lanzonlonsdale -Follow me as I renovate and redesign my first condo: Stoned

When choosing a kitchen counter top, there are many different options to pick from, the most common being granite. Granite is a good option and is found is almost all renovations from the late 80s to the present as it was considered to be the best of its kind.

Old meets new- Granite with Square Sink!

My parents have it in their kitchen and consider it to be the Lamborghini of counter tops- this may have been the case when they did their kitchen renovation in 1985 (I was a tottler).

Here are the pros and cons of Granite:

As the use of granite becomes more widespread, the price comes down. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen.

Pros: holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime; new sealers are almost maintenance-free; 2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds; has a high value to home buyers.

Cons: expensive ( starting at $40 a square foot), but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it; can crack if stressed or improperly installed.

Today there are tons of modern and affordable options for counters.

QUARTZ
Granite is nice however I decided to go with a different type of stone: Quartz. People do not know much about this material as it is newer on the markets- Here is the 411 on this option:

Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone.

Pros: Resistant to stain and acid; easy care.
Cons: Expensive ( Starting at $60 a square foot)

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on the earth's surface. Granite countertops are porous and can be stained or have unattractive changes in a large countertop slab. Quartz countertops are engineered professionally and require very little maintenance care.

Caring for Quartz

Pass on sealing your quartz countertop. Because quartz is non-porous, it doesn't need to be sealed or protected like granite or other natural stone countertops. It comes with a polished surface that acts a protective barrier.
Use hot pads or trivets when placing hot containers on a quartz countertop. While the countertops can handle moderate heat, prolonged heat can cause damage.
Clean the countertops with a non-abrasive kitchen cleaner. A vinegar and water solution or hot soapy water works best. If you're looking for a more thorough cleaning, most cleaners sold on the shelves of supermarkets will work fine, but stay away from cleaners containing bleach. Always wipe off the countertops with a soft sponge or washcloth
Prevent scratching the countertops by always using a cutting board when using a knife. Also, place glasses and bottles or cans of beverages on coasters. Another way to prevent scratching is to place all accessories or hairstyling equipment, bottles or lotions on a holding tray or shelf if you have quartz countertops in bathrooms