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Written by Julie McCormick
REALTOR at MK Partners Inc.
September 1, 2022
I ran across some information all about countertops, and I wanted to share it with you! Choosing a countertop can be overwhelming. There are so many factors in deciding which countertop will work best for your household or office. Here are 10 popular countertops broken down into several categories, for you to consider.
1. Dekton
Material: Man Made
Durability: Strong
Surface: Non-Porous
Wear and Tear: Can absorb scratches and stains, is not heat resistant.
Maintenance: Low
$ Range: $60-95 per sq ft.
Info: May be hard to find installers. The pattern is only on the top surface, so edges need to be beveled or rounded to see the pattern.
2. Marble
Material: Natural
Durability: Some Pliability
Surface: Natural wear and tear
Wear and Tear: absorbs food and water stains
Maintenance: Reseal 1-2 times a year
$ Range: around $180 per sq ft
Info: Because Marble is softer than granite, this stones allows distinguished looking cuts and arches. If you want "perfect", Quartz might be a better option.
3. Quartz
Material: Man Made
Durability: Strong
Wear and Tear: Not heat resistant
Maintenance: No Sealing needed
$ Range: $60-150 per sq ft
Info: Manufactured with quartz pieces, synthetic materials. Looks and feels like
natural stone.
4. Quartzite
Material: Natural
Durability: Strong
Wear and Tear: No stains or discoloration, if sealed.
Maintenance: Requires sealing 1-2 times a year.
$ Range: $80-120 per sq ft
Info: One of the strongest natural stone materials.
5. Soapstone
Material: Natural
Durability: Strong
Wear and Tear: Non porous, is resistant to stains, acid foods and bacteria.
Maintenance: Low
$ Range: $55-120 per sq ft
Info: Softer than granite, less prone to cracking.
6. Granite
Material: Natural
Durability: Strong
Wear and Tear: Can soak up liquid and bacteria. Prone to chipping.
Maintenance: Seal once a year.
$ Range: $45-65 per sq ft
Info: Acid foods such as lemon and vinegar can tarnish the sealant.
7. Concrete
Material: Man Made
Durability: Medium
Wear and Tear: Can crack
Maintenance: Fill in cracks over time.
$ Range: $60-130 per sq ft
Info: Natural character
8. Butcher Block
Material: Natural/Man Made
Durability: Porous
Wear and Tear: Stain can fade.
Maintenance: Sealing is important, as needed. May need to refinish over time.
$ Range: $30-40 per sq ft
Info: Can be stained.
9. Laminate
Material: Man Made
Durability: Low
Wear and Tear: Can scratch and doesn't tolerate heat.
Maintenance: possible repairs or replacement
$ Range: $25/35 per sq ft
Info: Laminate is a thin sheet that
adheres to the particle board.
10. Porcelain
Material: Man Made
Durability: Strong
Wear and Tear: Non Porous- stain, acid foods and heat resistant
Maintenance: No sealing required.
$ Range: $55-120 per sq ft.
Info: The pattern is on the top so the edges have to be beveled or rounded on the edges to see the pattern.
Reference: chirslovesjulia.com
Julie McCormick REALTOR, MK Partners Inc, 179404