When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are so many options to choose from. From quartz kitchen countertops, granite countertops, and many more, there are a lot of countertop options that will surely suit your household’s kitchen needs. We all know how our kitchen plays an important role in our everyday lives. Whether you are a kitchen expert or simply love watching your mom cook, the kitchen can create good memories for all people in all walks of life.

When constructing your kitchen area, one of the first things you need to consider is the countertop. As mentioned, there are a lot of countertop materials to choose from. However, one of the most popular ones is quartz and solid surface (Corian). This article will discuss the pros and cons of each countertop material and which one suits your kitchen and lifestyle better.

Getting started

In choosing a kitchen countertop, you should not only consider how good it would look in your kitchen. Rather, you should also think about the benefits the kitchen countertop can give you. Is it scratch-resistant? Non-porous? Easy to clean and maintain? Durable and comes in different designs and colors? Has high resale value?

These are some things you need to consider if you are torn between choosing a quartz kitchen tops or a Corian countertop. Of course, the cost will also play an important role in choosing the right countertop for your kitchen. Also, it is essential to find reliable countertop replacement companies to get the best countertop materials in the market.

All about quartz countertops

As mentioned, quartz countertops are one of the most popular countertop materials used in many kitchens all over. However, quartz is considered relatively new as a kitchen countertop material. It is usually made of about 95 percent natural quartz and the rest is made from resin.

In other words, a quartz countertop is a combination of natural and man-made stone material. Yet, quartz is considered a high-end countertop material as compared to others such as wood, tile, and laminate.

As mentioned, a quartz countertop is made of around 5 to 10 percent resins which are either cement or polymeric-based. There are also some companies that use vegetable oil as part of the bonded resin material. Meanwhile, the remaining 95 percent is made from quartz and other materials such as glass and marble.

As for installation, a quartz countertop needs special tools to install. It can be challenging to install a quartz countertop on your own because of the special tools needed. But if you still want to install the countertop on your own, you can opt for ready-to-install countertop sheets.

A quartz countertop also has a high heat resistance and also scratch-resistant. However, it is better to avoid doing certain kitchen habits that can cause scratching and other sorts of damage to the countertop. Sealing is not usually required as it is non-porous due to the bonded resin materials.

All about Corian countertops

Corian is a popular brand name for solid surface countertops. Like quartz, Corian is also a mix of different minerals (about 66 percent) and resin material (33 percent). It does look like stone or granite countertops at first look. Solid surface material first appeared in the market back in the late 1960s by the company DuPont.

Aside from Corian, solid surface countertops are also known in other names such as Formica, Swanstone, and Avonite. Solid surface countertop materials can be easily cut using power saws. Even DIY junkies can install these types of countertops on their own, unlike quartz that need special equipment and tools to install.

On the contrary, Corian/solid surface countertops may not be as heat and scratch-resistant as quartz. In case of any presence of damage, you can use sandpaper to remove any stains on its surface. But like quartz, sealing may not be required for solid surface countertops as well.

Which is better?

Between the two, your choice will depend on the factors that you think are more important than others. If you are looking for a luxurious-looking countertop, both can provide thanks to its elegant construction and material used.

If you are looking for a more heavy-duty, heat and scratch-resistant countertop, then quartz may be a better choice. For a contemporary look, a solid surface countertop is a good option as well.

At the end of the day, both are generally good countertop options. It will also go down to your personal preference, budget, and household needs. You can hire countertop replacement companies in Rockville for your kitchen countertop requirements. Contact one today!