Designing custom countertops is fantastic because the design details are up to you! You can look forward to a personalized look, from the material to the finishing touches. We offer options to suit different styles and budgets at Rock Tops Fabrication. What should you consider when choosing materials for custom countertops? We’re here to walk you through the ins and outs of some of the countertop materials we offer.
The Countertop Materials We Offer
Custom countertops come in a few different materials, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Quartz
- Quartzite
- Granite
- Marble
- Neolith
- Dekton
Each of these materials has unique advantages, which we’ll describe in detail.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone ideal for any homeowner who wants their countertop to appear clean, uniform, and without any veining. You also don’t have to seal quartz because it’s a nonporous material.
White quartz is becoming more popular because it’s less likely to stain or etch than white marble. Still, because quartz is an engineered stone, it comes in various colors. However, granite countertops are much better at handling heat resistance.
Quartzite
Have you ever heard of someone owning a quartzite countertop? If not, that’s because it’s a rare countertop material. It’s even more durable than granite. However, its rarity means that it comes at a higher initial cost.
However, considering this stone’s durability, it might be worth the cost. Regarding quartzite’s coloring, its neutral color palette complements any design while evoking elegance. Since quartzite is a natural stone, you’ll want to seal it annually.
Granite
Granite is popular because of its resistance to daily wear and tear, like scratches, heat, and stains. Granite comes professionally sealed like quartzite. However, you’ll still want to seal granite once a year since it’s a porous, natural stone. With some darker granite types, you can seal it once every two years.
The benefit of granite is that it’s more affordable than quartzite and comes in more colors. Granite is a win-win regarding durability, color options, and unique veining. You’ll appreciate granite if you have a kitchen with a lot of foot traffic.
Marble
Marble works best for the high-end homeowner who wants the most elegant option. White marble is stunning. However, marble also comes in green, red, and earth-toned/neutral variations. With marble, you should be careful and not use it in areas where it would be subject to stains and scratches. You might have also guessed that you need to seal this natural stone.
Neolith
Neolith is an engineered material that consists of crushed stone and can replicate natural stone or mimic wood or cement. You can use neolith in indoor and outdoor applications because it’s resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures. It also holds up well to scratches and liquids. Neolith is also an eco-friendly, resin-free material that’s recyclable. Neolith surfaces, unlike natural stone surfaces, do not require sealing. Its price is comparable to mid or high-end granite.
Dekton
Dekton is also an engineered material with incredible structural integrity. If you’re a homeowner who loves cleaning with bleach but would prefer bleach not to damage your natural stone countertops, Dekton is an option. Dekton is more resistant to abrasion than granite, coming in unique neutral, red, blue, and green variations. Like Neolith, Dekton is resistant to UV rays. Dekton can also withstand hot pots and pans on them.
So, how do you choose the perfect material for custom countertops? It all depends on your tastes and budget. It’s also best to consider how much maintenance you want to put into upkeeping your countertop.
Some homeowners choose engineered materials, so they don’t have to worry about sealing their countertops. However, some homeowners love the unique appearance that natural stone offers. No two slabs look alike because the oxidization process varies.
If you find it too hard to design custom countertops, our professionals at Rock Tops Fabrications can help you decide.
QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS?
If you have questions regarding kitchen or bathroom countertop trends for 2020, Rock Tops Fabrication is here to answer them. Our trained professionals are here to make sure that your new kitchen is designed and finished in exactly the way you want it. We service Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Feel free to give us a call at 410-363-4257. For more information, tips, and tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest, and Houzz.