Countertops are often made up of different types of Quarzstein. They are lying in our kitchen, bathroom, or lavatories. Their shape is like a horizontal flat surface, while they can be built-in cabinets underneath. Countertops can be customized and modified according to customers’ needs as they are intentionally designed as the working surface. Here, we have compared basic and common types of countertops, in terms of their, styles, pros, cons, and cost. 

Basic types of Countertops: 

Four basic types of countertops can be varied in every home according to requirements and functionality. The versatility of countertops gives choice to homeowners to choose their desired one according to their size, and budget. These are quartz, granite, marble, and concrete. Here we will be discussing them one by one: 

Quartz Countertops: 

Ersatz stone is used in the composition of quartz countertops. It comprises 90% of hard minerals named, ground quartz, while the remaining 10% comprises pigments and polymers. After the mixture of these elements, a hard granite-like structure is formed. The stippled look is formed if the grounding of quartz would be not up-to-the-mark, while a sleek and sheeny look can be obtained through the fine grounding of quartz. Some of the pros of quartz are; it has an attractive appearance, it is strong & durable, it can resist germs, and stain as well. 

While it has some cons as well, for example, it is a bit pricey as compared to other countertops, its looks can be faddy and it is a non-heat-resistance stone which makes it difficult to use this stone in places where hot pots and tools are already in use. 

Granite Countertops: 

Quarries are the direct source of granite and they can be obtained in a raw form. It is also called a solidified form of magma. There are different colors of granite because it has a different composition of minerals that produces variance. 

Granite is often cut by the machinery by the contractors to use it in household tops, and any kind of shape and size can be structured right as required by you. There are different shops in the area for which you can get pre-cut shapes of granite and these can be used as countertops. Like Quartz, granite also has pros; there are more than 20 shades of granite hence it is more attractive than other stones, it is heat and stain resistant and it is strong because of its hardness and resistance to scratches.

The cons of granite include; that it can be permeable to liquids and other chemicals while granite required a perfect seal, its price is not higher for its purchase but its maintenance and its installation is also expensive. Granite can be broken easily because of its delicacy and if it is improperly handled. 

Marble Countertops: 

Most contractors and homeowners choose marble because it has different variations, there are hundreds of them. Often Calcutta Marble, Carrara, black, white, talathello, emperador, pink, brown, yellow, cream, red, blue, greasy, and so on, is used widely for residential purposes. Effective workspaces can be made up of marble like in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and others. 

The main pros of the marble are; its pleasant-looking structure and high aesthetics. One can choose from a wide range according to trends and their interior. Another pro of marble is its heat resistance so it can be friendly-working shelves made up of marble in offices, hot pots restaurants, etc. Cons of marble are; that it is an unreliable stone if it is not sealed properly so it can be considered as highly porous as compared to other stones. Marble is also a frail and delicate stone, just like granite. It is often prone to wear and tear. 

Concrete Countertops: 

The new trend in the market is to use concrete countertops. You can use it in outdoor areas, bathrooms, and kitchens. Concrete is often made up of composite material which is easy to shape and mold in any kind of structure as required.  

Some of the pros of concrete are; the composite material used in making the concrete is mesmerizing therefore this stone is beautiful and comes in different colors. Experts and skilled contractors and designers use unique ways to customize the marble with the embellishments like glass, stones, and others for the customized orders of their clients. Concrete countertops can be easily used anywhere because it is highly resistant to heat and wear & tear which is effective to use in outdoor places. 

Concrete is far more porous than granite due to which a higher seal is required to end it, which is a major con of this stone. Along with this, the concrete countertops required high maintenance in a span of 1 to 3 years. Constant sealing is required, if not, then there is a high chance of its fall due to stains and cracks because it is not resistant enough. 

Cost Comparison of Countertops; Marble Vs. Concrete Vs. Granite Vs Quartz: 

Homeowners always look into the cost of stones whenever they picked one for their homes. For example, you can take quartz from $100 to $200 per square foot, while marble which varies in different shapes and sizes ranges from $50 to $350 per square foot. In comparison to quarts Vs, marble, granite is cheaper, for example, it can range from $35 to $150. 

While in comparison to quartz, vs, marble vs. granite, concrete is of moderate pricing as it ranges from $75 to $120. It can be said that the value or cost of granite could go higher because of its advanced finest finish and high quality. 

Quick FAQs: 

Are concrete countertops cheaper than granite? 

Generally, concrete countertops are not cheaper than granite as their price start from $75, while the low quality and basic granite prices start from $45 per square foot. While concrete is considered an artisan product because there is a high labor cost imposed. 

Which is better quartz or concrete countertops? 

Quartz has a strongness and durability that concrete doesn’t have in it. But concrete offers more versatility which cannot be matched by quartz. Concrete can also mimic natural substances like wood, and stone, due to which it has variation in its appearance which is lacking in quartz. So concrete is highly suitable. 

Marble Vs. Concrete Vs. Granite Vs Quartz | which is more sustainable?

Marble is a sustainable element however it is not long-lasting and can still be recycled in different ways. Concrete has excellent qualities to be a sustainable element because nowadays carbon emission is reduced from cement manufacturing. Quartz can be recycled and is known as greenstone because it also has a long life span. These factors make it sustainable, but it is less sustainable than concrete. Granite is also green leaves; it is equally sustainable as quartz.  

Each of the above stones has a different composition and texture. They are not the same as each other which makes them exclusive. You may find it difficult to find the best countertops for your home, but it is exciting to have different forms to choose from.