Countertops | Iowa City | Cedar Rapids | Davenport | North Liberty 

Are you careful around your kitchen countertops or are you regularly cooking and spilling in the kitchen? This is a big factor in determining the material used for countertops. Undeniably, natural stone will be the most durable countertops that you can choose from. Granite is the most common natural stone and is extremely hard and durable. The surface of granite is hardly porous at all, so it can withstand spills and staining. Plus, granite can endure hot temperatures, so setting a hot pot or pan on the surface won't be a problem at all. But, to ensure this type of durability, granite does need to be regularly sealed. Quartz countertops are also made of natural stone and can be just as long lasting and durable. Quartz is extremely hard and can hold up against scratching and chipping. Quartz though does not perform as well as granite does with hot pots and pans. Lastly, laminate is probably the least durable option. Laminate has a tendency to scratch easily and cannot withstand heat. Plus, depending on the type and color, laminate can easily be stained from spills and splashes in the kitchen.

While natural stone is going to be the most durable, it also comes with the biggest price tag. Granite is one of the most expensive countertops that you can choose from. However, the good news about the high price is that granite undoubtedly holds its value. If you are looking for a slightly cheaper option with the same look of natural stone, then quartz may be a good option. Quartz countertops are available in several different colors but are actually a composite material made up of crushed natural stone pieces. Quartz is sometimes referred to as an "engineered" countertop, similar to what you would see in engineered hardwood floors. If you want to stick to a budget friendly material though, laminate countertops are going to be by far the cheapest. With laminate countertops, you have a number of different options at your fingertips. Many laminate countertops can be made to mimic the look of natural stone, so you will still be able to get the feel and look in your kitchen without the heavy price tag.

You should also consider how much maintenance you would like to do in order to keep you countertops looking pristine. While granite countertops are durable and extremely stain resistant, they do require regular sealing and maintenance to keep them looking good. Luckily, even if you are not a DIY-er, there are people who can help. For sealing granite countertops, you can turn to the experts at KBD; we can help in keeping your countertops looking brand new. If you are low maintenance and do not want to have to worry about regular sealing, quartz or laminate countertops may be the better option. Both of these countertop options do not require sealing. If you are having trouble deciding or are curious about how the price compares with different countertops, contact us at KBD and we will help answer all of your questions and point you in the right direction.