It’s no news that countertops are an essential aspect of any home. They are the foundation of the home interior décor and act as both a workhorse and showpiece, so upgrading them will not only improve the look and feel of your home but will also improve the resale value of your home.
However, depending on the latest trends, your budget, and the style of your home, knowing which countertop to choose can be a challenge. Apart from that, there are lots of countertop materials out there in the market, and the material you chose will affect your countertop functionality, durability, and visual impact as well as the time and expense of installation.
To help you in your decision-making process, here are the five best-selling countertop materials of 2019 and why they sold.
Engineered Stone (Quartz)
If you’re thinking of putting a 2019 stamp on your bathroom or kitchen, then you should consider going for engineered stone counters materials. Although engineered stone is similar to natural stone counter (granite) in terms of its properties and appearance, it has a more uniform style and appearance and has become a preferred material over marble and granite due to its more unique properties.
Unlike the natural stone counters which are mined out of the ground, Quartz countertop materials are created in a factory using the natural quartz bound together by resin to create a stronger and more durable surface that can handle all kinds of fatigue. Since quartz is human-made, it can be custom-fabricated in any size, shape, styles, and colours and is easier to install without any imperfections or noticeable seams that form in natural stones.
Moreover, the stone is super durable; it is resistant to heat and scratches and has a non-porous surface that is resistant to staining and bacterial infestation. Its low-maintenance care also adds substantial value to any home since it is easy to clean and does not require occasional sealing like other natural stone products.
The best part of this material is its wide availability of eye-catching colours, patterns, and styles to choose from, thereby allowing designers and homeowners to choose the colour, “imperfection,” and the veining style of marble to their liking. That makes it perfect for contemporary and modern style homes that want a bit of polish and luxury.
Granite
Granite has dominated the counter scene for years and is still one of the top choices of most designers and homeowners, especially for those who want something that is good looking, strong, and durable. Granite counters offer a beautiful, high-end look that improves the overall value of any home while providing a hard, durable, scratch, and heat resistant surface for daily use and meal preparations.
This material always adds a bit of luxury and elegance to any home and goes well in most home styles from modern and traditional designs to Tudor to Colonial architecture. Being a natural material, the variation in granite’s pattern is common; it is also available in different styles and natural colours, so homeowners can easily find a style and colour that matches their interior décor.
Granite counter is fairly low maintenance – it is a porous material that is prone to staining if it is not sealed. However, it only requires a yearly re-sealing to prevent bacterial growth and stains – other than that, it is virtually maintenance-free. Although granite has been a very costly countertop material, in recent years, it has become more affordable due to its popularity and increase in supply.
Soapstone
Rising in popularity, Soapstone as seen a recent resurgence as a substitute for granite. This natural stone has a black or dark grey colour with thin, white veins or streaks running over its surface and often has a soft, smooth and velvety feel. Although this material is usually found in historic and rustic homes, it is also used as both a sink and countertop material in contemporary and modern homes.
As this natural stone material ages, it tends to become more beautiful as its darkens in colour and takes on an antique look which is attractive in some kitchen styles. The material is surprisingly durable and easier to maintain than many other natural stone countertop materials. It is not porous so, it does not require sealers since it won’t absorb discolourations and stains, unlike other natural stone products. The stone is susceptible to scratches, but this can easily be removed by gentle sanding or with mineral oil.
Marble
Marble, another natural stone material which is the current darling of most homeowners and designers, is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also adds a timeless appeal to any kitchen. This material is not only known for the unmatched beauty and an absolutely high-end look it gives to any kitchen, but it is also recognized for its ability to increase the resale value of any home.
Although its surface is prone to scratches and stains, it’s cool, smooth surface is perfect for rolling out dough and baking. Regular sealing and maintenance will help to reduce its upkeep, prevent etching, and keep it looking beautiful. Marble is waterproof and heatproof and comes with unique veining that adds to its beauty. For more information on the latest countertop trends and materials, please visit website Slab Market.
Butcher block or wood
Wood or butcher block counters offer a rustic feel and add a warm, beautiful look, and homey touch to any modern kitchen by breaking up the plain grey and white monotony. This material is produced from reclaimed wood with oak and maple as its most common material choices. This countertop material is available and various colour options and finishes.
Butcher block or wood counters are durable if properly maintained and are highly resistant to heat, unlike other affordable countertop materials like laminate. That means you don’t have to worry about placing hot pans or pot on its surface. Although the countertop surface is prone to scratches, it is very easy to clean, and the damage or scratches can be sanded out.
The wood counter surface is perfect for chopping meat and other food preparations and is ideal for buyers or homeowners who are looking to go green. Some homeowners can even choose to mix this material with other countertop surfaces like quartz or natural stone materials to get a variety of food preparation surfaces.
Final words
No doubt, revamping or upgrading your countertops can improve the look, feel, and resale value of your home. But before you do, it’s advisable to seek the help and advice of a professional who knows the latest trends and can suggest the best material and style for your home.
That was pretty informative. Which would you suggest – granite or quartz? I have a hard time making the right decision for my new home. Please respond.