Things to Consider When Choosing Countertops

Countertops are a defining feature in gourmet kitchens around the San Antonio area. They provide a clean workspace for meal preparation and tie each element of the open floor plan together with sleek, stylish granite or quartz. How do you find the right countertop for your custom home in the Texas Hill Country? Weston Dean Custom Homes put together a list of things to consider when choosing countertops for your new kitchens and bathrooms.

Benefits of granite countertops

Granite is a natural material, mined from quarries around the world in large slabs, then cut and polished. This means that each piece is naturally unique and can offer a one-of-a-kind element to your home. Of course, that means your own countertops may not match perfectly if you use them in multiple locations, but they can still coordinate with a larger color scheme.

Another reason why granite is popular for countertops is its heat resistance. This is due to the porous material’s ability to disperse heat from cookware. However, granite has its own weaknesses too, allowing staining if spilled liquids sit too long or damage after a hard hit.

This material does require some extra attention including resealing every year. Day-to-day homeowners can use soap and water or mild cleaners to keep countertops looking their best.

Benefits of quartz countertops

Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is a slightly synthetic material combining 95 percent ground natural quartz and five percent polymer resins. It has exploded in popularity because of its easily customizable design with a number of colors and patterns to match your preference.

Since quartz is a solid material, it is nearly indestructible and largely antimicrobial. This makes it a smart and healthy solution for busy households. It also does not require future resealing. Soap and water or mild cleaning agents can manage small spills. Quartz’s biggest weakness is that it can be damaged by excessive heat, so make sure to always use heating pads under pots and pans.  

Making your decision

Granite and quartz countertops are fairly comparable when it comes to price depending on the thickness you choose. Standard options are 2cm (3.4”) or 3cm (1.25”) with unique profiles like bullnose, beveled, pencil and ogee.

Ultimately, the decision depends on you and your preferences. Think about how your family uses each space and which material best fits your needs. 

Weston Dean Custom Homes offers a variety of options for granite and quartz countertops that are available to review during your Design Decorator Meetings as part of the custom homebuilding process.

When you are ready to start designing your new home in San Antonio or the Hill Country, call (210) 408-9107 or contact us. Weston Dean Custom Homes builds in many of the area’s most popular communities or can build on your lot.