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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81 Glastonbury Drive, Stratford.
Charming 1.5 storey home in a quiet neighbourhood for sale. Kitchen offers a custom tin backsplash and barstool seating. Painted white brick fireplace in living room. Renovated 4-piece washroom. 2 lovely bedrooms with tons of storage space. Lower level is fully finished and features a 3-piece washroom. Rear deck and private fenced backyard. Large covered front porch with hanging porch swing. Use the walking trails beside the home to get downtown in just 12 minutes. Receipts and dates for all major upgrades completed by current owners.
2 BED | 2 BATH
$449,900
MLS: 40118402
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Just Listed! 1480 Blackwell Boulevard, London ON.
Located in London North, this beautiful family home is impeccably maintained and a pleasure to show. 4+1 bedroom with 3.5 bathrooms. Bright and airy with modern features.
The dark hardwood floors contrast perfectly with the soft white decor throughout. The kitchen has been updated including new appliances.
The lower level is completely finished with large recreation room and wet bar & 3-piece bathroom. The backyard includes a large permanent wooden covered porch with vaulted ceiling. Other features include outdoor speakers, underground irrigation and exterior lighting.
Bonus feature is the amazing pie-shaped lot with 140 ft. of frontage.
$1,249,000
Full listing on our site.
MLS: 40115009
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Just Listed: 62 Vintage Crescent, Kitchener 🏡 Upgraded 2-storey home in Doon Pioneer Park. Quiet crescent just a short walk to schools & parks.
Custom eat-in kitchen walks out to oversized deck. Enjoy private, beautifully landscaped, fully fenced backyard with above ground swimming pool & gas fire.
Upper level features 3-bedrooms & 4-piece bath. Fully finished lower level has comfortable family room with a large egress window & 4th bedroom. Renovated heated garage with finished living space.
A special home in a special neighbourhood. Conscientious owners have been very fastidious maintaining the home throughout their years of ownership. Just move in and enjoy!
Link in Bio to Full Listing.
Message us to book a showing this weekend!
$799,000
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If you like to entertain, even a large kitchen can get congested, especially if you're busy preparing and serving food. Adding a butler's pantry can be a stylish solution.
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Using a shade of green in a kitchen works well with so many other elements (bright white, grays, wood textures, marble, brass accents, etc.). Whether you’re considering bringing colour into your kitchen on the cabinets, doors, island or walls, you may want to consider green 🍃
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Welcome to 16 Haig Street, Stratford 🏡 This lovely 1761 SQFT bungalow is situated on a spectacular lot & located on the north side of Lake Victoria. The Great Room features vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace & large east-facing windows that offer gorgeous views of the lake & park. Beautiful natural light occupies the home in the morning from the front windows & during the afternoon sitting on the backyard deck.
Message us for more details!
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𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝! 𝟏𝟓𝟐𝟕𝟎 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝, 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝. This wonderful family home offers country living just minutes north of the City of London. Lifestyle features include large principal rooms, finished walk-out lower level, heated in-ground swimming pool with hot tub located in covered cabana area. Large patio area to enjoy poolside living and entertaining with family and friends. 3 bedrooms on main floor with private principal bedroom & large ensuite. Lower level offers heated floors, large family room with gas fireplace and den and additional 4th bedroom with powder room. Lots of natural light on both levels. Heated floors in 2-car built-in insulated garage. Backyard is fenced offering plenty of privacy. Landscaped with front and backyard gardens.
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