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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Just Listed on Lake Simcoe: 968 Degrassi Cove Pl W, Innisfil
This custom home direct waterfront home was built in 2000 by the current owner and has served as a sanctuary for family and friends. Over their 22 years of ownership, they have enjoyed the property during every season.
Degrassi Cove is a small and exclusive waterfront community and share the private road. The forested lands on the opposite side of the street provide great privacy. There is no vehicle traffic other than the neighbours, so it is very safe for kids.
Built as a 4-season home and located on the west-side of Lake Simcoe. You will enjoy north-west facing views of the lake and sunsets. There are no stairs to the water’s edge. The water table is level to the lot, which offers a beautiful beach area along the shoreline. There is great swimming and boating. The portable dock is 65 ft long with a 12’ x 12’ patio area. Boating enthusiasts can store their boat in the dry boathouse. Entertaining on the lake is so easy!
The home offers 2,700 sf on the main and upper level. The principal rooms offer generous space including a large private family room, formal dining room, large great room combined with the eat-in kitchen. In addition, there is 1,535 sf of finished space on the walk-out level. There are four generous size bedrooms. The primary bedroom is situated on the main level and overlooks the lake, and includes a five-piece ensuite, a walk-in closet and a garden door to the lakeside patio area. The three other bedrooms are located on the second floor.
The lower level includes a large recreation room with wood-burning fireplace and a walk-out to the lake. A large office with a built-in desk and bookcases can serve as a large 5th bedroom. The 3-piece bathroom is also equipped with a partially finished cedar-lined sauna. There is plenty of storage space on this level too.
$2,500,000
Photography by @ishutterphoto
Staging by @chateau_designandstaging
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Just Listed: 30 George Street, Bayfield.
This professionally designed custom-built home embodies a comfortable, vintage cottage feel built with energy efficient maintenance-free materials. This home offers a private park-like setting, with in- town conveniences. It’s a nature lover’s lot…a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. This one in in a million home was showcased in a 16-page spread in Cottages & Bungalows Magazine.
Shiplap walls and wood slat ceilings throughout impart a cabin-like coziness. The primary bedroom is secluded on the main floor overlooking a wooded area that surrounds the property. The front office duals as an additional main floor bedroom adjacent to a 3-piece bathroom. The upper level includes two additional bedrooms that provide enhanced privacy for guests. One of the bedrooms functions as a seating area with a Murphy bed and small kitchenette. It has been designed as a secure space for future rental opportunity.
Located in the charming lakeside village of Bayfield, this property is a stone-throw away from Lake Huron, a short walk to town, the fishing pier and marina, Pioneer Park and the Community playground. This spectacular property backs on to a designated environmental area and surrounded by trees makes it an ideal retreat for entertaining family and friends.
$1,495,000
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There are rooms with a view, and then there are bathrooms with a view. What better way to end your day than in this freestanding tub.
Design @candaceplotzdesign
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Builder @jeffery_homes
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It’s no secret that green has been trending in a major way lately. Not only does the leafy shade conjure the sensation of being outdoors after two years cooped up at home, it also is a versatile (and welcome) alternative to traditional colors like white and gray.
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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.
staging by @chateau_designandstaging
photography by @ishutterphoto
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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
DM us to book a private viewing.
Photography @ishutterphoto
Staging @chateau_designandstaging
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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
DM us to book a private viewing.
The full listing can be found on our site & on realtor.ca (MLS# N5657656)
Photography @ishutterphoto
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Tags: interior design, luxury homes