Four Alternate Options to Natural Stone when Choosing Countertops
As a contractor in Central Massachusetts we’re often asked for advice in helping our clients decide which material to choose for their countertop. With so many options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming. When deciding which material to use, the first that often come to mind are natural stone materials such as granite, marble, limestone and slate. While these popular stones are great choices, it’s important to note that there are other natural materials and manufactured materials that are excellent choices as well. Manufactured stone has come a long way, and is available in a variety of colors, patterns and price points. If you’re in the market for a new countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, here are four alternatives to natural stone to consider and discuss with your contractor.
- Engineered Quartz
Engineered quartz is the new leader in countertop material, understandably so as it is durable, nonporous, requires no sealers and minimal maintenance. The solid part of engineered quartz is made from waste products and constitutes more than 90% of the compound, making it a relatively eco-friendly option. It’s manufactured consistently, which means the look of your finished countertop will match the slab sample you chose in the design phase of your reno. The main drawback of engineered quartz is in it’s sensitivity to heat. The solid component stays rather stable when heated, however the resins expand substantially. Therefore, these countertops are susceptible to damage under direct heat and are not recommended for outdoor kitchens, as direct sunlight can fade the colors and even warp an entire slab.
- Stainless Steel
If heat sensitivity is important to you when choosing your countertop, consider stainless steel. Stainless steel can withhold hot pots and pans and hot liquids, without risk of damage or stains. It’s antibacterial and nonporous, making it an excellent low maintenance choice. It is, however, prone to scratches and dents due to the variety of additives that make it softer than other types of steel. When choosing a stainless steel countertop, look for a 16 gauge or lower thickness, and that it is tightly wrapped over a thick wooded substrate. A brushed finish will hide a good amount of the scuffs and scratches that will inevitably appear over time.
- Wood
While engineered quartz may be the leader of the countertop pack, wood is by far the original countertop material. A wood countertop can add a cozy vibe to your kitchen, even in modern or contemporary spaces. Wood countertops are definitely susceptible to heat and water damage, and should not be placed near stoves and sinks. Consider a wood countertop as an accent surface, such as an island. Wood is definitely susceptible to dents, scratches and stains, so be ready to either happily coexist with those imperfections, or put on you DIY hat and sand and finish your wood countertop when it’s in need of a little love.
- Porcelain
If you’re looking for a countertop that’s sleek and modern, yet also heatproof, waterproof, scratch-resistant, and zero-maintenance, then porcelain may be the countertop for you. In contrast to it’s ceramic tile countertop cousin, porcelain slabs are now available in sizes up to 5×10 feet, meaning you can forego dirty grout lines for a large clean line-free surface. Unlike engineered quartz, porcelain is weatherproof and a great choice for outdoor kitchens. Though it is more scratch-resistant than other materials, it’s also thinner than other materials. Mitered edges can chip easily from acute impact, so use caution setting down heavy pots and pans. Porcelain is still a relatively new material in the countertop market, and may be unfamiliar to some installers and therefore more expensive than other materials.