So Many Choices! Finding the Right Countertop and Surfaces for Your Home
As you shop for new countertops and surfaces for your home, the following quick comparison chart may come in handy. These materials and others, such as stainless steel can be used in various areas, but not all.
Locations
Per Gina Flint at Tileco, Quartz and Quartzite are the surfaces most used in kitchens right now. The Quartzite gives a more natural look, as Quartz is manmade. At Tileco, pre-cut quartz countertops (26” x 110” with finished edges) are a real value and range from $61 to $66 per square foot with a prefinished edge. These tops will save expense in fabrication labor. I have stainless steel on my kitchen island and absolutely love it. It does scratch but after a while it becomes a part of the look!
“For bathrooms, most clients are selecting porcelain tile which requires the lowest maintenance. Tile is now available in new superior finishes and 24” x 48” pieces, which reduces the number of grout lines needed.” By the way, the grouts sold at Tileco are now all stain-resistant (vs the old cement grout that was easily stained). Porcelain panels are available for walls as well. White marble is also a popular choice for bathrooms.
Fireplace surrounds and hearths can be made of all types of materials, with the exception of Quartz (due to the heat from fireplaces). Travertine is the least expensive of the stones but is not as popular as it once was.
Price Point
Tile will, by far, be the least expensive material to purchase and install. It is not purchased in slab form, so there is less waste and is much easier to install than a slab, which is precut off-site. The porcelain industry has done a great job in advancing tile finishes. There are porcelain tiles available that look just like stone. Pictured is Tivoli Beige an Italian tile that is carried at Tileco. It looks just like travertine and comes in 24” x 48” pieces. Tivoli is what we are purchasing for the new home we are doing in Hope Ranch. Handmade ceramic tile is also very popular with beautiful colors and textures.
There can be some savings on slabs if you buy remnant pieces for small areas, such as a fireplace surround. Quartz prices do vary, based on the manufacturer and the color or pattern you pick. For Quartz, the big players are Ceaser Stone, Cambria, Silestone, and HansStone just to mention a few. Locally Tileco and Solid Rock are my go-to locations for samples.
Many thanks to Gina at Tileco, for help with this article.
Trudi
