If you’re designing a dream space in your home, choosing the right countertop material for your space can make a big design impact. Whether it’s for your kitchen, your bathroom or powder room, or any other area requiring a solid and stylish working surface, selecting the right material affects how you use and care for your home. Plus, your countertops are one of the largest surfaces where you can make a visual impression in your space.
With all the options on the market, it can be hard to decide on what countertop surface material is right for you. At Speas Interior Design, we have the privilege of working with a vast selection of materials, including granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite—some of the most popular countertop surfaces. Each countertop material expresses a unique natural beauty and has a set of properties that make them distinctive. Let’s explore the differences between some of the most popular materials counter materials.
Granite Countertops
Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials—for good reason! This durable natural stone is resistant to heat, which means it will stand up to hard-working areas of the home and can hold up to warm pots and pans—though we don’t recommend keeping extremely hot items on your granite surfaces for an extended time to avoid any potential damage.
Known for its variety and natural beauty, each slab of granite is one of a kind, with a wide variety of distinctive patterns, colors, and finishes. Granite is durable but still porous, so it is recommended to have your granite sealed every year. Some companies can add a long lasting sealer before installation to provide up to 10 years of protection. However, granite and the sealer can be scratched, so we recommend using a cutting board when using granite as a prep surface in kitchens.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are engineered stone products that combine mineral quartz crystals with pigments and polymer resins for the natural stone look, but with enhanced durability and less maintenance than many other surfaces. Quartz countertops are non-porous, meaning they are resistant to staining, scratching, mold, and bacteria, making them a hygienic solution for your kitchens and bathrooms.
Quartz offers a wide range of colors and patterns, including options that mimic the look of 100% natural stone and solid colors and veining that can’t be found in nature alone. These counters don’t require sealing—but they are susceptible to discoloration when exposed to extreme heat, so be sure to use potholders or trivets when you’re using them in kitchen spaces.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite countertops are often confused with quartz due to their similar names, but they are quite different. Quartzite is a naturally created material made from sandstone that transforms into quartzite when subjected to intense heat and pressure over millions of years. This process creates a hard material that is known for its strength and density making it a great choice for kitchens.
Quartzite often features beautiful natural patterns, somewhat similar to marble. Quartzite countertops also come in a wide variety of colors, including bold hues like blues, yellows, and pinks. Like granite, quartzite countertops require sealing to prevent stains. Depending on the sealing medium, this step can last up to 10 years without needing replaced.
Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are often associated with elegant and luxurious spaces because each slab of this natural stone is unique, with veining that adds dynamic style to kitchens, bathrooms, and many other spaces in the home. While marble is undeniably beautiful, it is more porous than granite and quartz, making it susceptible to scratching, staining, and etching from acidic substances. Regular sealing is necessary to maintain its appearance.
Dolomitic marbles—also known as dolomite countertops—are a more durable and stain- and scratch-resistant material that have grown in popularity as an alternative to pure marble. With a higher crystalline content and denser structure, you can find a selection of neutral and accent colors in dolomite, often at a lower price point than pure marble. Regular sealing also required to maintain its appearance.
Comparing the Top Countertop Materials
Granite:
- Natural Stone
- High Durability
- Medium Maintenance
- Medium Staining Resistance
Quartz:
- Engineered Stone
- Very High Durability
- Low Maintenance
- Very High Staining Resistance
Quartzite:
- Natural Stone
- High Durability
- Medium Maintenance
- Medium Staining Resistance
Marble:
- Natural Stone
- Moderate Durability
- Medium Maintenance
- No Staining Resistance
Dolomite:
- Natural Stone with Engineered Elements
- High Durability
- Medium Maintenance
- Medium Staining Resistance
Making the Right Choice
Your decision on which countertop material to use will likely come down to your personal preference, lifestyle, and budget. We recommend browsing your options and letting the slab of your dreams help guide your journey. For those looking for resilience and low maintenance, quartz, quartzite, or dolomitic marbles may be the ideal choice. If natural beauty and unique patterns are your preference, granite or marble might be the perfect choice.
Contact Us to Learn More
At Speas Interior Design, we understand that choosing the right countertop material is a significant decision in any home renovation or new home build. Our team is here to guide you through the selection process, ensuring that your choice not only enhances the beauty, but also the function of your space.
Contact us online or give us a call at (719) 685-0144 to schedule your interior design consultation.
We serve homeowners across Colorado, including those near our showroom at Colorado Springs and in the surrounding areas, including Broadmoor, Cathedral Pines, Cathedral Ridge, Flying Horse, Flying Horse North, Kissing Camels, Monument, Skyway, Stratton Pines, Cedar Heights, Mountain Shadows, and the Old North End, Colorado. We look forward to working with you!