.
“While granite and quartz are very durable options, they are not indestructible. Proper care and maintenance will prolong the life of your countertops,” Bentz says. “Another myth would be that granite requires a lot of maintenance. Sealing tops is simple and requires roughly 30 minutes per year.”
