Stone
The beauty of stone provides a unique and unparalleled aesthetic to any space. Each slab has its own color, pattern, and veining, making your kitchen truly one of a kind. When selecting what stone would work best for your space, you will need to consider the level of maintenance you want to provide to preserve your countertops and the overall look and feel of the stone.
Quartz
is a popular option due to its nearly non-porous properties, which means it does not require protective sealants. Natural quartz crystals are combined with resin and pigment to form a durable and resilient surface that adds beauty to kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and more. This allows for its surface to be scratch and stain resistant, making it a top choice for areas prone to spills and mess. It is easily cleaned and comes in a variety of styles to fit any design.
Granite
is a completely natural stone, with no additions of resins or pigments. It tends to yield more intricate veining and a spectrum of colors that may not be fully captured in quartz. Granite is similar in hardiness and scratch and stain resistance to quartz, but requires the application of a protective sealant.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops offer an affordable mid-range option for those that prefer the look of stone, without breaking the budget. Available in many different varieties that mimic the appearance of stone, they are a manufactured surface with a very low porosity, making them a perfect fit for the messes that come with food preparation. While it does not have the same hardiness properties as natural stone, the makeup of solid surface countertops is consistent throughout, without cracks or fissures that could be hiding inside of stone slabs. It is recommended to use a cutting board or other surface to protect your solid surface countertop, but scratches can usually be sanded with a fine grain sandpaper to restore the smooth surface.
Laminate
Available in countless colors and styles, laminate countertops have stood the test of time as a low-maintenance and cost effective surface option for many different applications. The wide variety of patterns and textures allows for its ability to be used in any type of kitchen design and can mimic wood, stone, or feature bold and bright colors. Easily cleaned, laminate countertops can be maintained with mild soap and water. Care should be taken when using abrasive chemicals or hot pots and pans, as these could damage the surface.