There are so many different countertop options offered that it can be overwhelming trying to pick which solution will suit you and your family best. So to make your life easier, we have taken the time to list all the things you need to know about the three most popular options – laminate, granite, and quartz – before you make your decision.
Laminate Countertops
- Manufactured product. Laminate countertops are made from layers of plastic that are bonded to particleboard or kraft paper to create a solid countertop surface.
- Most cost-effective countertop solution.
- Plenty of colour options and most look like stone.
- The design has come a long way in the last 5 years.
- Not resistant to heat or water so you’ll have to be mindful in the kitchen.
- Lower longevity so be prepared to replace more often.
Quartz Countertops
- Manufactured product. Granite and composite are ground up to create quartz.
- More costly than laminate but less costly than granite.
- Less porous than granite so it doesn’t absorb stains as easily.
- Not heat resistant will crack with hot pots or items on it (need to put pads down).
- Many colour options and price points.
- Can typically find more stark colours, as it is a manufactured product than you would in granite. For example, high contrasting whites, blacks, and greys are easy to come by.
Granite Countertops
- Natural product. Granite is made from authentic natural stone.
- Typically the most costly option but you can often find some that are similar in price to quartz.
- Great with heat transfer so you can put hot pots directly on it without much worry; although, we still recommend that you put pads down just to be safe.
- Granite is porous, which means you cannot leave certain liquids sitting on it too long (oils, red wine, etc.) as it will absorb into the countertops. This is especially true for lighter coloured granite.
- Requires more maintenance. You need to moisturize and seal it with a cleaner weekly/bi-weekly to keep it looking awesome and shiny. This also helps with the stains etc.
- Granite countertops offer a timeless design option. Things like wood, stone, plants never go out of style.
