How To Choose The Best Countertop Material?

Your countertop should be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The right countertop adds character to your kitchen and helps you save time when preparing food.

When selecting a countertop, always consider the material. Look for a countertop material that is known to withstand the elements. If you have too much on your plate and can’t make time for maintenance, opt for a low maintenance material. These quick tips are just the beginning when it comes to questions you should ask yourself when choosing the right countertop material for your space.

As a custom home builder in the Napa area, Holly Construction has had plenty of experience assisting clients in the search for the best countertop material to fit their unique wants and needs. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of some popular countertop materials and their most notable qualities and limitations.

Granite

Granite countertops can be found in semi custom and custom homes around the country.  Granite is resistant to stains, scratches and heat. It is available in a wide variety of styles. No wonder it is the preferred choice of builders, interior designers, and homeowners.

Granite is a natural stone. Like any other natural stone, there may be some imperfections or variability in a slab. Also, granite is porous and should be sealed with a high quality sealer.

Limestone

Though limestone countertops are often installed outdoors, they can be installed indoors as well. Alternatively, limestone is heat resistant.

When looking at limestone for your kitchen, it is important to note that there are many different types of limestone finishes. Limestone isn’t scratch resistant and is porous like other natural stones, and hence should be sealed always.

Marble

Marble is famed for its white hues and unique veining. It is very durable, heat resistant and waterproof.

A downside of marble is that it is not as scratch resistant as many other popular countertop materials and stains easily. To prevent stains, seal your marble countertop.

Marble is also more expensive than many other countertop materials, which is the reason why it is usually exclusively used for a feature countertop.

Concrete

Concrete countertops are usually used in transitional or modern spaces. There are several benefits of concrete. It is strong, durable, and resistant and can be colored, textured or shaped to fit individual needs and preferences.

Concrete countertops should be sealed to prevent stains and scratches. Avoid using abrasive cleaners to clean your concrete countertop as they may damage the sealer.

Tile

The greatest advantage of porcelain and tile is their ease of cleaning. Additionally, tiles are less expensive than many other popular countertop materials.

There is a wide variety of color and design options to choose from.  Also, tiles are extremely durable, hypoallergenic, and low maintenance, making them more highly sought after by homeowners for their unique charm.

Quartzite

Quartzite is known for its durability and hardness. When sealed properly using the right sealer, a quartzite countertop can last for decades.

Quartzite is very easy to maintain. However, a downside of quartzite is that the color options are very limited. In addition, quartzite usually requires reapplication of a sealant once every few years.

Holly Construction has years of experience designing custom built homes near you in Napa.  Our ability to accurately understand the client needs and expectations and craft a customized solution that ticks all the right boxes for our clients sets us apart. If you are looking for a licensed General Contractor for your custom home build or renovation, contact our team of experts today! To learn more, call (707) 541-0700.