Selecting the right material for something as significant as new countertops can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be impossible. When you do a little research and think about your preferences, lifestyle and budget, the decision will be a lot easier and, in the end, you’ll feel good about the results you’ll see.
Where Do I Start?
Before you start digging deeper into the pros and cons of each countertop material, you should have an idea of what you’re looking for. For many reasons, our favorites are granite, quartz, and porcelain (we’ll share why in this blog). Getting a better idea of what these materials offer is an excellent place to start.
What Are Granite, Quartz, and Porcelain?
From an outside perspective, these may all seem similar. In reality, there are important differences to consider with each.
Granite
Granite countertops are all-natural, meaning that each slab is 100% unique. The main advantages of granite are based on its durability and low-maintenance, making it both practical and aesthetically stunning.
Quartz
Quartz is a very popular option because of its broad color spectrum and ease of maintenance. While it’s considered engineered stone, it still has the luxurious feel and look of a natural stone, because it’s fabricated from natural resources.
Porcelain
Made of 100% natural, clay-based and raw materials. Porcelain is durable, resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and chemicals, and it’s environmentally friendly.
Let’s address the elephant in the room. You probably associate these options with high prices. However, we believe that you shouldn’t have to break the bank if you want your home to feel more luxurious. So that’s why we aim to provide the perfect solution at the most affordable price.
Factors to Consider
Any three of these options can be the right pick for your home, but how do they stack up against each other? Here are some of the pros and cons of granite, quartz, and porcelain to help you determine the best fit for your home.
Appearance
Maybe the most crucial factor you should consider is how the surface will look in your home. These are the countertops that you’re going to be living with, so make sure they match the style and feel of the rest of your space.
Granite is a natural stone, so we are limited to the colors and patterns created in nature. But in terms of its appearance and durability, it doesn’t get better than granite. If you choose granite, make sure to see the exact slab that will go into your home, not just a random granite sample. Each piece is entirely unique.
Quartz also can mimic the look of a natural stone. Many quartz countertops have a speckled appearance from small individual stones that have been suspended in the resin.
Porcelain countertops are highly versatile in color. They come in various colors, but the most prominent colors are black, white, gray, and brown. And porcelain can look almost identical to either granite or quarts at a lower price point.
Ease of Maintenance
If you’re like most families, you’re probably going to have some accidents that result in dirty countertops. Ease of maintenance is an important aspect to consider because there will always be a spill or mess that needs to be cleaned up. The good news is that none of these options stain. But here’s what you should know.
Granite is considered to be a low-maintenance surface due to a simple sealing process that protects your granite from staining, giving you more time to clean up spills.
Quartz is also easy to maintain. Wiping down mild detergent with a soft cloth works perfectly for a clean quartz countertop. On top of this, it doesn’t require the sealing that many natural stones do.
Perhaps the biggest reason to choose a porcelain countertop is that they are easy to clean. Porcelain doesn’t need to be polished or buffed to maintain its finish. In fact, it can easily be cleaned with the most common household cleaners.
Durability
You want a countertop that will last long and survive any potential wear and tear. The durability of a countertop is pivotal, and it can make your investment all the more worthwhile.
Granite is similar to quartz in its density and durability. They are also heat-resistant and nearly scratch-resistant. Once installed, granite is impervious to almost any damage.
Quartz countertops are as durable as it gets. They are heavier than some alternatives, but they trump porcelain when it comes to breakages and longevity once installed.
Porcelain countertops are lighter than quartz. So, while they are very durable, they can still crack or break more easily than quartz. However, in most cases, porcelain is nearly indestructible.
Price
The price has to be right when it comes to buying a new countertop because it’s an important investment for your home’s value now and down the line. So, what exactly is the right price? At Youngstown Granite & Quartz, we’ll work with you to develop a financial plan that best fits your budget.
Granite has a reputation for being very expensive. But that’s not necessarily the case. Some lower-range granite options can be as low as $45 per square foot. When comparing pricing between different companies, just make sure that the quotes all include the same material type, fabrication, and installation.
Quartz might make more sense if you have a smaller surface to cover. The average price of this material ranges between $70 to $130 per square foot. But there are many factors that affect the price including the manufacturer and the various levels of design and colors.
While the porcelain materials are comparable to quartz, the installed prices are slightly different due to the extensive fabrication that comes along with porcelain countertops. This material can be used for a wide range of applications in your house and outside as well. The average price for porcelain is between $120-$150 per square foot. But once again, there are many factors that are built into the price.
How Youngstown Granite & Quartz Can Help
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing a new countertop. And if you still don’t know what direction you want to go in, our experts will help you through the entire process. And give you the confidence that your selection will be the right one.
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