Selecting a countertop material is one of the major decisions in any kitchen, bathroom, fireplace or master closet renovation. Not only is it a prominent feature in the room, but it may equal or sometimes even exceed the cost of your cabinets.
In parts one and two of this four-part series, we discussed the pros and cons of natural stone and the various types available on the market. In part three, we explored natural stone options in detail. Now, we'll discuss the three most popular types of manmade countertops available and their key attributes.
Most Popular Manmade Countertops
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are by far the most popular manmade stone on the market today. They're available in granite and marble imitations as well as neutrals and exotic colors and patterns that do not occur in nature.
Quartz manufacturers like Silestone, Corian and Cambria have become so well known, many people assume they are the name of the stone itself rather than just the producer. Our quartz countertops tool can help you explore various options and styles.
Key benefits of quartz include:
- Extremely hard and durable construction
- Non-porous surface, making it stain and crack resistant
- No maintenance required beyond soap and warm water cleaning
- Wide variety of colors and patterns available
Important considerations for quartz:
- Not scorch resistant, so avoid placing extremely hot pots and pans directly on the surface
- Not completely stain proof as with enough use, staining is possible
- Significantly better stain resistance compared to natural stone
Quartz installation is my number one recommendation for bathrooms and kitchens as it's very competitively priced these days and withstands everyday usage exceptionally well.
Sintered Stone
Sintered stone countertops use natural materials that go through an engineered process of compression and heat. This manufacturing process gives a more realistic look, complete with the natural texture and characteristics of real stone.
Sintered stone applications include:
- Kitchen and bathroom countertops
- Flooring installations
- Pool and spa surfaces
- Outdoor applications
Performance advantages include:
- Temperature and stain resistant like quartz
- Can withstand extremely high temperatures without damage
- Perfect for outdoor kitchen applications
- Even harder to etch and stain than quartz
Design considerations for sintered stone typically feature very natural patterns. If you're looking for a wide selection of marble-like looks, this probably isn't the stone for you. However, if you're seeking a more natural appearance without the maintenance and upkeep, sintered stone might be an excellent choice.
Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops represent the newest countertop material on the market. Made of the same material as porcelain tiles, they're now available in 2 CM thickness so they can be used for counters, fireplaces, and grout-free shower surrounds.
Porcelain advantages include:
- Advertised as stain and heat proof
- Currently the strongest countertop material available
- Stunning patterns that resemble natural marble more closely than quartz
- Contemporary thin profile appearance
Important porcelain considerations:
- Higher fabrication costs due to newer, high-density material
- Requires porcelain certified installer with specialized equipment
- Not available in standard thickness
- Always requires a more expensive mitered edge for a thick appearance
- Possible to crack with intentional blunt force (though perfectly strong under standard use)
If you're interested in a very durable, realistic slab with a contemporary thin profile, porcelain installation might be the perfect choice for your project.
How to Make Your Final Countertop Decision
This concludes our comprehensive series on countertop selection. Make sure you go back and read the first three parts if you've found yourself struggling over which material to choose for your renovation project.
When planning your kitchen remodeling project, countertop selection plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and functionality. Compare your options with our granite countertops guide to see how natural stone stacks up against these manmade alternatives.
If you're realizing there's more to consider than you initially thought, it's time to work with a professional contractor. Our design consultants at Mayflower Construction take time to learn your style, budget, and specific needs to recommend the perfect countertop material for your space.
Contact us today, and you're one step closer to your dream renovation with the ideal countertop solution for your home.