6 Different Types of Countertops: A Guide for First-Time Homeowners

New countertops instantly transform outdated kitchens, allowing first-time homeowners to introduce modern kitchen design with a minor investment. However, the type of countertop you choose makes a big difference in durability, maintenance, and stain resistance. In this blog, we will explore six different types of countertops to help you find the best value for your home.

The Defining Characteristics of Countertop Materials

When choosing kitchen countertop materials, you want the most durable, resistant material available. The more resistant the material, the longer it will last, the easier it is to maintain, and the more enjoyment you will get from its appearance. The most important characteristics to consider include:

• Stain resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Maintenance
• Non-porousness
• Scratch resistance
• UV resistance
• Heat Resistance
• Thermal shock resistance

1. Dekton kitchen countertops

Dekton is an engineered countertop brand made of a unique mix of minerals such as quartz, porcelain, and glass. When fused together, the elements create a durable, attractive, carbon-neutral, and ultracompact porcelain slab. Dekton accelerates the process that takes nature eons to produce by applying extreme heat and pressure to minerals. The result is a high-performing, non-porous surface ideal for kitchen use.

The Pros of Dekton Countertop Materials

Dekton gets full marks across our list of defining countertop characteristics, making it the top choice for kitchen countertops. It offers many advantages over other countertop types, including:

• Can be produced in thinner slabs suited to various applications
• Less porous nature makes it more resistant to stains
• Lower maintenance, requiring no additional seals
• Higher heat tolerance, making it ideal for kitchen surfaces
• Almost 100% waterproof

The Cons of Dekton Countertop Materials

Dekton only presents a few possible issues:

• Fewer profile choices
• Corners can be prone to chipping
• Colours and patterns are limited to the surface

2. Laminam kitchen countertops

Laminam is very similar to Dekton, but uses a process that creates ceramic slabs as opposed to porcelain. While porcelain is a denser, less porous type of ceramic, Laminam remains an equally high-quality surface with a wider design palette to suit a broader range of tastes and applications.

The Pros of Laminam Countertop Materials

As with Dekton, Laminam gets full marks across all categories. It often appeals to homeowners thanks to its broader design range and the fact that ceramic materials are usually a bit more affordable than porcelain. Its reliable performance, paired with design flexibility, makes it an excellent option for homeowners looking for both function and aesthetic appeal in a modern kitchen.

The Cons of Laminam Countertop Materials

While Laminam offers outstanding performance, a few considerations are worth noting:

• Limited profile variety
• Edges may be more susceptible to chipping
• Surface designs do not extend through the full slab

3. Quartz kitchen countertops

Quartz is an engineered countertop material designed to look like stone, made from a durable mix of natural quartz, resins, pigments, and polymers. The result is a non-porous, durable material that has increased quartz’s popularity as a top-selling kitchen countertop.

The Pros of Quartz Countertop Materials

Quartz does very well across most categories, matching Laminam and Dekton for porousness. It also outshines other countertops in a few other areas, including:

• High chip resistance
• Consistency in colours and patterns

The Cons of Quartz Countertop Materials

When comparing quartz to porcelain- and ceramic-based countertops, it tends to fall short in two key areas:

• Lacks UV resistance
• Not as heat-resistant as porcelain and ceramic

4. Quartzite Kitchen Countertops

Quartzite is our top-rated 100% natural stone product for its durability, heat resistance, stain resistance, and beauty. It is a “metamorphic” rock formed deep in the earth, creating stunning patterns ideal for one-of-a-kind counters.

The Pros of Quartzite Countertop Materials

Like its manufactured counterpart quartz, quartzite comes in a pretty close second to our top two contenders for resistance and maintenance. Other pros include:

• Stunning choice for unique patterns and luxury
• Has the look of marble and the strength of sturdier stones like granite
• Less porous than most natural stone countertop materials

The Cons of Quartzite Countertop Materials

There are a few quartzite cons to keep in mind, including:

• Although it is stain and chemical-resistant, it is still more porous than manufactured materials
• Lacks UV resistance

5. Granite kitchen countertops

Granite is a natural igneous rock formed with a mix of various minerals such as quartz, mica, and feldspar, creating interesting effects and colours that range from speckles to veining. It offers a timeless look suited to both classic and modern kitchen designs.

The Pros of Granite Countertop Materials

Granite is a reliable stone countertop material, often chosen for its unmatched hardness. As a result, it comes in a close second to quartzite in the following categories:

• Heat resistance
• Thermal shock resistance
• Chip resistance

The Cons of Granite Countertop Materials

Granite is near the bottom of our list because it is a porous material that reduces its resistance. The cons of granite include:

• Requires regular sealing due to its porousness
• Lacks UV resistance
• Offers moderate stain and chemical resistance
• Offers moderate scratch resistance

6. Marble kitchen countertops

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone. Classic white marble is formed from pure limestone, while impurities such as sand and clay create more notable patterns and colours. The limestone also creates a softer, more porous stone, which is why marble lands at the bottom of our list.

The Pros of Marble Kitchen Materials

Marble kitchen countertops get top billing when it comes to aesthetics. It is difficult to beat the high-end luxury of this stunning natural stone. The pros of marble include:

• Highly desirable look for a classic or modern kitchen design
• High thermal shock resistance
• Maintains its value over time

The Cons of Marble Kitchen Materials

Despite its beauty, marble can pose some challenges for homeowners, including:

• Porousness makes it the least resistant to stains and chemicals
• The soft surface is less resistant to scratches
• It is the highest maintenance of all countertops

Natural Stone vs. Engineered Countertop Materials

To round it all up, here is a quick comparison between natural stone and engineered surfaces:

Natural Stone

• Unsurpassed beauty for a high-end look
• Unique look from slab to slab
• Heat resistance
• Scratch resistance (depending on the type of stone)
• Tends to enhance property value over time
• Reasonable durability
• Timelessness

Engineered Surfaces

• Higher durability
• Non-porous
• Lower maintenance
• Scratch resistance
• Easier to repair
• Seamless consistency in patterns and colours
• A wide range of colours and styles
• Growing appeal helps it maintain home value

Contact the Professionals at Quartz Co Surfaces

Quartz Co Surfaces is your go-to provider for custom surfaces and installations, with expertise to help first-time homeowners find the best countertop materials. We carry top-rated brands and a stunning selection of natural stone, making it easy to find countertops suited to your sense of style, lifestyle, and budget.

For more information about our kitchen countertops or other products, book an in-person or virtual consultation or visit one of our showrooms near you.