Custom Countertop Materials in Northern Utah

There isn’t a “one size fits all” as to which countertop material is best for your kitchen or bathroom. The answer depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Each countertop material has its own unique qualities and benefits. It’s important to consider many factors when making your decision, including:

• Durability
• Maintenance
• Cost
• Aesthetics (Color, Style, Pattern, etc.)

The answer to this depends on your specific preferences and priorities. Laminate countertops may be among the most budget-friendly options, but they aren’t as durable as natural stone materials. Quartz countertops offer style and durability at an affordable price point. Investing in higher-quality, high-end countertops now can save you money in the long run by avoiding frequent repairs or replacements. Weigh a few of the pros and cons of each of these countertop materials we offer:

• Granite – Granite is durable and heat-resistant, but it requires regular sealing. Poorly sealed granite countertops can be more porous, absorbing liquid spills and housing harmful bacteria.
• Marble – Marble offers timeless beauty, but it can be prone to staining and scratching. Marble countertops are great for cooking because they cool naturally, though they aren’t completely resistant to heat.
• Quartz – Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials, but it can be costly to install. Quartz countertops are non-porous and are far less likely to chip or crack when compared to other countertop materials. However, quartz is susceptible to heat and UV damage.
• Quartzite – Quartzite has the beauty of marble combined with the durability of granite. It’s low-maintenance and UV-resistant, but it’s expensive, difficult to install, and prone to scratching.
• Porcelain – Porcelain countertops are easy to maintain and renowned for their durability and hardness. However, porcelain will crack with enough force and comes in limited profile options compared to other countertop materials.

Granite and marble countertops generally have the highest resale value, thanks to their durability and aesthetic appeal. Other high-end options like quartz or quartzite can add value to your home. It’s essential to consider current style and market trends in your local area when deciding which countertop material will help you increase your home’s resale value.

How to refinish your countertops will vary depending on the material you select. Countertop refinishing generally involves sanding down the countertop surface, applying a new layer of finish or sealant, and possibly adding a new coat of paint or stain. High-end materials like granite or quartz may benefit from professional refinishing for the best results. You’ll want to research the recommended maintenance and refinishing methods for your specific countertop material to protect your investment and avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements. Reach out to our experts with questions or concerns about refinishing your countertops.

Yes, marble is a porous material. It has small pores or openings on its surface that can absorb liquids. If left unsealed or poorly sealed, marble is more susceptible to spills and stains penetrating the stone and making it difficult to remove them. However, with proper sealing, marble is more resistant to staining. When properly sealed and cared for, marble countertops can last a lifetime, making them a valuable investment for your home. Marble countertops are easy to maintain with regular sealing and cleaning, allowing you to keep them looking as good as new with little effort.

Marble may be renowned for its durability, but it’s a relatively soft natural stone. Depending on their specific mineral combination, most marble slabs have a Mohs scale of mineral hardness rating of 3-5. While it can withstand daily use and the wear and tear of being a countertop material, marble may be more prone to scratches than harder natural stones like granite or quartzite. However, marble is heat-resistant, meaning you can place hot pots and pans directly on its surface without worrying about damaging your countertops. With adequate maintenance and sealing, marble countertops can last a lifetime for timeless, elegant beauty.

Marble comes in a wide array of colors, from classic white and gray to more unusual shades of green, pink, and blue. Marble color variations are due to different minerals present in the stone. For example, the presence of iron oxide will give marble a pink or reddish tint, while serpentine will result in a greener shade of marble. These color variations make marble a versatile countertop material choice, allowing homeowners to complement any design aesthetic. With its unique veining patterns and color variations, each slab of marble is truly one-of-a-kind. The possibilities are endless with this stunning natural stone!

Honed marble refers to a type of finish that gives it a smoother, matte-like appearance. Unlike polished marble, which has a glossy look, honed marble has a more muted, natural finish. Honed marble makes a great option if you prefer a subtler look for your bathroom or kitchen countertops. Honed marble surfaces also won’t show minor damages such as scratches as prominently as polished marble surfaces because of their generally rougher texture. We typically recommend honed marble for high-traffic areas or ones that may get wet often, making them ideal for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Because spills are common in the kitchen and bathroom, many homeowners worry about stains on their kitchen and bathroom countertops. You needn’t worry about staining with porcelain, as it’s a non-porous material and highly resistant to liquids and cleaning chemicals. Because it’s less porous than most natural stones, such as marble or granite, porcelain will not stain as easily as other materials. If you have a busy household with children, porcelain countertops make a perfect choice.

Porcelain is a type of ceramic material made by firing clay at high temperatures. It’s renowned for its strength, density, and resistance to water and stains, making it an ideal countertop material choice. Porcelain countertops offer homeowners many benefits, including:

• Durability – One of the main advantages of porcelain is its durability. Porcelain is a hard material capable of withstanding heavy use without chipping or cracking. This makes it perfect for high-traffic areas, including bathroom and kitchen countertops.
• Versatility – Porcelain countertops come in various colors, patterns, and finishes, making them a versatile choice for any design aesthetic. They can mimic the look of natural stone or come in unique designs to give any space more character. Additionally, porcelain can be cut into different shapes and sizes, giving you endless customization possibilities.
• Beauty – Porcelain countertops offer long-lasting beauty, adding value and functionality to any space. Whether you’re looking for a more modern or traditional style, porcelain countertops suit every aesthetic need.

Countertops often see daily use, making them susceptible to wear and tear, especially in a busy household. Porcelain is highly resistant to chipping, making it a durable option for your bathroom or kitchen countertops. It’s strong enough to withstand the weight of heavy kitchen appliances and resist damage caused by accidental impacts or dropped items on its surface. We recommend using cutting boards and trivets on your porcelain countertops to prevent scratching or heat damage. With proper care and maintenance, your porcelain countertops will continue to look beautiful for years to come.

Porcelain countertops can be found in most home improvement stores and specialty tile shops, not to mention online, through various retailers. When shopping for porcelain countertops, it pays to do your research and compare prices to get the best deal. Signature Marble and Granite makes shopping for custom porcelain countertops, sinks, fixtures, and tiling a breeze in Northern Utah. Whatever you need porcelain for in your home, our team would be happy to help manage the project from start to finish with our exceptional customer service and craftsmanship. Reach out today to get started with a quote!

Quartzite is a natural material formed from sandstone under extreme heat and pressure. The process of quartzite formation creates beautiful colors and patterns that other types of countertop materials cannot replicate. It is also significantly more durable than quartz, so you can feel confident it can stand up to high-traffic areas in your home. However, due to scarcity, quartzite can be a bit more costly than quartz.

Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered countertop material. It’s manufactured using ground-up quartz, resin, and pigmentation to provide unique colors and designs. The customizable aspect of quartz and the slightly lower price tag makes quartz an attractive material for many homeowners.

Yes, quartzite is 100% natural. It is formed from sandstone subjected to intense heat and pressure over time, which results in a sturdy and durable rock with unique veining and patterns.

In its natural state, quartzite is incredibly porous. A sealant is applied in order to provide additional durability and protection for kitchen and bathroom use. Otherwise, the quartzite would absorb moisture and stain. Using harsh chemicals or acid when cleaning your quartzite countertops strips the sealant and exposes the natural stone beneath, causing it to become scratched, stained, or corroded. Acid is especially harmful because it more quickly dissolves the protective layer.

Instead of using acid-based cleaners like bleach or ammonia, we recommend cleaning your quartzite countertops with soap, water, and a gentle sponge. Soap and water are usually strong enough for cleanup while preserving the seal coat for years of stunning beauty.

Yes, but we don’t recommend it. Quartzite is an extremely durable material capable of withstanding high temperatures without cracking. Placing hot pots and pans directly on the countertop typically will not cause any damage. However, we always recommend using a trivet or putting something underneath the item to eliminate any chance of damaging the appearance of your countertops.

Unlike quartz, which can be customized to match your home’s existing color palette and style, the look of quartzite is entirely natural. However, it’s available in a variety of colors, and the natural veining creates one-of-a-kind patterns. Natural whites help create a sense of spaciousness and luxury in your home, while blue and green hues create comfort and hominess.

Numerous factors are used to determine the cost of quartzite, including quality, color, and pattern. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $60 and $120 per square foot, including installation.

Yes. A sealant is used for all types of natural stone materials, including quartzite. While it is resistant to heat and scratches, it’s a porous material that can absorb liquids, causing it to stain. Professional sealing creates a barrier designed to protect your quartzite from daily wear and tear. We recommend resealing your countertops annually to maintain their beauty.

No. Granite is a very sought-after feature for many potential homebuyers due to their durability, style, and variety of color patterns. So, whether you want a sleek, modern bathroom or an elegant yet traditional kitchen, granite is always a great choice that adds functionality and aesthetics. Their enduring popularity speaks to their timelessness and adaptability to various design preferences.

Yes. While granite is a durable natural stone, it must be sealed to protect it from daily wear and tear. Without a sealant, moisture can penetrate the stone, causing staining. A sealant also offers some protection against scratches. We recommend resealing your granite countertops every two to five years. The color, amount of use, and density of the granite all play a role in determining when to reseal. If water still beads up on the countertop, the seal is effective. However, if not, it may be time to reseal.

Granite continues to be one of the most popular countertop materials available on the market for numerous reasons:

• Durability – Granite is one of the most durable natural stone materials available. It’s scratch and dent-resistant, making it ideal for busy kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor kitchens.
• Appearance – As a natural stone, each slab is completely unique. However, there is enough variety of colors, patterns, and veining, so we’re confident we can find a slab that suits your design aesthetic.
• Increased Home Value – Many homebuyers are searching for stone countertops like granite. It’s a high-end kitchen or bathroom feature which can dramatically increase your home’s resale value.

Routine maintenance is crucial for ensuring the integrity and style of your granite countertops for decades. Here are some tips for ensuring your granite looks fantastic:

• Daily Cleaning – Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners when wiping down your countertops. These chemicals can break down the seal coat and damage your granite. Instead, use a mild dish soap and warm water.
• Avoid Stains – Even with a new seal coat, wiping up spills quickly is essential. Acidic liquids like cranberry juice, tomato sauce, mustard, and citrus products can cause staining.
• Reseal Regularly – Once the sealant begins to wear down, your granite becomes much more susceptible to scratches and staining. Resealing as necessary helps keep it protected.

Yes. Granite countertops are highly heat and scratch-resistant. They can withstand high temperatures, so they are generally safe if you accidentally place hot pots and pans directly on the surface. However, we always recommend using trivets to preserve the sealant. Granite is very hard and resistant to scratches, but using cutting boards can help maintain the surface’s appearance.

There are a variety of finishes available for your home’s kitchen and bathroom. However, choosing the right one is often a matter of personal preference. A polished finish creates a mirror-like look. Honed creates a softer appearance to enhance the granite’s colors and patterns. Finally, a leathered finish provides a unique textured pattern.

The quartz material used for countertops is engineered. It is made using ground-up, natural quartz crystal, one of the hardest minerals found in nature. The crystals are combined with resin and pigmentation to create a non-porous, sturdy, and beautiful material. Due to its manufacturing, quartz countertops can be customized in color and size to suit your vision for your kitchen or bathroom.

Yes. However, it is highly scratch-resistant due to its hardness, making it an ideal choice for countertop material in kitchens. We recommend always using a cutting board when cutting foods. If you accidentally drop a knife on it, you likely won’t have to worry about damaging your countertops.

No. Quartz countertops are non-porous. Liquid and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface, which typically causes staining on other countertop materials. Their non-porous characteristic makes them a hygienic solution for your kitchen or bathroom.

Quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. Countertop sealant protects your countertop material from absorbing liquids and moisture. Natural stones need sealant because they are porous. However, liquids cannot penetrate the surface of manufactured quartz because it is non-porous.

You can, but it’s not recommended. Using Clorox wipes occasionally is typically okay when your countertops require a deep clean. However, daily use can cause the material to break down over time, leading to discoloration. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners such as bleach and Windex, among others, as the acidic properties of these types of cleaners may lead to damage.

Like with many types of countertop materials, we recommend using mild dish soap, warm water, and a sponge to remove grease, liquid, and caked-on food. Then, use a paper towel or cloth to wipe up afterward. For tougher cleanup jobs, you may need specific cleaning products.

No. Quartz is much more susceptible to damage from heat than other types of countertop materials like granite, quartzite, and marble. Placing hot pots and pans directly on your quartz countertops can damage the resin, causing discoloration, rings, and even cracks. Damage can occur immediately or over a long duration of heating up and cooling down. So, it’s important to always use a trivet or hot pad to prevent damage to your countertops.

Quartz countertops can become discolored when exposed to UV rays from the sun. If your outdoor kitchen has quartz countertops, you may have an issue more quickly. Similarly, if sunlight enters through your windows onto your kitchen’s quartz countertops, you may also notice discoloration.