Countertop Comparison Guide

If you’re in the midst of a kitchen renovation, or just beginning the process, you’ve likely asked yourself which type of countertop will best fit your needs. At Prince & Sons, we often get this question from our clients and thought it would be beneficial to put together a quick countertop comparison guide to help you decide on a material for your upcoming project.

Countertop Comparison: Granite Continues to be the Leader in Terms of Versatility and Best Bang for Your Buck

Granite is an incredibly versatile countertop material that’s typically categorized by levels (usually either 1 – 5, or A – E). These levels are based on rarity of supply and uniqueness of veining. Level 1 or A is the least expensive and the prices climb as you increase to a higher level. It’s important to realize that all levels of granite have the same durability and quality. As granite has become more readily available, the prices have become more competitive than years ago.

Granite is extremely durable and is able to withstand heat and water. One common myth surrounding granite is that it requires constant maintenance. This is simply not true. In fact, the only regular maintenance is cleaning your countertop, which is hopefully a part of your cleaning routine anyway. Granite vendors will suggest that you use a sealer every few years, but this simply involves spraying a liquid on your countertops and wiping it off. The sealer that we recommend is called Stone Care International and costs around $25 and can be found at either Home Depot or Lowes.

Other Materials to Consider When Upgrading Your Countertops

As you’re likely aware, granite is not the only option on the market. Below are a few other options available for purchase:

• Marble – Marble is a softer stone that granite and tends to scratch easily. At Prince & Sons, we typically use marble in bathrooms, or as fireplace surrounds.
• Quartz – A man made material that has grown in popularity over the past few years. Quartz is more expensive than a Level 1 granite. Quartz is durable, is able to withstand heat and water and requires no sealing.
• Corian – A resin material that’s typically in line with the cost of granite, and in some cases can cost more depending on styles. Corian material has a tendency to show signs of heat damage when hot pots or pans are placed directly on the surface.
• Laminate – This type of material is the most cost effective countertop on the market. There are a variety of different styles and profiles that can drive cost. This type of material is made by gluing a veneer laminate to a piece of particle board or similar substrate. Laminate countertops are not as durable as solid surface tops but can really help close the gap when renovating on a budget.

Interested in Learning More About Your Countertop Options?

We hope this countertop comparison guide gives you a good sense of your options when it comes to upgrading your countertops. If you have any questions about any of the information listed above, feel free to reach out to the Prince & Sons design team today by phone at 919-383-0888, or through our online contact form.