There are many different countertop alternatives available for use in domestic kitchens; nevertheless, the vast majority of countertops are made from only a few different materials such as quartz, marble, and granite. Each type of material has advantageous qualities and those that are disadvantageous. For instance, some of them are quite durable, while others are susceptible to scuffing or marring. Furthermore, the price of certain components is significantly higher than that of others. In this post, we’ll be discussing further, the most common countertop materials.

Granite

Granite has been, for some time now, the material of choice whenever there was no consideration of cost to be taken into account. Granite offers sophistication to a kitchen. Granite kitchen benchtops can make even the most basic kitchens look like luxurious settings because of their natural beauty. Granite has historically been a material with a high cost; nevertheless, its price has decreased substantially as a result of greater availability and the growing popularity of manufactured stone.

Soapstone

Another type of natural stone, soapstone is often a dark grey hue and has a texture that is smooth and silky. As a substitute for granite, it has recently seen a comeback in popularity. Although it is more common in older homes, soapstone may also be found being utilized as a countertop or sink material in more contemporary residences. Soapstone develops a patina over time that looks similar to that of an antique, which in some kinds of kitchens may be an appealing feature.

In contrast to what one might anticipate, the architectural soapstone that is used for countertops is extremely tough and resistant to discolouration. However, with time it will develop scratches, but they can sometimes contribute towards the vintage character of the stone.

Marble

Marble is yet another type of natural stone that is frequently utilized for domestic countertop applications. Because no two pieces of marble are precisely the same, every countertop made of marble will be completely one-of-a-kind.

Marble is a beautiful material that may be used for countertops, but in most homes, you won’t find it covering the whole surface area due to the prohibitively expensive cost. It is more common for its opulent appearance to be restricted to usage on an island or portion of countertop that has been set aside as a baking area.

Marble, although it is of great value, is susceptible to stains and scratches, making it a material that is not ideal for use in kitchens. Marble is a far more volatile stone compared to granite or soapstone, even though more modern sealers can lessen the amount of maintenance required for marble.

Quartz (Engineered Stone)

The material for countertops that is commonly referred to as “quartz” is in reality a manufactured stone product that comprises around 93 percent quartz grains together with other minerals. These particles are moulded into slabs and held together with resins.

Quartz is a more versatile and higher-performing substitute to marble and granite that was developed through time. In comparison to granite, it comes in a wider variety of hues and features a non-porous surface that is resistant to scratches as well as stains.