Countertops made of granite or engineered quartz aren't the only options for your home or kitchen remodel.

 Remodeling a single room in a house, such as a bathroom, may be stressful enough, let alone a kitchen or multiple rooms. The type of materials that are installed is one important aspect of a kitchen or bathroom makeover that the homeowner should pay particular attention to. Building standards provide the minimal minimum that every contractor must fulfil, but they don't specify nuances like whether a specific type of natural stone can be utilized in a countertop application.

Due to the porous and "softness" of natural stone, not every natural stone material will provide years of beauty as a kitchen countertop. Granite, like engineered quartz, is the most durable of all the natural stones used in countertops. There are a few things to keep in mind while using engineered quartz in your home.

Engineered quartz countertops, unlike real stone, are perfectly consistent throughout and are sensitive to deterioration when exposed to long periods of ultraviolet light. As a result, engineered quartz may not be the best choice for an outdoor countertop. Because intense heat can harm engineered quartz, it is usually suggested that a hot pan not be placed directly on this type of countertop.

Natural stones like soapstone, limestone, marble, and onyx make lovely vanities, fireplace surrounds, and bathroom counters, among other things. Even though these stones are firm to the touch, they are still much softer than granite or engineered quartz, making them unsuitable for high-traffic areas like the kitchen. The sole exception is that if you want to acquire a "old world" aesthetic, both marble and soapstone will do so naturally due to oxidation.

Seams will be apparent with the majority of materials used in countertop installations, but seams will be less noticeable with darker counters. Engineered quartz, on the other hand, may not have any seams depending on the size of the countertop.

There are trade-offs, such as greater cost, with every building material or construction. Surprisingly, many granite counters are less expensive than engineered quartz or other solid surfaces. The style of edge profile required by the customer is one essential aesthetic that will contribute to a more expensive countertop. Granite is one of the most challenging materials to deal with, thus specialized labor is required, as opposed to less expensive laminate countertops.