The other day, I sat near the island in my parent’s kitchen. While admiring the granite material, I wondered, “How did they find the perfect countertops to make this kitchen so beautiful?”

After discussing their shopping process with them, I found three key things they looked for: durability, quality of material, and maintenance. Further research revealed additional vital questions to consider when choosing your countertops. Let’s discuss these topics in more detail so you can find beautiful countertops for a stunning kitchen – (and get some inside scoop from Irwin Construction designer Kelley Irwin)!

4 Things to Consider Before Shopping

Consider this exercise regarding the form and function of your current space.

  • Evaluate your space.
  • What is working? What isn’t working? Write down these items in a T-Chart list.
  • What would you change about your area?
  • How do you use the room, and what would make it more functional?

In this video, designer Julie Khuu provides four more essential things to consider before shopping for your countertops: function, style or aesthetic, budget, and maintenance. Take some time to think about these four aspects and write down your answers somewhere. Every material is different, and you will want to choose the right one that will fit your needs. Considering these critical factors will give you a good idea of where to begin.

Types of Material

Now let’s discuss the various types of materials. You can choose either natural or synthetic stone when selecting your countertop material. The multiple types of each category are listed below.

Natural Stone

Mined directly from the earth and cut into slabs. Every slab will look different, so you need to select your individual slabs in person. If you need multiple slabs, ensure they come from the same bundle for the best color and pattern continuity (think of slabs in a bundle like slices in a loaf of bread). You can also get some book-matched slabs this way (slabs that are mirror images of each other). Keep in mind most slabs are stored in warehouses with fluorescent lighting. In order to view the colors within the slab well, you need to have the warehouse bring the slabs out into the daylight. When you choose a slab of natural stone, you are choosing a specific type of rock, mined from a specific geographic location. 

 

  • Granite
  • Marble
  • Quartzite
  • Soapstone

 

Manufactured

  • Quartz – Fabricated from a mix of crushed natural stone and resin, so they are still made of “real” stone, but they are not mined in one piece. Sold in slabs like natural stone. Each slab of the same colorway from the same manufacturer will look the same. We recommend viewing a full-size sample of the slab you intend to purchase in person to make sure the pattern and colors are what you want, but you don’t need to see your exact slab. 
  • Concrete – Usually poured directly into molds built on top of your cabinets. 
  • Stainless steel – Fabricated to spec for your cabinets.

Butcher block – Strips of wood (sometimes of multiple species) glued together for a striped appearance. Can be left natural color or stained.

Fabrication Considerations

After you’ve chosen your countertop material, there are still a few decisions to be made!

 

  • Edge profile. Standard (no extra cost) edges usually include straight/square, beveled (there are several different types/sizes of beveling), Demi-bullnose, and full-bullnose. Other options include ogee, cove, DuPont, Waterfall, and bonded (see special features below).

    • Sink. Undermount or top-mount sinks – the vast majority of clients prefer undermount sinks with stone countertops because the edges of the countertop can be polished. With Formica or laminate countertops, the only option is top mount because the edges of the sink cut aren’t finished. Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter and are most often used in bathrooms.
    • Special features. The standard thickness of granite, marble, and quartz countertops is 3cm. However, fabricators can bond additional stone material to the edges of the countertops to make the slab appear thicker. TIP: Make sure your cabinets are fabricated with this in mind! Similarly, stone material can be used on the vertical sides of the cabinets and mitered with the countertop surface. This is called a waterfall edge.

Favorite Irwin Construction Countertops

 

  • MSI Midnight Corvo honed quartz at the Evergreen Marble Bathroom

  • Babylon Gray quartz counters at the Moody Master Bathroom

Bonus Tips From Kelley

  1. For people with their hearts set on natural marble but who cringe at the thought of aging and patina, run and look at quartz alternatives! If you love the old-world look and will embrace patina and the character that comes with it, then proceed with marble and embrace the character! .
  2. It’s a good idea to select your countertop before finalizing your paint colors and backsplash tile, especially if you’re going with a natural stone that will have a lot of variation. It’s easier to match other elements to the counter than select all other design elements first and try to find a stone that works with them. We choose paint last since we have so many options. That way, we can ensure paint colors coordinate with tile, counters, flooring, etc.
  3. To determine the best way to clean your countertops – refer to each manufacturer’s website! In general, no abrasive cleaners and no corrosive chemicals. Some countertops are particularly sensitive to acid, so check your cleaning products’ ingredients! Microfiber cloths and very gentle cleaners are best. Keep counters wiped clean to avoid scratches.
  4. When and how to seal: You must seal natural stone at least once yearly. If you have a very porous stone (marble, quartzite) and have problems with staining or water spots, you may need to seal it more often. We like this product – Impregnator Penetrating Sealer from Home Depot.

So whether you are looking for stone or synthetic countertops, you must be specific with what you are looking for to know which material will best fit your kitchen and home. Next to the bedroom, the kitchen is the most used room in the house. Find the right countertop, and you will have a stunning kitchen for years!

So, which material best fits your home?