Every so often I meet with clients who have never had the luxury of owning a natural stone countertop or who don’t know a single thing about granite, despite its prevalence in kitchens for well over a decade. These neophytes to the stone business who might not recognize a marble from a granite, a quartz from a quartzite are some of my favorites to work with.
Not only do I enjoy the design aspect of my job—talking about the coordination of cabinetry, flooring, countertops, fixtures, and all of the elements that invariably make a space one’s own—but I also love educating the inexperienced buyer on the different properties and looks to the types of stones we carry: Granite, Soapstone, Marble, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, and man-made Quartz. It’s especially rewarding to see these customers respond to the natural stone shopping experience and how it can renew their love of their home and open their eyes, which in some cases have stared at a blue laminate for 15 years too long, to a new and beautiful investment. It also feels remarkably gratifying when the education you provide a client helps direct them to the proper material and color for their renovation.
Quite frequently I get asked from clients, “What is the best countertop?” Unfortunately, I have to explain that question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. The best countertop is simply what works best for you, and deciding on what functions as the most appropriate fit stems from several sources, like taste, lifestyle, and budget.
When it comes to tailoring to your style, it’s important to remember that searching for a countertop is a subjective experience. Two completely different customers working with two completely different rooms and combinations may have disparate opinions about a certain color of stone. And on the flip-side, they may even possess the same exact feelings, which serves as a testament to the versatility of the products we carry.
On occasion I also encounter the clients who fret over whether or not their selections are “correct,” as all too often they think themselves incapable of crafting a space according to their wants and likes. To these clients I like to remind them that the right and wrong is personal and it truly depends on what you like in a slab; elements like consistency versus movement or dark versus light are simple questions to ask to help pinpoint what you gravitate toward. It’s always good to start small and ask yourself if you like the piece of stone. After that, I recommend placing yourself in the space with the countertop, the cabinet, and the flooring that way you get a larger sense of how everything works together after you’ve gotten over the initial hurdle of deciding you like a particular slab. If you consistently come back to the piece, that’s always a good response since you’ll want to walk into your kitchen every day and love what you see.
A second factor in determining a countertop material is your lifestyle. Do you mysteriously master the skill of using every single dish in your kitchen when you cook? (I’m guilty.) Is your definition of food preparation speed dialing your favorite local take out place? Are you neat and tidy? Do you have young children?
Small children and extensive use from the heavy cooks can be hard on marble countertops in a kitchen, so while the look is beautiful, ask yourself if you’re prepared for marble maintenance. The stone is much more porous and far more prone to scratches and also etch marks from acidic liquids, like lemon, vinegar, or soda. For the customers who want the countertops looking pristine and unblemished, marble would not be an ideal choice.
Soapstone can also require a bit more commitment since it scratches and can look worn over time. Most often, customers looking for an old-fashioned or cozy worn-in feel to their rooms are best suited to soapstone because they appreciate the stone’s patina as an enhancement of the countertop’s character. Soapstone can be oiled with mineral oil, or waxed with a soapstone wax to darken the surface. A benefit to soapstone’s maintenance is its non-porous composition, so it’s not susceptible to stains absorbing like a granite or marble. As with marble, if you’re not one for tolerating marks or scratches on your new investment, then soapstone might be something to really think about before having it installed.
Granite is one of the hardest materials you can put on your countertops, and it’s scratch, stain, and heat resistant. For the individuals who don’t want to worry about wear and tear, granite is one of the best materials for kitchen countertops. It’s easy to clean with a mild soap and water, and most of the maintenance with this kind of countertop is resealing it yearly, but that’s only if you opt-out of the better quality DuPont sealer that’s available with a 15-year warranty. Man-made quartz will wear much like a granite, except it’s not porous and therefore requires no yearly sealing. One major difference between granite and quartz is heat resistance. Because quartz contains glue and resin, it’s best to avoid placing hot pots and pans directly onto the surface. Quartz will also afford a homeowner more control over what the countertop looks like because it’s manufactured and can be selected from a sample.
Budget is also one of the most important factors when selecting a material. It’s best to consider how long you intend to stay in your home and how much you are willing to spend on the countertops. Have you gone over budget with cabinets or appliances? Do you need to keep the countertop pricing in a tight budget? Do you have the freedom to select any stone you want for your dream kitchen? All of these are good questions to consider when budgeting for the countertops.
Overall, it’s best to trust your instincts and rely on what you know about yourself and your lifestyle when it comes time to select a material for your countertops. Remember there is no right or wrong, simply a stone or quartz product that best appeals to your taste, budget, and how you desire your space to function. And rest assured, as a sales representative who sees clients in your position every day, we at Stone Masters will help with making the best choice for YOU!