When recommending different counter surfaces to clients, it’s hard not to choose a surface based on looks alone. While marble may look elegant with your kitchen color choice, it may not be practical for the client’s budget or their needs. It’s important to understand a surface’s cost, durability, and maintenance before suggesting it to a client.

Granite

Granite has been one of the most popular counter surfaces in recent years due to its uniqueness and durability. Since it’s a natural stone, each granite slab is different in pattern, appearance, and size. Granite countertops should be recommended to clients who have a lot of kitchen and counter traffic since they are durable, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and heat- and water-resistant when sealed. Granite countertops are on the more expensive side and can break easily when exposed to excessive stresses during transportation or installation. To keep costs down, granite countertops would be best in kitchens that don’t have a lot of counter space.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are typically made of quarried slabs of natural stone, but due to a newly engineered material, quartz can be created through a manufacturing process that mixes around 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. Quartz countertops are the perfect mesh between the easy care of a solid surface and the eye-catching appearance of stone. Unlike natural stone, quartz is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Although appealing, quartz doesn’t have the natural color assortment of granite, making it more evident that it’s an engineered product. Like granite, quartz is on the more expensive side and should be recommended to clients who have less counter space to cover.

Marble

Marble has been the go-to countertop choice when trying to achieve a bright, timeless look. Marble countertops should be recommended to clients who do a lot of baking since marble is naturally cool and doesn't conduct heat well. Although some rare marble is expensive, the more common marble, Carrara, is fairly inexpensive for a natural countertop. Since marble countertops are so popular, they are widely available at any stone fabricator or yard. Marble countertops are prone to scratching and staining, especially when it comes to acidic fruits. This type would work best in kitchens that are low in traffic and don't require a lot of working counter space.

Laminate

Laminate countertops are among one of the most popular choices when it comes to remodeling a kitchen due to its availability and cost. Laminate should be recommended to homeowners who are looking to update their kitchen inexpensively and enjoy changing their kitchen decor every few years. Laminate countertops are easy to install for people who are do-it-yourselfers. Although affordable and easy to install and remove, laminate countertops are easy to damage. Hot pots and pans can easily melt the countertops and sharp knives can easily scratch the laminate.

Have any other tips on recommending countertops to clients? Leave us a comment and let us know what worked for you!