How to Choose the Right Stone Material for Your Kitchen Countertops
When thinking through your kitchen conception, everything should be intentional. The aesthetic, the use, the concept.
Your countertops are a focal point in the kitchen, and choosing countertops that are not only functional, but add to the aesthetic design can be challenging. Everyone has some sort of a vision for their kitchen, and we want to make that vision come to life!
We regularly work on kitchen design and remodeling projects. We have expert designers, fabricators and installers who work hand in hand to ensure your kitchen countertops not only meet, but exceed your standards. Our StoneDoneRight™ Approach means we do it right the first time. We have and know what it takes to execute your kitchen countertop design from start to finish. Our goal is to be transparent with our customers and make sure they know exactly what they are getting.
Design, usage, performance, and maintenance are all factors we like our customers to consider. So, when trying to decide on what countertops to choose for your kitchen, we want you to be armed with all the information you need to achieve the beautiful kitchen design you desire. There are a wide range of stone materials to choose from, and the team at Granite and Marble Designs is here to help you select the right stone surface for your specific needs and goals.
How Do You Decide on the Best Countertop Option for Your Kitchen?
This relies heavily on usage. What do you expect from your countertops and how much upkeep are you willing to put in?
Let’s be honest, the kitchen is the heart of the home and where we spend most of our day. Whether it is preparing dinner or doing schoolwork with the kiddos before bedtime, countertops serve multiple functions. Practicality does not mean your countertops need to stray away from how you want your kitchen to look. Stone countertops offer limitless color, pattern, veining and texture combinations that fit your exact preferences. So, you don’t have to compromise when deciding on kitchen countertops that fit your design style and needs. Yes, you can have both!
Granite and Marble Designs has just the slab you are looking for, we just have to work together to find it. We want you to know that no two slabs of stone are identical. Give us your vision, and we will work to achieve it.
It is not just about the aesthetic. Knowing how each stone countertop material functions will enhance your ability to decide which material to choose in terms of use and performance. Some stones require immediate pick up from daily messes to keep from etching or staining the surface, while others are easy to maintain with little to no upkeep.
Since we all know the commotions and dirty messes that go on in the kitchen, having kitchen countertops that can stand up to these daily activities is important. Granite and Marble Designs offers many countertop materials that go great in the kitchen – quartz, granite and marble are just a few of them.
Understanding the Latest Trends in Kitchen Countertop Design
Let’s dive deeper to give you an idea of which countertop material might be most suitable for you and your next kitchen project.
In today’s world of kitchen building and remodeling, many people aim for two things – a kitchen that is beautiful and functional. All white kitchens have become a trend, from the cabinetry and countertops to the backsplash. These three elements make up overall kitchen design. Simply changing out the color of your countertops will change the look of your kitchen completely.
White kitchen countertops are timeless. Almost all of our stone materials offer white options, including:
Before we keep going, you may be wondering wondering if white is a good choice for the kitchen – and the answer is, YES! In particular, manmade stone such as quartz will repel staining and messes. Other options such as granite and marble will require upon-mess cleanup and regular maintenance. Regardless, any stone can be used for your kitchen countertops depending on your expectation for them.
Contrast is also heightening in design. We see some customers go for dark cabinets and lighter countertops, or the other way around. Quartz, granite or porcelain offer darker colored slab options ranging from blacks to deep browns and grays. Black quartz countertops, especially, are up and coming with growing demand and great satisfaction. Black quartz can imitate just about any natural material including granite or cement. Each slab of stone is different and unique. This gives designers and homeowners the ability to customize their design through their choice in countertops alone.
Countertops may not seem like an important aspect of your kitchen, but in the grand scheme of things, they contribute to the entire design. Homeowners may find themselves overwhelmed running through all the options and varieties to consider for kitchen countertops. Our designers run through all there is to know, and want to make sure our customers feel educated on their decision.
Quartz Is the New Granite
Quartz has become widely popular for kitchen countertops. Quartz countertops are ideal for high-traffic areas, especially kitchens. Quartz is man-made stone and most prized for its non-porous characteristic. This means it is non-penetrable, so it repels liquids and bacteria. You can prepare and put food directly on a quartz countertop without worrying about staining or etching the surface. We would all love a surface where wine, lemon juice, spaghetti sauce and spills are the least of our worries. Quartz is not only stain, but also scratch resistant. However, we do not recommend using your quartz countertop as a cutting surface because its hardness will likely dull your knives.
These countertops can come at an expense, but they last. It is quickly becoming the most highly sought-out stone material that is being used in kitchen and bath design. To put it imply, quartz kitchen countertops check all the boxes, and we would strongly suggest incorporating it in your next kitchen design. With this stone choice, you would not have to compromise design for performance.
Granite Never Disappoints
Granite has been around for years and is one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops because it performs to standards and adds value. Granite is oftentimes used in kitchen design because it is hardy and stands up to most messes. It is easy to clean and does not require much maintenance. However, granite is a natural stone material, so it can be susceptible to staining or etching if not cleaned from the surface. When it comes to granite, many of us think it’s earth-toned with flocks of stones and speckle. However, that is not always the case. It actually comes in an array of colors and patterns.
Marble’s Irresistibility
We get customers that come in with one mindset – marble. We would have to agree, since this stone would transform any design. Marble has made a name for itself as being one of the most pristine and pure natural stones. It can be the perfect option for upscaling your kitchen design.
Marble countertops might not be the first material you would consider for your kitchen, but it actually is more durable and practical than you might expect. One of its redeeming qualities is that it is heat-resistant. With a heavy-duty sealant, it is fair to say your marble kitchen countertops may withstand a few hot pots and pans without any telling.
Some marbles can be softer than others can, so not all slabs in this material are ideal for the kitchen or busy workspaces. Marble in general can be more susceptible to scratching or staining compared to other stone materials like quartz and granite. Acidic and red liquids such as wine can easily penetrate the surface and stain, so we recommend using all precautions to protect your marble.
We have many customers that are unapologetically pleased with their marble kitchen countertops. Granite and Marble Designs’ team of experts have in-depth knowledge on the many types of marble and their performance in different spaces. Marbles that are harder in characteristic can work well for kitchen countertops. They can also be easy to clean with appropriate cleaning products and materials. It is fair to say the longevity and condition of your marble countertops depends on your willingness to keep up with them. But the outcome is worth it.
Additional Considerations for Stone Countertops
Keep in mind that you get out what you put in. Like almost everything, if you take care of your countertops, they will last.
Stone is by far the best choice for countertops. It may be an investment to start, but the satisfaction cannot be beat. Stone is durable and relentless compared to other countertop materials such as laminate or tile. It is proven to last and has become heavily used in new and remodeling projects.
One thing to keep in mind is that stone countertops are heavy, so we emphasize on the importance to have cabinetry that can withhold the weight of your countertops for years to come.
Stone can last a lifetime when properly cared for. Routine maintenance and sealing are essential to the longevity of your countertops. A proper sealant will help avoid scratching, stains and etching. Granite and Marble Designs is here to offer you tips and insights to your kitchen countertops.
Granite and Marble Designs Can Help with Your Kitchen Countertop Design
We are experts in kitchen countertop design, installation, and fabrication. Your countertops are only as good as the professional who fabricated and installed them. As with anything you buy, the source matters.
We take pride in using top suppliers in the Denver area and never sourcing commercial-grade stone. The equipment it takes to design, fabricate and install countertops is intricate and demanding. Stone is extremely vulnerable from the time it begins fabricating to the time it is transported and installed into your home or space. In a relatively competing market, we continually exceed customer expectations by delivering quality and transparency with every project.
Granite and Marble Designs has won Best Kitchen in the Parade of Homes more than five times and we are recognized as one of the best stone installers in Denver.
With over a hundred years of combined experience, Granite and Marble Designs’ team has more than what it takes to accomplish your vision – and we are ready to get started!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit our gallery in person to learn more about your options.