Which Countertop Material is Best for Your Kitchen?
At UMI, we offer a plethora of different surfaces and materials to suit your design preference. Various veining, colors, compositions, and characteristics are offered at each of our UMI locations to provide every customer with the countertop of their dreams. But, with plentiful options and a world full of beauty, how do you know which countertop material is best for you?
It all comes down to 3 different criteria: composition, lifestyle & design.
Granite/ Quartzite
Granite is one of the most commonly used materials for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It has a certain look to it that fits the style of many traditional homes … but is this countertop right for you?
Composition: Granite is tougher than most material and stands up well against wearing and tearing. More specifically, damages are not commonly seen with these surfaces because of its tough composition. It ranks roughly a 6 to 7 on Mohs Scale of Hardness, meaning that it is quite resistant to scratching and chipping. Feel free to do away with a cutting board – knives and other sharp materials will not damage the surface of your beautiful counters. However, because of granite’s porous nature, it is susceptible to absorb liquids and stains.
Lifestyle: Many lifestyles are suitable for granite and quartzite countertops. Because of its strong durability, families with kids will feel at ease with these tough stones. It will hold up against your typical day-to-day interactions within the kitchen and cooking will be a piece of cake with its worry-free capabilities.
Looks: Granite and quartzite have a very particular look. Most of them offer various neutral shades that are speckled with unique, natural characteristics. These stones are definitely the perfect combination to bring warmth into a traditional styled home.
Marble
Marble is extremely popular for its beauty and charm. In fact, many customers gravitate towards its lavish designs and unique veining.
Composition: Although stunning in appearance, marble is a very soft material. It ranks roughly a 3 on Mohs Scale of Hardness, meaning that it can easily be scratched, chipped, or stained. Marble cannot withstand heavy objects or hot items placed atop and heat may damage the surface by creating unwanted cracks or discoloration. Don’t worry, this can easily be avoided by using hot plates or other materials to maintain the look you’ve always dreamed of!
Lifestyle: Because of marble’s delicate nature, a laid-back lifestyle is the perfect scenario for this countertop. Or perhaps, instead of installing marble in your kitchen or bathroom, it could be a great asset elsewhere in your home! Showcase its beauty in a room that is often not in contact with a harsh environment.
Looks: It’s obvious that marble is loved and adored for its appearance. It is often defined as a white stone with subtle grey veining, however, UMI offers various marbles of different colors! Add this stone in a modern home for a chic and lavish design!
Pompeii Quartz
One of our top-sellers at the moment is Pompeii Quartz! Our Pompeii Quartz collection has grown tremendously over the years, offering various styles, colors, and designs. But why do people love it so much?
Composition: Pompeii Quartz is an extremely strong material. Quartz is a 7 on Mohs Scale of Hardness, meaning that it is tougher than natural stone such as marble, granite, and quartzite. It is a man-made material; thus it is non-porous and resists staining. Luckily, liquids such as lemon juice, coffee, tomato, or even wine will not have an effect on these quartz countertops.
Lifestyle: Quartz countertops are perfect for any lifestyle. With its tough composition and ability to withstand a playful environment, this is the perfect countertop for families with kids!
Looks: You will be shocked when you see the designs that our Pompeii Quartz collection possesses. Pompeii Quartz offers everything from marble-looking quartz countertops, plain and simple colors, extravagant veining, and more! This collection is unbeatable and it is easy to see why it has gained a significant following within the past year.
Vetrazzo
Vetrazzo is a colorful countertop that always brings a smile to our face. Although oftentimes overlooked, Vetrazzo is a great countertop to bring a unique spin on things!
Composition: Vetrazzo is a one-of-a-kind material because it is one of the only countertops that can truly promote its eco-friendly culture. It is made up of recycled glass that is both tough and stunning in its own way! The durability that Vetrazzo possesses is relatively medium compared to those on the market, but it is able to withstand heavy objects without etching, heat without chipping, and liquids without staining!
Lifestyle: If you consciously act upon bettering the environment every day, Vetrazzo is no doubt the choice for you! You cannot go wrong with a durable surface that offers these unique characteristics.
Looks: Vetrazzo is one of the only materials on the market that offer such colorful features within one slab. Several hues and various shades sparkle in each of these countertops, making them the perfect addition for a pop of color! Kids particularly love these countertops in their bathroom for a fun and playful vibe!
Precioustone
If you thought countertops couldn’t become any more unique than previously mentioned, guess again! Precioustone is an extravagant material that portrays a very distinct look …. Your eyes will surely be drawn to the mesmerizing material as soon as you browse its design in person!
Composition: Precioustone is, in fact, composed of quartz material which makes it a very durable and strong countertop. It is resistant to heat, scratching, staining, and chipping while offering a look that is unparalleled to any other stone in the industry.
Lifestyle: Similar to quartz, Precioustone is a great countertop for all lifestyles. Incorporate it into the kitchen, bathroom, or even wet bar, for an effortless kitchen clean up!
Looks: Antolini’s Precioustone offers a lavish design that boasts in superfluity! The gems that shine in each slab’s design offer bright and unique colors that resemble mother nature’s most beautiful creations!
We hope this break down of various countertop material help you decipher the best surface for your next design project! If you are looking for more news, information or creativity, check out our blog! Contact us today to get started on your next design project!
