Solid Surface Countertop Options Pros and Cons

Today I’m sharing the different options available when you are considering solid surface countertops and what the pros and cons are with each type (including granite, marble, quartz, and Dekton). 

There are many choices on the market now when it comes to selecting countertops for your kitchen.  Different products available vary immensely by not only cost, but by versatility and the overall qualities the countertops offer.  So if you are set on a solid surface countertop then what is the best choice?  Well it really depends on the look you are after and how much work you want to do to maintain your countertops.  Marble, Granite, Quartz, and Dekton all offer unique properties and each has it’s pros and cons that are worth carefully considering before you make such a huge decision.  Today I’m writing about the differences between Marble, Granite, Quartz, and Dekton in order to help you consider what option is best for your home.

Marble Countertops

One of the most traditional choices and probably that which has been around longest of all is Marble.  A absolutely beautiful and elegant natural stone that is light and white in colour and appearance. There is no other natural stone that comes in choices as white as Marble is available in.  Marble contains natural veining, though the amount and exact colouring of the veining varies by the kind of Marble you select.  Although beautiful, the downside of Marble is that is quite a high maintenance choice for a kitchen countertop.  It is very soft, very porous, and quite vulnerable to stains and chips.  Marble also requires ongoing maintenance, such as applying a penetrating sealer at least twice a year.  Things like wine, juice, and oil may damage it (perhaps even beyond repair), so you need to be comfortable with your countertop aging and being etched and scratched with regular use.  It is also heat resistant but not heat proof and requires insulation between it and hot pots and pans.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a mix of quartz stone and resin and is generally considered nonporous and not very susceptible to staining then Granite or Dekton countertops. Less expensive versions of Quartz may have a different proportion of stone and resin, so they may stain more easily then name-brand versions (as we experienced with the Quartz surface in our previous kitchen).  Quartz is as strong as Granite and Dekton, but more flexible so it’s less likely to chip or crack then either of those counter surfaces.  Because it is made with resin, it is less heat-resistant than Granite and definitely than Dekton, which is considered heat proof.  Quartz is also nearly maintenance free and does not require sealing, as Granite and Marble do.  Quartz also comes in a huge variety of colour and pattern choices, and since it is a man-made product, uniformity can be guaranteed.

Granite Countertops

Another highly popular choice in natural stone options is Granite.  Long considered the obvious choice for solid surface countertops, Granite has become less on-trend in recent years, especially with the growth of more natural and beautiful man-made surfaces such as Quartz and Dekton.  Because it is a natural stone, Granite is porous and therefore higher maintenance then both Quartz and Dekton as it needs to be sealed yearly.  It is also not uniform in colour or appearance, so it’s important to choose from the whole slab if possible to know exactly what you are getting.  Granite is heat resistant but not heat proof and requires insulation between it and hot pots and pans.  Though there is a huge variety in the colours and patterns available, there are no true-white Granites available and most have a fair amount of pattern to them so it is not suitable for those who want a simpler, more consistent design on their countertops.

Dekton Countertops

Dekton is a fairly new solid surface countertop material made by Cosentino that is created by a mixture of porcelain and glass that is then treated with heat and pressure to create a completely non-porous, heat-proof, stain-proof surface.  It requires no maintenance and can even be used outdoors as the colours will not fade in the sun.

You can place hot pots and pans directly on the surface and it won’t damage it, and you can even cut on the surface without scratching it, though it’s so hard that you will likely dull your knives.  Dekton comes in a variety of beautiful visually appealing colours with many natural looking patterns and in every colour from white through black.  It does need to be cut and fabricated by specially certified professionals to ensure that it is properly installed so it won’t crack.  Your cabinetry needs to be completely level and properly supported in order to ensure the countertop is level as it is not a flexible material.

The pricing for Dekton is in line with good quality name-brand Quartz and Granite, but it offers the ultimate in a low-maintenance, beautiful solid surface countertop.

We went with Dekton countertops in our recent kitchen renovation and, while I wan’t sure exactly what I was getting myself into at first, the more that I learned about Dekton, the better I felt about our decision to go with it in our new kitchen.

The durability, lack of maintenance, and variety of design options made it perfect for our  home.  I really wanted a marble look but without the maintenance of Marble, and I think we’ve perfectly achieved that with our choice.

What qualities would you look for in your dream solid surface countertop?

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