Choosing materials for your home can be stressful.
Particularly when it’s big ticket items that are expensive to change like flooring, tiles, and of course, countertops.
When designing your custom home build or remodel, it’s important to consider all the options. Reef Builders – a design-build firm specializing in custom home build homes near Phoenix, AZ explains the pros and cons of the most popular countertop materials to help you narrow the field:
Quartz
Quartz is a beautiful stone to choose for kitchen and bathroom countertops in your home. We also love the way it looks carried up the backsplash for a modern aesthetic. Quartz is a very popular choice because it’s very low maintenance. As an engineered stone, it doesn’t need to be sealed like natural surfaces and is really easy to keep clean. It also holds up well to heat, resists stains and scratches, and comes in so many different varieties to suit any home style. Many people who love the look of marble, but don’t want the maintenance and stress of marble, choose quartz because it can mimic marble and achieve the same overall look.
On the flip side, quartz is engineered and does not have the depth and richness of many natural stones. Additionally, seams may not align as perfectly as some other countertop choices.
Marble
Speaking of marble, marble is a stunning choice for countertops in your home. The vibrancy of natural stone is incomparable and can serve as a true conversation starter or focal point in your kitchen or bathrooms. It looks luxurious, adding charm and substance to your home.
Sadly, it’s also very high maintenance. If you are someone who uses your kitchen often for lots of cooking, has small children, etc., be aware that marble can scratch and stain easily – particularly the lighter stones. Marble is a porous, soft stone; therefore, any spills can seep right down into the counters a lot more readily than quartz. Regular sealing can prevent stains and help maintain the longevity of your countertop. If you love marble, but are concerned about maintenance, then consider putting it on an island only and putting a more durable surface on the perimeter. Marble is also a bit more expensive choice than quartz or granite.
Granite
Once the market leader in countertops, granite still has its place in custom home build homes near Phoenix, AZ. Many clients love the natural stone look of granite and the variety in options it provides. It’s also relatively low maintenance, offering resistance to scratches, heat, and stains (just make sure to seal regularly!) The downside of granite is that often a slab won’t match the sample exactly since it’s a natural stone, so it’s important to view the entire slab and make sure you like the look of it and the tones of that exact piece before install.
Final Thoughts
The type of high-end countertop that is best for you comes down to your style, personal taste, individual needs for the space, and budget. Be sure to carefully evaluate how the countertop(s) you choose suit your personal needs and if they will work for your lifestyle for the long-term.
If you are interested in custom home build homes near Phoenix, AZ, call us today at Reef Builders! Our firm specializes in design-build projects, meaning we take your project from conception to construction with less hassle and headaches on your end. We’d love to visit with you about building the custom home of your dreams or a whole home remodel.
