Home and Office Cabinetry is your one-stop-shop for your home’s premium cabinetry and custom countertops. We offer custom countertops in various materials and are happy to help you make an informed decision that best fits your kitchen’s needs. Granite countertops are our favorite because of their beautiful, natural look. But many of our customers want to know more about other countertop surfaces before their custom kitchen countertops installation in Sussex County DE. We have a variety of countertops in our showroom available so you can get a feel for which surface is best for you.

Available countertop surfaces include:

  • Granite
  • Quartzite
  • Quartz
  • Solid Surface

Types of Surfaces – Exploring All Custom Kitchen Countertops

  • Granite – A very hard stone and 100 percent natural. It’s mined from the quarries worldwide, cut down to manageable sizes, and polished for a fine finish. Granite is known for its beauty, durability, and hardness. It is considered a luxury material due to its beautiful color, delicate movement, and deep neutral tones. It is also easy to clean and maintain.
  • Quartzite – Also considered a luxury material, Quartzite is composed mainly of quartz. It is very hard because it’s formed under specific heat, pressure, and natural conditions. This material is also easy to clean and maintain.
  • Quartz – These materials, such as Cambria and Silestone, are manmade and consist of quartz crystals, polyester resin, colorants, and other additives. Due to its makeup, each slab has a predictable pattern and doesn’t have the color variation as other naturally occurring stone slabs. This manmade material and its polymer base don’t have naturally occurring fissures, don’t need to be sealed, and are therefore highly durable.
  • Solid Surface – These surface materials, such as Corian and Hi-Macs, are manmade polymers that have colorants. They are not as durable as stone, but minor surface scratches are easily repairable. Depending on the color chosen, these countertops are a little more affordable. Its biggest benefit is the integrated sink.    

There are very few design elements that spark heated debate as much as the choice between granite and quartz. But which material for kitchen countertop installation in Sussex County DE is right for you? 

Comparing Granite and Quartz Countertops

Appearance

  • Granite is available in many colors and patterns. That is one of the reasons we prefer it. There is an almost limitless selection to choose from, and no two granite countertops are the same.
  • Quartz, on the other hand, has exploded in popularity due to its granite-like appearance. Because quartz is man-made, each slab of material is predictable and so the selection process of a quartz countertop is much easier.

Environmentally Friendly

  • The only way a granite countertop ends up in your kitchen is if it’s quarried, which uses a lot of energy. Opting for a high-end Italian slab will involve considerable transportation. You may be able to save energy by choosing an indigenous stone or by selecting a piece from a salvage shop that can be cut to fit your needs.
  • Since Quartz is an engineered material, it can be more environmentally friendly, especially if you use regionally manufactured stone and local fabricators. This cuts down on the distance the material needs to travel.

Maintenance

  • Granite countertops need to be cleaned daily with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. Please be careful with granite because some oils and acids can stain the surface. To ensure longevity, we recommend resealing your granite countertop as needed.
  • Like granite, clean any spills on quartz countertops with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. The man-made surface does not need to be sealed.

Durability

  • Granite is a durable material that’s resistant to heat and other kitchen elements. However, there can be some staining if spilled liquids are left sitting on top because of its porous nature. Additionally, damage can be done if your countertop gets a high-impact blow.
  • In contrast, quartz is actually harder and more durable as a result. Some even say that quartz is nearly indestructible, but it can be damaged by excessive heat, so we recommend using heating pads at all times.

A Beautiful Redesign with A Custom Kitchen Countertops Installation in Sussex County DE

So, there you have it, now you know before you shop and can make an informed decision on which countertop fits your needs.  Customers often rave about our expertise, craftsmanship, excellent customer service, and overall experience with kitchen remodeling and countertop installation in Sussex County, DE. But don’t take our word for it. Please stop by or call and let us prove it.  Let’s Talk! Contact us today at Home and Office Cabinetry, we think you’ll find that our experience speaks for itself.