How do you choose the right countertop surface for your kitchen and other areas of your home? There’s a lot to choose from today and before you dive into a large purchase, check out your options below so you can find the best and right material to use for your home spaces.
Quartz Countertops
Known as ‘engineered stone’ to differentiate from natural stone countertops, quartz countertops consist of a very high concentration of quartz crystals (93 percent), a naturally occurring substance. Crushed quartz stone mixed with resin produces quartz countertops that resemble granite but are tougher and virtually indestructible.
Easy to maintain, quartz countertops are resistant to stains, acid, scratches, heat and impact. Unlike natural stone countertops that have porous surfaces, quartz countertops do not have to be sealed. Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and patterns and offer a modern look.
Price: $40-$100 per square foot
Pros: Quartz is highly resistant to stains, bacteria, acid and cuts and does not require sealing. It does not chip or stain easily.
Cons: It costs more and is not as heat resistant as granite or crushed glass. It also fades over time.
Granite Countertops
Elegant and strong, granite countertops are made of naturally occurring granite stone, known for its beautiful patterns and outstanding strength. Often considered a “must have” for luxury homes, granite countertops offer gorgeous beauty with a high-end look and fit well with any kitchen or bathroom style.
Available all over the world, granite stone is naturally rough in texture, but when it is ground and polished, it takes on a smooth surface and offers a rich, lustrous appearance. Granite consists of different materials that give countertops unique looks such as red and pink highlights for granite countertops made of granite high in feldspar. Mica creates brown and black veining while quartz offers white, pink and black hues. The variations create one of a kind, desirable looks that differentiate the stone. It is important to get all your granite from the same quarry to ensure a consistent look.
Price: $40-$100 per square foot
Pros: Granite is highly resistant to stains, chips and heat. If you apply sealer annually, it will stand up to stains consistently.
Cons: It is tough but not indestructible. Any accidents can create chips that you will have to polish down. You need to seal the granite regularly or oil can seep in.
Recycled Glass Countertops
Known for their attractive and unique appearance, recycled glass countertops offer a distinctive style and aesthetic. Glass countertops are eco-friendly as they are recycled from beer bottles, traffic lights and windshields. Recycled glass countertops come in two styles — set in acrylic where the glass looks like it is floating in a lake and set in cement, where the glass creates a shimmery mosaic.
Price: $60-$120 per square foot
Pros: Recycled glass is highly resistant to stains, burns and cuts. It does not chip, does not require sealing and does not fade over time.
Cons: It costs more and is not as tough as granite or crushed glass. The glass can crack if you place something heavy on it. Acidic foods can also eat away at the acrylic.
Laminate Countertops
Available in a wide range of colors, laminate countertops are often popular for kitchens and bathrooms because of their affordability. Laminate is a paper-plastic product consisting of several layers of Kraft paper with a resin with almost an infinite range of colors and patterns to choose from.
Price: $10-$40 per square foot
Pros: This inexpensive product can mimic the look of everything from wood to granite
Cons: It cracks, scratches and burns more easily. It can be hard to repair. Many prospective homeowners leave when they see laminate countertops in homes they are considering buying.
Butcherblock Countertops
Excellent for food preparation, butcher block countertops are a popular choice in kitchens. Create a warm, rustic cottage kitchen look with a butcher block style wood countertop that is both functional and decorative. You can cut foods directly on the wood surface as the countertop is ideal for food preparation, including meats.
Crafted from wood pieces of differing colors, butcherblock countertops consist of different pieces of wood glued together, sanded and sealed to create a smooth countertop with an attractive pattern.
Price: $35-$200 per square foot depending upon the wood used
Pros: Ideal for food preparation. Heat-resistant.
Cons: Requires periodic sealing and can be affected by long-term exposure to water.
Marble Countertops
By far one of the most beautiful countertops to view and touch, marble countertops are made of naturally occurring marble and are highly prized for their beauty. Marble creates a distinct high-end look that is prized among homeowners.
Marble is a metamorphic rock. There are many types of marble coming from different areas of the world and valued for their different colors and veining. Some of the most popular forms of marble include:
• Carrara: White or blue-gray, from Italy
• Connemara: Green, from Ireland
• Creole: White or blue and black, from Georgia, USA
• Etowah: Pink, salmon or rose, from Georgia, USA
• Murphy: White, from the USA
• Parian: Very white, from Greece
• Purbeck: Gray/brown, from the UK
• Ruskeala: White, from Russia
• Sienna: Yellow with various color veins, from Italy
• Swedish Green: Green, from Sweden
• Vermont White: White, from Vermont, USA
• Wunsiedel: White, from Germany
• Makrana: White, from India
Fine-grained marble has a more consistent look, while heavier grains create variations in color. Finishing options include honed or matte (matte look), polished (bright, gleaming look) and leather (ideal for darker marble). Every marble countertop is one of a kind and offers a unique beauty, color and look. Marble works well with most design styles from classic to modern.
Price: $50-$170 per square foot
Pros: Gorgeous, outstanding durability, resistant to heat
Cons: Requires regular cleaning to avoid stains and periodic sealing once a year, can be chipped by heavy items, scratches more easily than granite.
Concrete Countertops
Offering a modern look, concrete countertops are popular for both kitchens and bathrooms. Tech innovation has resulted in lighter concrete countertop options today. Concrete can be dyed to any color and can have colored stones, tiles, glass, shells and other substances embedded in it to create textured looks.
Price: $70-$140 per square foot
Pros: Durable, does not chip or stain easily.
Cons: It costs more and requires regular maintenance like granite. Needs to be sealed regularly.
As you can see, you have plenty of options when it comes countertop surfaces. Read on to Part 2 for several more popular, high quality countertop surfaces to find the best one for your home.
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For Sale: 334 Metro Road N, Georgina
Sweet 3 bedroom home that has a light and airy feel to the interior. Vaulted ceiling with open concept design creates a welcoming feel with plenty of natural sunlight all afternoon. Hardwood floors in bedrooms. Updated interior ready to be moved in to. It is a special place to call home or cottage.
Large wrap-around deck features West-facing views of 2-acre park of which you would be a 1/10th owner. Private dock for all park owners. Deeded Lake Simcoe access is rare to find. Very private setting with mature trees.
$964,000
Message us today for more information or to book private showing.
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20 Quiet Heights Lane, Georgina provides views of the lake from all spaces on the west side of them home, including the great room, kitchen, dining area, and primary bedroom.
You will enjoy the morning sunrise from the front covered porch and of course, sunset views from the lakeside. The natural sunlight fills the home with warmth and light all day long. It’s tranquil, serene, and welcoming.
In the design stages, the current owner had some important “must-have’s” including a Muskoka like feel, spaciousness, sun-filled rooms, and an “understated elegance“ carried throughout the home.
Some of the interior features include:
– 3 bedrooms on main level and 2 additional bedrooms on the lower level
– 3 full bathrooms plus powder room
– 10.9 ft ceiling height on the main level and 9 ft ceiling height on the lower level
– Great room includes custom millwork and 13 ft vaulted coffered ceiling
– Gourmet kitchen with upgraded appliances
– Spectacular light fixtures including ceiling fans in each bedroom
– Custom drapery and blinds
– Radiant heated floors in kitchen, primary ensuite and the entire lower level
– Surround sound system both indoors and outdoors
A full list of room features, additional images, virtual tour, and more can be found on our website (link in bio).
This listing is also available on realtor.ca (MLS# N5657656)
Listing Price: $1,935,000
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Just Listed: 20 Quiet Heights Lane, Georgina.
When you combine the attention to detail of a quality builder with the owner’s vision to create a sanctuary home, the result is spectacular.
This home offers a “Zen” feel immediately upon your arrival.
The landscaping is wonderfully appointed with a collection of perennial gardens, shrubs, mature trees and privacy hedges on both sides, which is home to many birds. There are several seating areas promote great conversation with family and friends or a place to enjoy some quiet time when you want to be alone and enjoy nature all around you.
This is a wonderful home to entertain in both indoors and outdoors. The raised balcony includes a covered area where you can enjoy a summer rain shower. The open area provides lots of space for your chaise loungers to get some sun and watch an array of boats on the lake.
The lower deck is covered and a perfect location for the 7-seater plus lounger hot tub along with another separate seating area to enjoy the lake views.
Listing Price: $1,935,000
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The full listing can be found on our site & on realtor.ca (MLS# N5657656)
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332 Blanche Street, Sarnia. #justlisted
This charming 3+1 bedroom century home is located in an established area of Sarnia offering lovely streetscape, large mature trees, wide streets and boulevards.
The family have maintained the home and updated the interior features over their many years living here since 1975. The shingles were replaced in 2022. There were two additions including a a two-storey addition with a large family room, sun room and additional bedroom on the 2nd floor.
There is lots of space to entertain family and friends. The living room includes a gas fireplace and overlooks the formal dining room. The sun room includes a gas fireplace, large windows and double patio doors.
The oversized fully finished & insulated 3-car garage includes an upper level coach house which is completely finished. This is a great space for extended family and serves as an in-law suite or potential income if approved by the City as an auxiliary dwelling.
The mature front yard boasts beautiful mature trees, gardens and a seating area. The backyard has a large paved courtyard and provides parking for 3 vehicles.
$645,000
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Backyard views from 216 River Birch St, Kitchener.
Open House Sunday June 5 1-4PM
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216 River Birch Street is now live on MLS. Located in the hills of Hidden Valley, nestled amount some of the finest homes in Waterloo region.
Open House Sunday June 5, 1-4PM
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