Kitchen Countertops We Absolutely Love

Deciding on all the little details in your new kitchen can be overwhelming. You want to make sure it’s everything you’ve ever wanted while also adding value to the property if you ever decide to sell. Balancing the two may not be easy, but there’s no need to worry. Designing the perfect kitchen is possible and your choice in a countertop is a vital part of making your dream kitchen a reality. So, we put together what you need to know about some of our favorite kitchen countertops to hopefully make the process a little easier for you.

Granite Countertops

When it comes to choosing countertops for your home, it goes without saying that granite consistently ranks as a top choice among home buyers. With its sophisticated look that naturally elevates your kitchen’s appearance, it’s no wonder why it’s so popular. Since it’s a natural material, no two pieces are completely alike which adds to the appeal. This benefit can also make it a little tricky to match up two different slabs together. It’s also a porous material so you’ll have to seal it each year to keep it from staining.   What You Should Know: Granite is a natural stone that’s formed by cooling and solidifying molten materials, according to HGTV. So, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind countertop because every piece is unique with its mineral makeup.   Granite Pros: It’s an incredibly strong and durable material. It’s resistant to scratches and heat damage. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly choice, it’s a great option.   Granite Cons: Needs to be resealed once a year. If not or if it’s done improperly, bacteria could grow. Certain oils and acids can stain it because it’s porous. Corners can chip if something heavy falls on it, according to CounterTop Guides.  

Quartz Countertops

What’s not to love about quartz countertops? Compared to many countertop choices, they’re essentially maintenance free, especially because they’re non-porous. You won’t have to worry about sealing it up each year to avoid wear-and-tear. They’re also incredible at resisting stains, acid, heat, scratches and impact. Plus, you’ll have a ton of choices for colors and patterns. So, basically it’s a superhero among countertops.   What You Should Know: Quartz crystals are mined and then ground into a dust that’s fused under intense heat to create a slab. It’s an engineered product that has reflective metallic pieces that adds to its appeal, according to This Old House.   Quartz Pros: It’s low maintenance. You won’t have to worry about sealing it and you can easily clean it with a damp cloth. It’s durable. Give it your worst, and it will stand the test of time. Because it’s such a hard material, it’s resistant to scratches.   Quartz Cons: You won’t get the natural stone look of granite. Depending on the finish, quartz can end up being a little pricey. It’s not as heat resistant as marble. Always use a pot holder if you plan to leave a pan on the countertop for a while. Otherwise, it could cause it to crack.  

Marble Countertops

We can’t deny it. There’s nothing like marble countertops. This beautiful gray-toned choice instantly makes your kitchen stand apart, especially because of its undeniable charm. With its ability to hide wear-and-tear and light stains, it’s a great option. Be careful because like granite, it’s porous. But, granite is a harder stone and can resist stains more easily than marble. Therefore, make sure you get your countertop sealed to limit future stains.   What You Should Know: There are two main types of marble called Carrera and Calacatta. “Carrera is a white or blue-gray marble with soft veining. Calacatta/Calcutta is white with more distinctive taupe veining,” according to HGTV.   Marble Pros: It’s heat resistant. Each piece is amazingly unique because of its veining. Matches beautifully with many different decorative styles.   Marble Cons: It etches. Because marble has a lot of calcium within it, anything acidic tends to eat away at the material. This means you’ll definitely have to cut lemons and tomatoes on a cutting board instead of directly on the countertop. Don’t forget it has to be resealed once a year. It’s porous and will stain unless it’s sealed.   When it comes to your dream home, we want you to love what you choose. Your choice in countertops could determine the style of the rest of your kitchen or bathroom. Now that you’re in the loop, you’ll be able to choose what’s best for your family. Will the granite, quartz or marble countertop really shine in your home? No matter your choice, we know it’s going to bring the design together to make your dream home a reality. When you’d like to start building your new home in Jacksonville, Savannah, Orlando, Austin, Denver or D.C., we’ll hope you keep us in mind. We can’t wait to go along for the ride!