When homeowners begin to consider the most likely starting point for a kitchen renovation, the first place to start is often the countertops. If you’re tired of looking at drab and lifeless, we can show you some of the best kitchen countertops in Connecticut.
Here’s a brief summary of some of the kitchen countertops in Connecticut we have in stock and why each particular option would be a nice fit for your new build or remodel.
Marble can be magnificent
Marble is the No. 1 choice of many homeowners who want a high-quality material that will stand up to years of wear. The stylish white finish of marble is instantly recognizable in any setting and the muted tones of the stone works well with any color scheme.
Marble can also be found in colors ranging from gray and brown to beautiful shades of natural green. The reason the stone is so beautiful – and expensive – is because it is found in quarries and shipped in large slabs to retailers across the country.
Marble does have some drawbacks. It’s a beautiful stone and will look amazing in any modern, open kitchen, but the stone only rates a 3 on the Mohs hardness scale and is classified as a “soft” stone which means it is susceptible to scratches and chips. For those who are interested, the Mohs hardness scale rates a natural diamond as a 10 on its scale and since it is a porous stone, marble can stain, especially if red wine, coffee, tomato sauce, and other similar liquids are not wiped up immediately.
Natural Granite is not a bad No. 2
If homeowners and builders are forced to downgrade to a No. 2 choice, granite is a wonderful option. Granite stands out in any setting because slabs can contain unique patterns and color splotches that can appear gold, muted tones of red, and deep, rich greens that can only be produced by Mother Nature.
Granite is also a tougher material than marble. Granite scores a 6 on the Mohs hardness scale which means it can be cleaned easier and with more frequency than its marble counterpart. In homes where young children are growing up, granite may be a more practical choice because of its increased durability.
Homeowners must still be careful with some liquids. Although granite is considered as a non-porous stone, some slabs can be more porous than others so be careful when selecting which granite kitchen countertops in Connecticut you use in your home. Granite is heat resistant, so your surface won’t burn if you mistakenly set a hot pot or pan on it.
Quartz: Taking the market by storm
This material has risen to the top of the list for many kitchen designers. Quartz is manufactured as an engineered stone so it has a consistently smooth surface and is more durable than marble or granite.
A quartz countertop is made by combining that natural stone quartzite crystal with resins and other materials that give the finished stone more strength. The process also gives the manufacturer more color and pattern combinations that can alter the finished appearance of the material.
The finished material is called quartzite and it scores a 7 on the Mohs scale. That’s only a point better than granite when considering overall durability, but quartz is generally considered as a harder stone and a better choice for homes with big families where the kitchen will get plenty of use. Quartz also is non-porous so stains from certain liquids and foods should not be an issue.
Whatever your choice of materials, you can depend on Studio Northeast for the highest quality design, fabrication, and installation for both residential and commercial locations, all at competitive prices.
Come to us for your kitchen countertops in Connecticut and many other areas of the Northeast. Give us a call and speak to one of our designers or visit us online for more information about our kitchen countertops.