Kitchen Countertops

Countertop slabs are typically available in two standard thickness options: 2 cm (approximately 0.75 inches) and 3 cm (approximately 1.25 inches). The 2 cm thickness offers a sleeker, more modern look but may require additional reinforcement for support, particularly in larger spaces. It is generally more budget-friendly than the 3 cm thickness, making it a cost-effective option for smaller projects or those looking to reduce expenses. On the other hand, the 3 cm thickness provides a more substantial appearance and increased durability, ideal for high-traffic areas or larger countertops, though it tends to be more expensive due to the added material and strength. The choice between the two depends on the desired aesthetic, functionality, and budget considerations for the space.

Mohs’ scale of hardness is a scale of 1-10 that geologists use to classify the hardness of a mineral. From a countertop perspective, the Mohs hardness scale provides insight into a material’s scratch resistance, helping to determine how well a surface will hold up under everyday use, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where countertops face a lot of wear and tear. Here’s a breakdown of common countertop materials by their Mohs hardness and what it means practically:

Marble (3-4): Marble is relatively soft, which means it can scratch easily and is also vulnerable to etching from acidic substances. This makes it less ideal for high-use kitchen surfaces unless cared for meticulously.

Soapstone (2.5-3): Soapstone is soft and easily scratched, though scratches can often be sanded out. It’s more suited to areas where a natural, lived-in look is desired.

Limestone (3-4): Similar to marble, limestone is also on the softer side and can scratch and stain easily without regular sealing and care. It’s more suitable for low-traffic areas or as an accent stone.

Granite (6-7): Granite is a hard, durable stone that’s highly scratch-resistant, making it a popular choice for kitchens. While it can still be scratched by harder materials, it generally holds up well with everyday use.

Quartz (7): Engineered quartz is made from natural quartz, one of the harder minerals on the scale, combined with resins. This makes quartz countertops scratch-resistant and highly durable, but they can still be damaged by hard objects or excessive heat.

Sintered Stone (7-8) and Porcelain (7): These materials are engineered to be highly durable, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant. They’re excellent for high-traffic kitchens and areas requiring robust surfaces.

Dekton (7-8): A blend of raw materials that include quartz, porcelain, and glass, Dekton is highly scratch-resistant and withstands high heat, making it one of the toughest options for countertops.

If you chip, scratch, or break your countertop, the extent of the damage and how it can be repaired depends on the material of your countertop:

Chips: Small chips can be repaired, especially in materials like granite, quartz, or solid surfaces. Professionals can use fillers or resin to fix chips and restore the surface’s appearance. However, deep or large chips may be more difficult to repair seamlessly.

Scratches: Light scratches on surfaces like quartz and granite are generally shallow and can often be buffed out by a professional. For materials like marble, scratches are more common, but they can be polished to reduce their appearance. For engineered surfaces like quartz, severe scratches may require more intensive repairs or even replacement of the affected section.

Breaks: A break or large crack is more challenging to fix. In natural stones like granite or marble, cracks can sometimes be repaired using resin and specialized techniques, but the repair may be visible. If the break is significant, the damaged piece may need to be replaced. For engineered stones like quartz, cracks are harder to repair, and the entire slab might need to be replaced.

Regular maintenance, like sealing and avoiding excessive impact, can help prevent chips and scratches.

Granite, marble, and quartzite countertops differ in texture, but they share similar properties, such as resistance to most household substances. Unlike marble and limestone, granite and quartzite are least affected by acids or alcohol, and they won’t be damaged by standing hot utensils or sharp knives. However, all stones are porous to some extent due to their granular construction. While granite has a lower chance of absorbing liquids, substances like beetroot, wine, and cooking oil, especially when hot, can potentially cause stains, particularly on marble. It’s important to clean up spills immediately with paper towels.

To reduce the absorption of liquids, we treat the surface with a proprietary sealer that penetrates the stone and fills microscopic voids between crystals. This process is done both in the factory after manufacturing and again before installation. While granite and quartzite are more resilient, marble and limestone are more susceptible to damage from acids, alcohol, and solvents. Care should be taken to quickly wipe up spills from fruit juices (especially lemon), wine, vinegar, beetroot, or nail polish, as these can leave permanent marks if not cleaned right away.

Sealing granite or marble is essential for protecting these natural stones from stains, etching, and other damage. Both granite and marble are porous to some extent, which means that without a protective sealant, liquids, oils, and other substances can seep into the stone, leading to stains and potential structural changes.

Here’s a quick overview of why sealing is important:

Stain Resistance: Sealing fills the pores in granite and marble, making it harder for liquids like wine, oil, or juice to penetrate. Unsealed marble, for instance, is particularly prone to staining.

Protection Against Etching: Marble, being calcium-based, is especially susceptible to etching when it comes into contact with acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar. A sealant adds a layer of protection that reduces this risk.

Easier Maintenance: With a sealed surface, spills are easier to clean up, as liquids tend to bead up on the surface rather than soak in.

Durability: Sealing adds to the longevity of the stone by reducing wear from everyday use, particularly in high-traffic areas like kitchens.

Granite usually needs to be sealed once a year, but this depends on the specific stone and how it’s used. Marble may require more frequent sealing, especially in spaces with higher exposure to spills. The best way to check if a stone needs sealing is the “water test”: if water on the surface darkens the stone within 10-15 minutes, it’s time to reseal.

It’s generally not recommended to place hot pots and pans directly on countertops, as most materials can suffer damage. Granite and quartzite are heat-resistant but can develop stress fractures with repeated exposure; quartz, with its resins, risks melting or discoloring; and marble may discolor or etch. Laminate and solid surfaces are vulnerable to warping or burning, while Dekton, porcelain, and sintered stone are highly heat-resistant and may better tolerate hot items. However, even with durable materials, using trivets or hot pads is the best practice to preserve countertop surfaces.

Overall, countertop materials that rank 6 or higher on the Mohs scale, such as granite, quartz, Dekton, and porcelain, are more scratch-resistant and generally more suitable for kitchens and high-use areas. Softer stones like marble and limestone, while beautiful, may require extra care and are best suited for low-traffic or decorative areas.