Recently, quartz or manufactured stone surpassed granite as the most popular kitchen countertop material. Solid-surface materials offer moderately good resale value. While no longer considered a luxury material, solid surface countertops are considered much more favorable than laminate or tile. According to Paul Nichols, owner of Upstate Granite Solutions, the most common types of stone found in the house are granite, marble, quartzite and quartz.
Below you'll see Paul's pros and cons of each type of stone, as well as average price points. In general, granite has a higher resale value than quartz. Granite can increase the value of your home by up to 25 percent of the retail value of the countertop, according to Robert Measer of Hunt Real Estate. Lenders tend to view granite as an indicator that a home is of good quality and worth investing in, but adding new countertops doesn't guarantee greater resale value.
Increasing in popularity, soapstone is a natural stone, dark gray or black with fine white veins running through the material. This natural stone has a soft, velvety feel that is also surprisingly durable. Soapstone is non-porous, stain resistant and requires no sealants, making maintenance considerably easier than many other natural stone materials. Over time, natural soapstone tends to darken in color and is prone to scratching, although scratches tend to increase the overall character and antique look of countertops.
However, you can choose to sand down the scratches and return it to its original appearance. The dark, rich color and texture of soapstone is generally found in old, rustic and historic homes, although this natural stone also works very well in modern and contemporary homes. Potential buyers will be happy to hear that you have quartz countertops. While quartz countertops are “engineered stone”, created in a factory and not extracted from the ground like natural stone, this really benefits the material in terms of durability and style.
Because quartz is created, the stone can be easily installed and fits perfectly into your space with no noticeable seams or imperfections that form in natural stones. Actually, you can choose the “imperfections” and choose the color and style of the marble veins to your liking. Quartz is also stronger than natural stone, with a non-porous surface that makes it resistant to stains and scratches. Stone is a popular choice and adds substantial resale value due to its low maintenance, stone requires no annual sealants.
The butcher block countertop is created from reclaimed natural wood, with maple and oak as the most common material options. Between wood types, stains and finishes, butcher block counters can be extraordinarily beautiful and add a warm, homely touch to your kitchen. Butcher block countertops are easy to clean and any scratches or damage can be sanded and re-sealed. If properly cared for, wooden countertops can last a long time.
Many buyers are looking to be eco-friendly and butcher countertops are a great option. One of the most popular trends in decoration, concrete is making its way into people's kitchens. Don't worry, you won't have a sidewalk slab as a countertop. Rather, concrete is cast directly in your kitchen, made of highly polished slabs that can have additional texture or tinted for color.
Concrete countertops are extremely durable and resistant to chips and scratches, although you will need to seal them to avoid cracks and stains, as concrete is a porous material. Concrete countertops are perfect for industrial-style homes, as well as ultra-modern, ranch-style homes, or homes with large open kitchen spaces, as the heavy material certainly makes a statement. Tried and true, granite remains one of the most popular and desirable countertops for homebuyers. This beautiful natural stone is extremely durable.
Granite is hard, scratch-resistant and performs well in heat. The material is porous and subject to staining if the countertop is not sealed. In addition to the sealant, granite countertops are virtually maintenance free. They also come in thousands of different natural colors and styles, making it easy to adapt to the style of your kitchen.
In fact, granite countertops go well in most home styles, from traditional and modern designs to colonial and Tudor architecture. Granite always adds a bit of elegance and luxury to any kitchen. Similarly, the kitchen sink, faucet, and dashboard should match the style and look of the overall countertop remodel. Quartz countertops are expensive, but when you consider the advantages, quartz countertops are relatively good value.
As popular as quartz was in Europe, laminate was the predominant material on countertops in American kitchens. Choosing the right material for the kitchen countertop involves a lot of simple personal preferences, deciding what kind of look appeals to you. Kitchen lovers in Italy and across Europe made quartz countertops a big deal in the early 1960s. A sleek kitchen updated with the latest appliances and fixtures attracts more shoppers than those with dated floors and stripped Formica countertops.
It can be a great countertop in the right kitchen decor, but it can put off potential buyers who do not have a trend-conscious attitude. Once you have determined if your countertops are worth upgrading or not, you should be aware of the various types of countertop options, their pricing, and the maintenance required. To determine which countertop material is best for your kitchen (and your budget), there are some specific questions you should ask yourself when considering a natural or manufactured stone. Ask the countertop contractor you work with to suggest types and styles of countertops that look more timeless.
Granite is a must-have on many buyers' lists and it certainly makes your kitchen more attractive than one with dated countertops. You can buy quartz countertops that resemble natural limestone, marble or granite, all popular countertop materials. If you want a kitchen countertop that requires minimal maintenance, then quartz may be the best option for you. A quartz countertop can increase the value of your home, but only if the countertops and the entire house are in excellent condition.
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