As always, the Summer has passed in the blink of an eye. Now is the time to start getting prepared for the cooler weather, and for family gatherings to possibly be centered around Halloween, Thanksgiving and soon after, the Christmas and New Year holidays. But, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves! With the Fall season quickly approaching, let’s first focus on getting our living spaces ready for the next couple of months. Here are the countertops you need for Autumn 2023 to set you and your home up for success.
Granite
It may come as no surprise that we at Granite Prestige will discuss the benefits of the beautiful natural stone, granite. After all, it remains to be one of the most popular countertop options available to date. In fact, according to an article from March 2023 in Architectural Digest, granite is featured in 64% of new homes. For good reason, too! It’s easy to clean, durable and is less porous than marble, limestone and sandstone.
Due to being made from a combination of different minerals that range in shape and size, granite is not completely smooth. Instead, it contains pores that absorb liquids that make contact with the surface. This is why it is important to seal granite countertops, at the very least, once per year. With this being said, while granite is generally a bit more expensive than other countertop options, it also lasts longer. Many will argue that all of the advantages of granite are worth the slightly higher cost, and we can’t disagree!
Quartz
Quartz is considered an engineered stone, which is made when quartz crystals (an abundant natural stone) are held together with a resin binder. Unlike the aforementioned granite, which is fully natural stone, quartz is compressed into slabs that have a similar color and texture.
This is why, when compared to natural stone countertops, quartz countertops will have a more uniform color. Some say this diminishes its character, while others appreciate the lack of variation, saying it’s easier to incorporate into the rest of the room. Since quartz can come in practically every color, it is one of the more desirable countertops on the market.
Marble
David by Michelangelo, Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch, The Discobolus of Myron, these are just some of the most famous marble statues and sculptures. However, marble can be used for more than artwork.
Over the years, marble has remained a popular option for household countertops. In most cases, marble countertops cost in the $40-$100 per square foot, with an average of $60 per square foot. While marble is more expensive than quartz, its classic look appears more authentic. If aesthetics are the main concern, marble is definitely a frontrunning option.
Marble is most recognized for its vein patterns, but it also comes with several advantageous qualities. For example, it is widely available. This means, you won’t need to wait for a prolonged amount of time before it gets installed. It also stays naturally cool which is great for certain types of baking and cooking. Although marble countertops aren’t completely heat resistant so taking the proper precautions to ensure they are protected is advised.
The same applies for stains and chips. There are numerous solutions that can be found online in terms of what to do in the case of such damages. For example, one of the main solutions for stains is called a marble poultice. However, it is always advised to speak to your countertop providers with any questions and concerns before attempting to fix it yourself. Preferably, these concerns should be voiced during one of your first appointments with a design expert. They will be able to ease any unsettling worries you may have in order to come to the best solution.
Quartzite/Dolomite
Last but not least, are quartzite and dolomite. Appearance-wise, quartzite is quite similar to marble. Similarly, dolomite is most often confused with marble and quartzite. (Do you now see why we have grouped them in the same category?) If they are commonly misidentified, what is the difference between the two?
To put it simply, quartzite is harder and more scratch resistant than dolomite. On the other hand, if one desires to stay within a stricter budget, dolomite is the best option. This doesn’t mean that it is without its own advantages. Dolomite may not be as scratch resistant as granite or quartzite, but it is more scratch resistant than marble and at a fraction of the cost!
Granite Prestige
Now that we know a bit more about each type of countertop, it is important to keep in mind that what works best for one household may be the complete opposite of what is best for another. It all depends on the person’s budget and lifestyle! It is recommended to discuss all of your options with a trusted professional who has your budget and best interests in mind.
Contact Granite Prestige today and leave the rest of the work to us. Call us at (514) 331-8337, message us directly on our official website, or email us at info@graniteprestige.com. Winter will be here before we know it! Let’s make the most of this Autumn by enhancing our living spaces with countertops that will last a lifetime.