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Tips & Tricks

Tips & Tricks

In this blog, we share information about the design/build process, showcase some of our custom designs and construction, offer advice on home updates and renovations, and look at the latest trends in interior decorating and home design. We welcome your comments and ideas for future articles. Thanks for reading!

Home Renovation Tips: Granite vs. Quartz vs. Solid Surface

One of the big items people need to consider as they plan their renovations is the materials they're going to use. Kitchen countertops are a major focal point and need to withstand a lot of wear and tear, so choosing the right material for them is especially important.

While there are SO many different materials to consider, we thought we'd shine the spotlight on three of the most popular countertop materials and go over some of their pros and cons.

Granite

Granite, which is quarried directly from the earth, has been a staple in kitchens for a while now. People love the look and feel of granite countertops, and there is a lot to love. Of course, some of the pros could be considered cons, depending on your point of view.

Pros:

  • All-natural stone, just the way Mother Nature intended

  • No two slabs look alike, so what you're getting will truly be one-of-a-kind

  • Strong and durable, so it's built to last

Cons:

  • No two slabs look alike -- this can be an issue if you fall in love with a sample at your local kitchen and bath store, but you end up with a piece that looks quite different

  • Porous stone, so it requires sealing in order to prevent the harboring of germs and bacteria

  • Can't hide seams

Quartz

Quartz has been gaining traction in recent years and has been adopted by many homeowners as a lower-maintenance alternative to granite . Quartz is a combination of crushed quartz crystals, resin, and pigment.

Pros:

  • Non-porous, so it is 100% hygienic and doesn't require sealing

  • Color consistent -- what you see in the store is what you can expect to get in your home

  • Strong and durable

Cons:

  • Colors can fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight

  • Can't hide seams

 

Solid Surface

DuPont created the first Solid Surface brand, Corian, decades ago, but now you can find many manufacturers of this material, which is a combination of acrylic and color pigment.

Pros:

  • Non-porous material, so it's hygienic and doesn't require sealing

  • Easier to fabricate custom designs

  • Say goodbye to seams

Cons:

  • 100% man-made material (which can be considered a con for those folks who appreciate 100% natural)

  • Not scratch resistant

Choosing a countertop material is a personal choice. Get something you love and that fits in well with your lifestyle. And, of course, if you or someone you know is thinking about a kitchen renovation, we hope you contact us.