Kitchen countertops come in a variety of materials and stones. The choices can be never-ending! With the countertops being one of the biggest eye-catching elements in a kitchen, it’s important to be well-educated on each option and its pros and cons, prior to choosing something for your kitchen. Our design team at Clarity Homes has assembled some information to help you make this decision with confidence.
What things should I consider when choosing a countertop?
Color isn’t the only thing you need to think about for your kitchen counters! Consider the following items and which is a higher priority for your design aesthetic and the way you use your kitchen.
- Scratch resistance: If you are a frequent cook, the need to watch out for your knives and other sharp objects is something to think about.
- Stain resistance: You may need to be quick to wipe spills like juices, alcohol and others.
- Heat resistance: Some materials can handle direct contact from hot pans, and some cannot.
- Need for sealing: Some countertop options require that you seal them after purchase to prevent staining or other damage.
- Natural stone: You may think having a naturally occurring product is important, like granite, or you may not mind how your countertop is produced.
- Price: Of course, each countertop material has a different price point, based on its features.
What options do I have for countertops?
Many options exist for your kitchen counters, all with different levels of scratch resistance, stain resistance, durability, and more.
- Marble is often chosen because of its aesthetic appeal and subtle veining. Marble is a natural stone and a softer surface that can scratch more easily, compared to a harder stone such as granite or quartz. Marble will patina over time, a factor some consider an enhancement, while others consider that a negative.
- Quartz is often considered a man made material. It is fabricated from natural silicon dioxide and synthetic components; loose quartz makes up 93% of the material. Quartz can become discolored when high heat is set on the surface. This countertop option has a wide range of colors to choose from, and doesn’t require sealing. Because it is fabricated and more flexible, it’s less prone to denting and chipping compared to other materials. A top quartz pick for Clarity clients is Vicostone Quartz Carrara as seen in our move-in ready home at 628 Godley Ranch.
- Granite resists heat and scratch damage better than the majority of other types of countertop materials. Sealing your granite countertops once every couple years is highly encouraged to uphold resistance to damage. Granite is also a natural stone. One of our top picks for granite is Colonial Cream Granite, as seen in our move-in ready home at 9304 Bengal Court.
- Quartzite withstands heat very well and is a very hard material. To reach its best damage resistance capabilities, quartzite should be sealed every couple years. Quartzite is prone to scratching from knives and sharp objects. If marble is out of your price range, quartzite is a great option due to its similar aesthetic and swirling appearance.
- Other less-common materials are concrete, butcher block, and laminate.
Speak with our talented Clarity team if you’d like to learn more about which kitchen countertop product might be right for you and your needs! With so many colors, features, and options from marble to quartz and more, there’s something for everyone.
A certified Master Builder, Clarity Homes believes everyone should have access to the life they want – without being in over their heads with debt. The luxury homes we design and build offer a better way – life simplified. If you’re interested in our available homes in Aledo, Denton, Godley, or Fort Worth, contact us today. We are also here if you have any questions for us!
Clarity Homes was started with one goal in mind in 1998: to provide affordable luxury homes in Fort Worth, Texas. Since its inception, the multi-generational family-owned company has remained true to providing its clients with what they want: high-end design at an affordable price. The expert team at Clarity Homes, driven by design, is committed to enriching the community through the homes they build and neighborhoods they impact.