Countertop Materials
Countertop Materials for Every Design Style
Since 1986, Sea Pointe Design & Remodel has helped clients truly customize their home with custom design. We are partnered with many manufacturers and slab yards to find the perfect countertop for your design style. Below are countertop surface materials you may not have known were available for installation in your kitchen, bathroom, desk area, or custom shelving units.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is the newest manufactured stone that has been trending in kitchens for the last couple years. Quartz is made by grinding up quartzite natural stone and combining it with polymers to create a beautiful composite countertop.
Quartz is available in various colors and patterns, making it attractive to buyers who want unique colors. Quartz prices can range from affordable to more expensive than natural stone, depending on the color and pattern you want.
Some quartz manufacturers also produce pre-fab quartz surfaces in their most popular SKU. This gives you the most affordable option, as pre-fab quartz comes in 2 x 9′ pieces, eliminating the waste of buying the entire slab you would when installing non-pre-fab quartz countertops. Your color and pattern choices will be limited when shopping in this selection of quartz countertop surfaces.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is the real deal stone straight from the earth. Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock that was originally pure sandstone. The sandstone is turned into quartzite through heat and pressure associated with plate tectonics. Because quartzite is mined from the earth, it is typically more expensive than quartz. Due to the minerals in the earth, quartzite is often gray, white, pink, and sometimes even blue, green, and yellow.
Quartzite is often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and wet bars. This stone is stunning, and all patterns are naturally formed by the metamorphic rock. Because this is a natural stone, all slabs will be unique, and you will want to hand-select your slabs with your designer at the slab yard.
Marble Countertops
Marble is mined stone much like quartzite. Marble in its original form is sandstone; heat and pressure turn it into marble. Marble’s coloring is often gray, white, and pink; you may also find blues, greens, and yellows from other minerals. While everyone is typically attracted to marble countertops, these are not for the wine drinker. Marble is extremely porous, so it will soak up anything you put down. From a water ring from your glass to a tiny drop of wine, marble will hold onto these stains forever. You can seal your marble, though it will not protect it from these harms. While marble is gorgeous, you may want to save it for a wall covering to achieve that lavish, luxurious design style. There are plenty of ways to bring marble into your home without risking red wine damage. Ask your designer for creative, low-risk ways to use marble.
Glass Countertops
Glass countertops aren’t traditional, but they’re beautiful. You can use a transitional design style where you mix modern and traditional by using natural woods or colored wood with ornate trim and balance out the sleek glass look with some natural finishes. You can keep it very modern by using glass and metal cabinetry to really pop the modern kitchen design style. You do need to be careful with glass, as you don’t want to cut it; it will cut the glass. You also don’t want to put direct heat from hot pots or pans on it, as you risk cracking the glass. A clear benefit is how easy glass is to clean with simple glass cleaner. If you want a modern, low-maintenance surface, glass countertops may be what you are looking for. Talk to your designer about your style.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops are often found in professional-grade kitchens because they’re easy to clean. You can virtually hose stainless steel countertops off without worrying about rust or maintenance. If you are a home chef or prefer a modern design style, this may also appeal to you. You can pair stainless steel countertops with natural wood cabinets to add unique design and texture to your kitchen. You can also pair stainless steel countertops with colored cabinets to add some color to your kitchen. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, as well as timeless.
Wood Countertops
Wood countertops bring in a touch of nature and earthiness. Use natural, unstained wood because wear and tear will make it look faded in the most-used areas. You also need to be careful not to treat this as your cutting board. Your wood countertops will be toast before you know it if you cut on them. Wood is also sensitive to wine stains, glass rings, and burns from hot pots. That is why it’s important to work with your designer to place the elements you want where they will work and last best. You may love wood but think you can’t keep your spouse from cutting veggies here, so open-faced shelving in natural wood is a great way to bring a natural, earthy feel inside.
FAQs
What is the safest countertop material to prevent chips and cracks?
Stainless steel is the safest countertop material to prevent chipping, cracking, and excessive wear. This is not everyone’s cup of tea or design style. Other safe options include granite and quartz. Both are fairly durable, chip-resistant, and come in a variety of designer colors and patterns. Be careful not to place direct heat on quartz, as it will discolor. Make an appointment to visit our design showroom and see hundreds of designer countertop material options.
Should my backsplash match my countertops?
This is a design preference, and your professional home designer will help you identify your design and style preferences through a series of design exercises. Some people love the continuity of the material adorning their countertops and walls, giving them an uninterrupted, lavish feel. Others enjoy the variety of design options, pops of color, and the chance to showcase their personality through different materials and patterns. Make an appointment with one of our professional home designers, and they’ll help you dial in your design style.
Should my countertop material match from kitchen to bathroom?
This is also a design preference. Some people absolutely adore the matchy-matchy look and find peace in having everything aligned in color and symmetry. Other people may have fun adding more design options and theming their rooms. Our professional home designers create designs that match your style and preferences. If you are not sure of your design style, our designers will help you identify this through a series of design exercises. Call us today to schedule your complimentary design consultation to learn more.