Choosing countertops can be a daunting task when you consider how many surface options are available. We're here to help you make an informed decision. Read on to find the pros and cons for five of the most popular countertop materials.
1. GRANITEPros: Granite is the top choice of many homeowners. It adds to your home's value while providing a highly durable surface. If properly sealed, it's resistant to scratching, chipping, cracking, staining, heat, and water. We offer a Dry Treat system that comes with a 25 year warranty and no sealing is required!
Cons: Granite is costly, requires sturdy cabinet boxes, and must be resealed (usually once a year if you don't get it Dry Treated).
Pros: Quartz ranks close in popularity to granite. Quartz has the beauty of stone, and can be mixed with pigments for custom colors and patterns. Quartz is acid, scratch, heat and impact resistant, and it doesn't need to be sealed like natural stone.
Cons: Quartz is pricey, isn't heat proof, and doesn't have the natural variegation of granite, so it may be evident that it's an engineered product.
Pros: Concrete countertops are an eco-friendly choice for kitchen design, durable, and highly customizable. Concrete can be cast in any shape, tinted any shade, and embedded with materials for texture and a unique look. It can seamlessly integrate sink and backsplash.
Cons: Concrete countertops must be sealed periodically to keep them from staining. With time and settling, small cracks can develop. The custom creation aligns its cost with granite and quartz.
4. SOLID SURFACEPros: Solid surfacing is nonporous, durable, and virtually maintenance free; no sealing or special cleaning required. Many color and pattern options. Although it's susceptible to scratches and burns, those can be easily buffed out.
Cons: Solid surfacing can be damaged by heat, and is easy to scratch, dent, and stain. It can have an artificial look and feel. Cost is as much as the lower price points of granite and as high as quartz.
5. LAMINATEPros: Laminate is by far the most budget friendly countertop option. Widely popular and available in many colors and patterns. Laminate is heat and scratch resistant and easy to clean. It's lightweight so it doesn't require the support of a thick cabinet base.
Cons: Because of laminate's particle board core, with wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel, it's difficult to repair if damaged, and you can't use it with undermount sinks.
We'd love to know what your favorite countertop material is! Please let us know in the comments!
About Us: We are a design & remodeling firm you can trust! We’ll be happy to help you complete your project on time, and on budget. For more information, please contact us at Harrisburg Kitchen and Bath, and you’re invited to visit our showroom. From design to installation, our professionals are here to help you get your dream home.
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Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling in Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Hummelstown, Camp Hill, Boiling Springs, and Lewisberry
Industry Experience: My father has run his own construction company since 1992, and because of this I have been involved in the remodeling industry nearly my whole life. I’ve been with HKB since 2018.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I truly love helping people – whether by keeping things organized behind the scenes, ensuring we have everything we need for each project, or assisting with creative problem-solving. It brings me so much joy to be part of such a great team who are passionate about improving people’s lives by reimagining their living spaces!!
Fun Fact About You: I’m a self-published author, a self-taught artist, and a gigantic Star Wars nerd.
Industry Experience: Starting in 2008, I have been in the construction and remodeling industry in multiple capacities: project coordination, management, design, and sales. I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I greatly enjoy getting to know our customers and being a part of their kitchen and bath transformations. It’s an honor to be a trusted partner and see the impact that our team's hard work has on someone’s home.
Fun Fact About You: I’ve tap danced nearly my whole life and have been awarded national recognition. I’ve also recently added dance instructor to my tap experience by teaching and choreographing locally for the last two years.
Industry Experience: I have been in the business as a designer and sales person since 1986, and I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: To be challenged to create something the homeowner never expected and absolutely loves!
Fun Fact About You: Enjoys golfing, playing poker, and cigars!
Industry Experience: Since entering the kitchen & bath industry in 1988, I have worked in all aspects of the industry including manufacturing, design/sales, representing independent manufacturers, and owning a retail kitchen & bath showroom. I have been working with or employed by Harrisburg Kitchen & Bath since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping customers make their dream spaces come to life! Especially enjoy working with older homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fun Fact About You: I enjoy traveling to other parts of the world. Most recently visited Australia in 2019. I have been to all continents except Antarctica! Next on my bucket list.