With so many different options on the market, selecting a countertop can seem difficult and overwhelming. To help you sort through all the information and assist you in making the perfect choice, Artisan Group offers this Countertop Buying Guide.
Granite
Granite is the countertop material that defines elegance in a kitchen. The exquisiteness of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen. In kitchens and bathrooms where durability and stain resistance is of the utmost importance, the resilience of granite makes it a practical choice. No other material lasts longer or looks more elegant. Granite is a superb choice for any project inside or outside including walls and floors.
Advantages of Granite:
- Natural
- Heat, scratch and stain resistant and nearly impossible to damage with simple, proper care and cleaning
- Looks and feels permanent and substantial
- Lasts a lifetime
- Maintenance-free
- Second-highest hardness rating after diamonds
- Has a high value to homebuyers
- Chemical resistant
Wood
Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm and inviting look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. If you’re looking for a sustainable countertop, reclaimed wood is a great option because it complies with LEED standards and is the most eco-friendly of countertops.
Wood is one of the more sanitary products for the kitchen, with inherent properties to protect it from bacteria build-up. Maintenance is required, including regular mineral oil treatments, particularly near the sink. Wood oxidizes over time, so some wood countertops may change their color a bit. Wood countertops are considered easy to repair. When they need refreshing, most only require a bit of sanding with a 220 fine-grit sandpaper and re-oiling.
Advantages of Wood
- Natural with many eco-friendly options
- Easy to clean
- Provides a smooth, even surface
- Warm appearance and renewable surface
- Very sanitary with inherent anti-bacterial properties
- Won’t dull knife blades; great for cooking
- Provides a convenient, built-in chopping/food prep area
- After heavy usage, most knife marks and deeper scratches can be removed by sanding and re-oiling
- Works well with undermount sinks
Soapstone
Long a preferred choice for kitchen countertops, soapstone brings together the best of style, function and versatility.
Contrasting patterns and shading add to the stone’s natural beauty, imparting a unique appearance that can never be exactly
duplicated. Quarried naturally with absolutely no synthetics, Saratoga Soapstone by Artisan Group offers a unique, soft
color with light flowing veins in five distinctive colors: Hudson Ash, Mineral Black, Saratoga Black, Stillwater Grey and
Vineyard Green. When oiled, soapstone exhibits an even more dramatic color variation. Soapstone is practically indestructible,
requires almost no maintenance and adds elegance and enduring value to any project. It is not necessary to use oil or sealers
on Saratoga Soapstone, but for those who prefer an enhanced patina effect, Saratoga Wax will bring out a dark richness to the stone’s natural color.
Advantages of Soapstone
- Natural: Soapstone is quarried naturally with no synthetics; composed primarily of talc, chlorite, dolomite and magnetite.
- Heat Resistant: No damage is caused when hot pans or dishes are placed on surface.
- Stain Resistant: Soapstone is inert, meaning acids and alkalis will not harm the surface and normal household items will not stain.
- Versatile: Easier to cut and shape than marble or granite, so joints can be made inconspicuous.
- Unique: Offers a unique, soft color with light flowing veins. When oiled, soapstone exhibits an even more dramatic color variation.