Guide to Kitchen Counters
[Updated blog post from Dec 2019 originally found on our old website]
Everything you truly need to know about countertops—simplified!
When meeting with prospective clients renovating their kitchens, I’m often asked the same questions:
What’s the difference between granite and quartz?
Which one is less expensive?
Which one will last longer?
Which one requires the least maintenance?
And my answer is always the same, albeit, my least favorite response: “It depends.”
The truth is, every countertop material has its pros and cons. Depending on your lifestyle, these surfaces can take a beating! Since you’re likely hoping they last until your next kitchen remodel, let’s break down the options to help you make the best choice.
Marble
Pros: Can be beee-you-tee-ful with it’s stunning veining and unique character.
Biggest con: Super porous. So unless you like that aged farmhouse look full of character ( and by character I mean rust stains, oil rings and red wine rings) than you might want to pass on this one. It can be resurfaced/refinished though - so don’t dismiss it for this reason alone.
Cost: Depends on which grade. So the thing about countertops is they are usually graded. A, B, C, D… etc. but the tricky part is one grade does not correlate to the same grade in another material. In other words, an “A” marble is not the same price as an “A” quartz. A tad confusing, sorry. Cost can also vary depending on country of origin, distributor and fabricator. So you can’t always go by the pricing listed online.
The grading usually correlates to how rare or available the material is. The rarer the marble, the higher the grade, the higher the price tag.
To further complicate matters- that beautiful Carrara Marble everyone drools after these days has their own grading system. I won’t even go down this road. Suffice it to say the really beautiful stuff can be expensive.
Pro Tip: Work with a professional to navigate the myriad of options and grades available in your area.
GRANITE
Pros: Less porous than marble, holds up well to heat, and is less prone to staining. Generally more affordable than marble or quartz. High-end granite can also be stunning.
Cons: Granite’s popularity has waned in recent years, with some colors and patterns feeling dated (e.g., dark green Ubatuba). It requires sealing every 6-12 months, but the process is simple.
Bottom Line: Granite remains a durable and beautiful choice but may not feel as current as other options.
Quartz
What It Is: Quartz countertops are engineered stone, made from a mix of quartz, resins, polymers, and sometimes crushed glass or granite. Don’t confuse this with quartzite, which is a natural stone.
Pros: Virtually maintenance-free; no sealing required. Available in a wide variety of colors and veining patterns.
Cons: Can be expensive, especially for slabs with dramatic veining or trendy colors. Susceptible to etching, burning, or cracking if exposed to high heat. Depending on the design, it may be extremely difficult to create continuous veining on large surfaces.
Note: If you’re planning a long island or expansive counters, opt for book-matched slabs for seamless veining. Cambria does offer jumbo slabs as well!
Wood
Basically, pieces of wood glued together to form a countertop. There are several types (Edge Grain, End Grain, and Face Grain, but for today’s purposes, I’ll lump them all together)
Pros: Warm and inviting. Can be refinished to restore its beauty. Often more affordable than premium materials.
Cons: Prone to scratches, dents, and stains. Requires regular oiling. Over time, it will develop a patina, which some love and others may not.
Best For: Those who appreciate a lived-in, rustic charm.
Concrete
Pros: Offers a cool, industrial-chic vibe. Highly customizable in terms of color, texture, and embedded materials (e.g., glass or stone). Can be formed to any shape or size.
Cons: Requires sealing. Scratches easily and can look poorly done if not professionally installed.
Cautionary Tale: DIY concrete countertops rarely turn out as expected. Leave this one to the pros.
Porcelain
What It Is: Similar to porcelain tiles, these counters are lightweight, durable, and low-maintenance. Often confused with Dekton, another ultra-compact surface.
Pros: Budget-friendly and easy to maintain. Available in large formats to minimize seams. Wide array of patterns and prints.
Cons: The color doesn’t go all the way through, so chips can reveal the base layer. Requires expert installation, especially for intricate cutouts.
Worth Watching: Porcelain countertops are evolving quickly and are expected to become an increasingly popular and affordable choice.
Stainless Steel
Pros: Extremely durable and resistant to heat, stains, and bacteria. Perfect for those who love a sleek, industrial aesthetic.
Cons: Scratches and fingerprints can be bothersome. Works best in small doses or when balanced with warm materials like wood.
Best For: Fans of modern, professional-grade kitchens.
In Short (tldr…)
These are some of the most popular countertop materials, but new products are always being introduced. When choosing a countertop, consider your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals for your home. Being honest about these factors will help guide you toward the best option.
Still unsure? A professional designer or contractor can help you navigate the options and find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Reach out to a trusted expert for guidance!
