How to choose the right countertops for your kitchen remodel | When? Who? What? Help!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey everyone, we are looking for some help getting our videos edited. With all the new content I am filming, Courtney our in house Marketing lady won't be able to keep up. Can you make any recommendations or do we have anyone watching who can help?? 🙂TIA!!

[@USAOma43]

Imo. Soapstone is an unsung hero of countertops. We absolutely loved our soapstone and cried when I had to sell that house. You can start a fire on the countertop without damage. It is non-porous and heat and stain resistant. Zero care (no sealing etc) and it's all natural. It is the best countertop for a real cook. The only issue is that things can fall out on the counter and if hit right, it can chip. However, a piece of fine grade sandpaper will take care of it. Color choices are limited and it will season overtime but for the serious cook, go with soapstone! Even Martha Stewart has it in her kitchen. Lol

[@cherylannfulton5448]

Due to a burst kitchen pipe I am having a complete kitchen remodel! Your video was the best I have found regarding what material to use for the countertop. I am going with quartz!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey Cheryl!! Thanks for watching and leaving your comment. I hope it all turned out stunning !!

[@Isleskye]

Very helpful. For me, I especially appreciate learning that all quartz is not created (literally) equally. Thanks again.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey thanks for watching and leaving your comment. I really appreciate it! :-)

[@SonalShah-sb8rd]

Thank you for your honest advices. ❤️ What should be the thickness of counter top

[@TheMaterialBar]

By default in the US most countertops are 3cm. But some surfaces are perfectly fine doing a 2cm without a subtop like manmade Quartz. Typically most people prefer the look and feel of the 3cm. I loved the 2cm look in my last house :-) Thanks for watching!!

[@donnagreen7214]

For the most part I agree with what was said about the various countertop surfaces EXCEPT for solid surface. To me it or quartz is the best. I have had a solid surface Avonite countertop in my kitchen for 17 years (I had to look it up to write this comment). It still looks good as new. I don't have to treat it or baby it. It cleans beautifully, there are no seams and the depth of the colors cannot be matched with quartz. Honestly, it looks better than granite and holds up better. And, the comment about it will scratch so don't buy... doesn't happen. I have no scratches on the countertop and never have. (Of course I do what anyone with any type of countertop would do: use a cutting board and not cut directly on the surface.) And, the cabinet maker installer showed me how to buff scratches our if they were to occur. The reason professional spaces use it is because it is so user friendly with easy cleanup. This is needed in home kitchens too making them clean and safe like hospitals and professional buildings.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Donna, thanks for watching and giving everyone an insight about your experience with Solid Surface. Much appreciated!!

[@carolyngreen5458]

Thanks!

[@EnlightenedTheory]

Thanks for the advice. Was on my way to putting marble in my kitchen.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi friend!! Oh yes, you're saving yourself from a lot of headache right there!! Good luck on your remodel and Happy Holidays!!

[@KristaHeumann]

I've learned from experience that not all quartz is created equal - whatever was installed in our kitchen by previous owners must have been low quality, because it has several places where the surface is etched and scratched. It got an ink stain once too that I found pretty quickly and the only thing strong enough to get it out was Barkeeper's Friend. I looked up whether it can be sealed but most sites said sealing won't work :(

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Krista!! You are so correct! My very best friend had bought this house in the past and the kitchen was ok just a basic flip kitchen with white quartz but it was the cheapest ever and it would have so many stains. I love to compare building materials to Fashion brands especially the inside surfaces. If you think about it you can absolute buy your jeans from H&M (and i do have many basics from here HA!) but my jeans from Levis hold up in a very different way and it's made of different contents and quality and I can feel it. It's the same with any of the building brands. Typically you get what you pay for and it's so noticable with quartz. I really recommend finding out more about the brand and the manufacturing process / content instead of comparing by price. It's correct, sealing won't help in this matter. The quartz you have probably has very little true quartz content and more fillers, plus some companies save cost by not fully curing the slabs. All this is done to save cost on the overall product. I'm sorry you're having to experience this.

[@lyddaperkowski7895]

Thanks so much ,I’m making my kitchen and need your information to make a decision,you are very pleasant

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey Carmela, thank you for tuning in and leaving your nice note!! Much appreciated and I wish you all the best with your new kitchen :-) !!

[@JeanneKinland]

Good information! I was looking for a countertop what is good for bread making. It sound like Quartz.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey thanks for watching!! Quartz is good as it's antibacterial but really for baking sections, people LOVE to add a section of high quality wood. We love the wood tops made by Grothouse and I have another video of it.

[@mavisjones4750]

I'm actually looking at solid surface or Formica laminate. In my area, both fit my budget and given that I'm not planning to be in my house much longer (planning to move after retirement), either one will suffice. Also, the majority of the houses for sale in my neighborhood as well as those that have sold, still have Formica laminate. So it makes no sense for me to overspend. Besides, granite and quartz are not in currently in the budget.

[@tee4272]

What do you think about black granite for the main wall countertops and Amazonite for the island?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi @tee4272, I'm sorry I think I've missed your comment. Toe Kicks, that's a good topic and I don't think I've ever talked about it!! Let me know if you have a certain question in regards to this topic. Please keep an eye out for the video! :-)

[@margaretmartine9430]

What about Soapstone?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Love Quartzite and it has become a huge favorite with a lot of people. There is a whole other video just about Quartzite and natural stones 🙂

[@kathleenmorey5927]

Thanks, Kerstin! Another valuable video! I love my Caesarstone Quartz. I don't have to worry about lemon juice etching away at the quartz do I?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Kathleen! Thanks for the feedback! I've reached out to my sales rep with Caesarstone about your question and here was her reply: *** The quick answer is really no. They should, however, try to wipe up spills like lemon juice, wine, coffee etc… relatively expeditiously. Caesarstone is considered non-porus. I left lemon juice on a countertop sample for 3 days and it did nothing. I’ve had Caesarstone counters for years in my own home and have NEVER had an issue (I cook EVERY day). WINDEX - the original formula. That’s what they should be using as a daily “wipe-down” cleaner. Or, 50/50 vinegar and water. Tougher stains - SOFTSCRUB LIQUID GEL WITH BLEACH - then wipe it away with Windex. Here’s a great resources on our website. I’ve also attached our residential care and maintenance doc. These should both help your customer. FAQ’s: www.caesarstoneus.com/customer-care/faq/ *** I hope this will help you take great care of your Caesarstone Quartz countertops 😉! Kerstin

[@denisemartin3603]

Is your countertop still good?

[@zb2363]

Can you do a video on green/environmental factors for counter choices please?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Z! Thanks for tuning in! I'll add the topic to my list of upcoming videos and will post one.

[@lindakerlin8526]

What is the new laminate product you talked about

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey Linda, thanks for watching. The laminate top is by a German cabinet supplier called Nobilia and I am in love with it!

[@tee4272]

What is dolomite?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi and thanks for tuning in! A dolomite is a form of stone. One of the most common dolomites used in Kitchens is a color called Fantasy Brown. The stone itself is formed on the surface of the earth, as opposed to granite which is formed inside of earth in chambers. It also has typically warm earthy colors. I hope this helps!! 🙂

[@thiddikhan1076]

Dekton I heard chips a lot...there are several videos on you tube about its chipping

[@mavisjones4750]

I've heard the same thing.

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

I am in the process of redoing my condo's galley kitchen after an installer pierced the sewer pipe located in the wall of my kitchen. The sewage contaminated my countertops and appliances. UG! I am looking at granite and Quartz countertops now as that is what my insurance is willing to replace it with. The kitchen designer recommended quartz as it is more easy care, she said.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Donna, oh my! I'm so sorry to hear this! Yes, quartz will be completely maintenance free and no sealing required! Good luck and I hope your new kitchen can be up and running soon!

[@tspfull]

Trying to decide between quartzite for the beauty and porcelain for the durability. The quartz, to me, looks like a picture a stone instead of a. Real stone facsimile.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi, thanks for watching! There is a difference between quartz and a quartzite. Quartz is manmade and unless you go with a really good brand like Caesarstone or Cambria etc. some patterns can look fake. On a good note Quartz is non porous tough...no sealing no staining etc. A Quartzite is a natural stone created in the earth from granite and marble. A lot of times it shows a similar look to marble but is way stronger than marble. It's what I usually recommend to clients if they want that marble look in their kitchen. I hope this helps!!

[@tspfull]

@@TheMaterialBar I really do want that marble look which is why I love the depth of quartzite as compared to quartz. I am drawn to porcelain due to the durability and heat resistance. I love the idea of being able to cut on it and even pair it with an induction heat element. My favorite look is actually butcher block but there is no way I’m going to keep up with the maintenance.

[@tspfull]

@@TheMaterialBar I just want to say thank you for all your advice and tips. I am putting a kitchen together from scratch from used high end cabinets with new countertops. I will be painting the lowers for a two tone look. It’s like a game of Tetris. Your tips for the island design and faucets have been particularly helpful.

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@tspfull lol that is true, maybe check out Dekton as an option?

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@tspfull Hey that's awesome! I have a two toned look in my kitchen as well. Staining the lower cabinets could be a good idea as well. I'm sure it will turn out well and thanks so much for watching!

[@jbprojects3]

Seeing HUGE quantities of Fantasy Brown, which we're being told is a marble, but often thought of as a "soft quartzite." Thoughts on using it in a kitchen?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey yes! Fantasy Brown has been a super popular color and I just used it on a project which is getting installed tomorrow. It's very price friendly for how high end it looks. I can actually really recommend it. And yes you are right, it's considered more of a quartzite so it's stronger than your average marble. Thanks for tuning in!!

[@stonewarehouseofmichigan5503]

Its not at all a Quartzite, it's a Marble but yes it'll be stronger than a white Carrara marble because it has more Quartz mineral in it. It will scratch/etch if you're not careful though.

[@ardianhysenaj]

How about epoxy coated countertops?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thanks for tuning in! I do not work with Epoxy Coated Countertops so I don't want to make it seem like I know anything about them!! 🙂

[@kimb4285]

Thank you, your video was so helpful. (UK)

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey thanks so much for tuning in!

[@joypolk3093]

Marble has been in kitchens for decades or longer, check out Italy, and old homes in northeastern US. Yes it can stain.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thanks for tuning in!!

[@primeproduction]

Can you link to the wood countertop manufacturer?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey Alex thanks for watching! Here is the link to Grothouse which is one of my favorite wood top suppliers: www.glumber.com/

[@barzyprioli8277]

How about heat on quartz

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Barzy, every quartz manufacturer has their own guidelines for heat along with their product. You should be able to find this on each individual websites with all the info you're looking for. Thanks for watching!

[@roadracerqx893]

According to every shop I’ve been to in researching countertops. quartz absolutely has “resin burn” issues with heated pots/pans….no?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey thanks so much for watching. Quartz is a manmade product and can tolerate heat to higher temperatures than natural stone. Many quartz manufacturers will say it's safe to use up to a certain temperature but people typically do not take into consideration that there is a thermal shock between the colder countertops and the even hotter pot. I've had people tell me they stood their pots on counters with no issues but I've also seen someone do it and accidenticaly sit their pot on a seam and it cracked the seam. Long story short, I would always suggest to protect your countertops with a trivet. It's an expensive investment and I would personally want to protect it. Hope this helps!

[@pradeepshunmugam4432]

What is your take on porcelain countertops?

[@TheMaterialBar]

There are some cool manufacturers nowadays with Dekton being the largest. It's a cool product and stronger than quartz. Just keep in mind the pattern doesn't go through the slab it's jut a top print. Unless you do a mitered edge detail to build it up, you'll have a solid front color without the pattern. It's a bit more expensive than your average quartzes. I do like it though and have some installed in my showroom :-)

[@pradeepshunmugam4432]

@@TheMaterialBar thanks for your input 😊...

[@ssc_1]

What about cement

[@TheMaterialBar]

Cement can crack… I typically don’t recommend it.

[@jeecee3948]

Great video! Very informative!

[@disfollower2239]

How does quartz handle heat?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi, thanks for watching! In general Quartz manufacturers describe their materials as heat resistant but always recommend still using a trivet for your hot pots & pans.

[@denisemartin3603]

Not good!! From what I read. So for this reason I think im going with granite

[@ssc_1]

Concrete?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi, I only want to speak to surfaces I have been involved with and I have never worked with a concrete countertop. I have talked to several people about it and heard it can crack down the road. It's also a porous material which is not ideal for certain spaces. I'd be curious to hear what people's experiences have been with it.

[@ssc_1]

@@TheMaterialBar thanks a lot. I am currently remodeling my kitchen and want old charm style. If concrete is not recommended then which material will give that look? Limestone or stone?

[@TheMaterialBar]

@ I would take a look at soapstone. It’s a natural stone that has a lot of old world charm. I can see that or a marble look which really marble isn’t recommended in kitchen spaces. Then you want to ask yourself if you will handle the maintenance of real stone or not. Most natural stone can come with a 15 year stone sealer already applied by your fabricator (talk to them about it) and industry leaders still recommend applying a top sealer once a year. The sealer will help slow down liquids to be absorbed by your stone. It won’t stop it, it will slow it down. On the other hand man made quartz is non porous and no maintenance required. While many people love the easy care of quartz, many other people love the unique beauty of natural stone and certain design looks are much more authentic with natural stone. I wish you all the best with your remodel and thanks for watching 😊

[@TheMaterialBar]

@ I would take a look at soapstone😊

[@ssc_1]

@@TheMaterialBar thanks a ton. That was very helpful

[@emilievaugeois2143]

I have heard everywhere that quartz is not heat resistant and can melt if you put a hot pan, is that true?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Emilien, thanks for watching! It's really difficult to combine an answer for all quartz manufacturers as there are so many different brands. In general quartz has a very high tolerance for heat. There are many manufacturers that say they are "heat resistant" but I also encourage choosing a high quality manufacturer like Caesarstone, Cambria, or Pental. Low quality quartz is affected by low quartz contents and too little drying / cure times. This affects the performance of the material. I always encourage people to use a trivet with any quartz though, the only material that is truly heat resistant is actually a mix of quartz and porcelain is Dekton. Here is a link to Caesarstone about their quartz performance: www.caesarstoneus.com/why-quartz/ I hope this helps, thanks!

[@shameenasudheer2388]

Hello .. which countertop is better caesarstone quartz or Kalinga quartz .......... which will get stain quickly?

[@TheMaterialBar]

I would recommend Caesarstone!! I have not heard of Kalinga quartz so I am not sure of the quality. Caesarstone Quartz is a huge brand with major success in quality for their quartz colors. I would trust them more than Kalinga quartz. I hope this helps!

[@shameenasudheer2388]

@@TheMaterialBar THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY 👍🏻

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@shameenasudheer2388 You bet!

[@lostinmyspace4910]

The con side of cortz is that it is difficult to spell. When I tell people we chose cortz, they correct me and say cortz...with a q; Qua... qua...qua, and I say cor...cor...cor...like corter ( 25 cents).

[@TheMaterialBar]

I can get away with it, my first language is German and I'm pretty cute HAHAHHAHA

[@JMaxwell1000]

"How to choose" the countertop?? Am I missing something? For most of us, COLOR is the most important quality after durability, and the manufacturers of countertops have decided for us that we should have a choice between drab, drabber, drabbest, or dull, duller, dullest! Gray, mid-gray, light-gray, gun-metal gray, early December gray, Berlin gray, Stockholm gray, and BLACK in just as many nuances and hues. And then there's "white" with light gray streaks and swirls, mid-gray streaks and swirls, black streaks and swirls, creamy streaks and swirls. One more boring than the next. These countertop manufacturers need to have their collective heads examined. These choices are REVOLTING! You're better off going with colorful formica.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thanks for tuning in Joe!

[@happynurse8706]

You lose all credibility when you tell me the only cons to a wood countertop in the kitchen is get it sealed are you kidding me are you really serious wood counter Cones are that it will get scratched absolutely