There are numerous options for kitchen countertops, including quartz, granite, porcelain, and solid surface. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll discuss in this article.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops
When it comes to quartz kitchen countertops, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Quartz offers the design, resilience, functionality, and hygienic performance the most selective designers and homeowners want.
Quartz is extraordinarily durable and comes in various styles and colors. Unlike granite and natural stone, quartz is a non-porous surface that offers superior resistance to stains, scratches, and chemicals, ensuring long-lasting durability. Quartz surfaces are easy to maintain and don’t require any special sealants or cleaning products, providing a safe, clean, and beautiful surface that can endure the harshest environments.
Quartz is not the cheapest countertop material. However, it adds value to your home and far outlives many other countertop materials. While quartz is made from one of the hardest substances available, it isn’t indestructible. Quartz can break if you drop a heavy object on it, especially around the edges. It can also be harmed if exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time.
Granite Kitchen Countertops
Granite is a natural stone consisting of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals fabricated into countertop slabs. People typically choose granite for its earthy, unique appearance. Granite is highly durable, dense, and less likely to scratch and chip than softer stones such as marble and stone.
Granite countertops require yearly sealing to protect the surface from stains, bacteria, and fungal growth. While granite can withstand heat up to 480 degrees, the required sealant that protects it isn’t as heat resistant, so use trivets or pads to protect the countertops. With proper care and installation, granite countertops can last a lifetime.
Porcelain Kitchen Countertops
The popularity of porcelain slab countertops is growing. Porcelain countertops are made from clay and fired in a kiln at high temperatures, giving it an advantage in heat durability. Porcelain comes in a variety of colors and patterns and is easy to clean and maintain. This durable, incredibly dense, yet lightweight surface resists moisture absorption and doesn’t require routine sealing. A glaze, however, is recommended to reduce penetrability and increase durability.
Porcelain resists scratches, chips, and cracks, but the thin slabs can be challenging to work with and can crack and break easily during transportation and fabrication. Like laminate, the design is printed on the surface, so damage or worn areas may reveal the lack of color, design, and patterning underneath. Because of its brittleness, working with porcelain can be challenging, increasing installation costs.
Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops
Solid surface countertops offer many positive advantages. Solid surface is more affordable than natural stone and offers comparable durability and design appeal, plus it’s easier to maintain than granite, marble, or other stone surfaces. Because solid surfaces are non-porous, these countertops resist stains, bacteria, and mold and are easy to maintain using soap, water, and mild cleansers. Solid surface countertops come in many colors and patterns and are also easy to repair and restore if minor scratches or imperfections happen.
Solid surface can be susceptible to damage if exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time. They are softer than natural stone so they may be vulnerable to cuts, scratches, or damage from harsh chemicals. Installing solid surfaces is best left to a professional.
What are the Best Countertops for a Kitchen?
If you’re looking for high design and quality performance for your kitchen countertops, your best option is quartz. LX Hausys produces quartz countertops that meet your most challenging demands while providing an attractive and luxurious appearance.
Quickly becoming the most popular countertop material, quartz is praised for its easy care, cost, and wide assortment of styles. It is less porous than other surfaces and highly durable. Quartz comes in many colors, including solid white, gray, black, and many other colors.
Quartz is a fashionable and popular option for countertops. Its endless charm makes it the perfect choice for any design. Some quartz slabs have veins that mimic those found in marble, and some options contain mirror chips that reflect light and make the countertops twinkle. Because of its minimal maintenance, quartz is a solid choice for any busy kitchen.
Another excellent option is solid surface. These countertops are an affordable, mid-range alternative for many homeowners who want a durable surface with many design and color options. Solid surface countertops are made to maintain their color and design. The countertops are easy to repair by simply sanding down scratches yourself with an orbital sander or fine-grain sandpaper.
Like quartz countertops, solid surface makes a hygienic surface that resists bacteria and mold from penetrating the surface, creating a clean surface for kitchens. Several solid surface countertops can be thermoformed into an array of shapes for countertops, backsplashes, and outdoor three-dimensional installations. Solid surface is also the go-to material for the appearance of seamless countertops.
VIATERA Quartz Collections
VIATERA by LX Hausys uses only the finest quartz for durable and elegant kitchen, bath, and work countertops. Every quartz slab is inspected to meet our highest standards and includes up to 93% natural quartz. VIATERA’s non-porous quartz surfaces are strong, hygienic, and easy to clean and maintain.
VIATERA quartz by LX Hausys comes in five collections, with varying colors and styles.
Calacatta is inspired by Calacatta Marble and offers bright, natural white backgrounds, intricate veining, and elegant patterns.
Masterpiece includes an inspiring palette of stylish hues and unique designs, with on-trend colors and both bold and subtle designs.
Musica draws inspiration from natural stone with the perfect symphony of light and dark hues with deep, rich complexity.
Urban boasts concrete-like designs lending edgy appeal and an industrial look softened by captivating marbling.
Classic is made up of timeless colors that draw inspiration from the earthy and ethereal tones in nature. From brightest to darkest, this collection offers something for everyone.
HIMACS Solid Surface Collection
HIMACS is an outstanding solid surface material that blends acrylic, minerals, and natural pigments into a smooth, non-porous, thermoformable, and visually seamless surface. It is often used in residential projects to enhance kitchens, baths, and workspaces. HIMACS combines design flexibility with exceptional durability and protection against stains, germs, bacteria, and everyday wear.
HIMACS solid surface by LX Hausys comes in 12 collections, with varying colors and styles.
Aster is a collection of elegant shades of gray, ranging from almost white to a dramatic dark gray, all with a gorgeous mother-of-pearl shimmer.
Aurora has soft colors that create music and rhythm in any space with trendy nuances that are both futuristic and classic.
Concrete embodies the rough texture of raw concrete with the smooth finish of HIMACS, bringing you back to the industrial era.
Eden Plus features up to 10% SCS-certified pre-consumer recycled content and is one of the most environmentally conscious solid surface products available.
Classic includes lively textures, natural tones, and maximum subtleness that work well in combination with other colors.
Marmo colors address the current trend for top-quality marble aesthetics, ranging from semi-translucent white, through shades of gray, to striking dark brown and anthracite tones.
Strato is inspired by the alluring dance of light and shadow found in nature, with linear patterns and colors designed to delight the eye.
Terrazzo offers a vibration of color and patterns with textured shades, artistic designs, and a touch of modern class; this collection creates a one-of-a-kind experience.
Volcanics offers large, translucent particles of volcanic hues that add a sense of style to any design—on a large scale, the result is dramatic.
Wood offers the timeless look of wood, a staple of contemporary interior design, with light texture that adds character to any surface.
Pietra was inspired by the unmistakable flowing movements, expressive colors and unique textures discovered only in nature.
Calacatta brings the rare and gorgeous look of Italian Calacatta marble to solid surfaces, offering low maintenance, cost-savings, and hygienic benefits.
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