The Difference Between Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

The Difference Between Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

When you plan the design for a remodeling project in your kitchen or bathroom, there are a variety of surface material options to choose from for your countertops. A few things to consider are the amount of traffic or use each room will have on a daily basis, whether you want to prioritize the look and design of the room or the durability and quality of the materials used, as well as your budget.



At Quest Interiors, we’ll help you consider each type of material, with various application possibilities, including kitchens and bathrooms to help you break down the pros and cons of each layout.



Marble

Pros of Using Marble

Marble is a hard, crystalline form of limestone making it a relatively natural option. Marble countertops automatically upgrade a space simply because of its historical associations with wealth and royalty in the past. There are now variations that make marble more affordable than it used to be. Marble also retains a low temperature, which is ideal for handling dough when baking.



Cons of Using Marble

Even though marble is a type of natural stone, it is softer than other stone types, making it more susceptible to stains and scratches. Additionally, the color choice for marble countertops is limited due to them usually being white with streaks of gray (although there are more colors with the newer manufactured varieties).



Marble in the Kitchen vs. Bathroom

It is recommended that marble countertops be used for bathrooms over kitchens. This is due to bathroom countertops going through less wear and tear daily than that of kitchen countertops. In addition, the softness of the stone leaves marble countertops in the kitchen exposed to scratching and stains - making it less than optimal.



Stainless Steel

Pros of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel seems historically associated with commercial kitchens, due to them being low maintenance. Stainless steel countertops offer your kitchen a modern and sophisticated look and they are easy to clean, letting you channel all of your creativity into the cooking.



Cons of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel can be susceptible to dents and scratches if not used properly. These countertops also can be noisy when using other metal cookware or appliances.



Stainless Steel in the Kitchen vs. Bathroom

For the easy maintenance and modern look and feel, we recommend stainless steel countertops for kitchens rather than bathrooms. Although some disagree, stainless steel countertops in the bathroom can come off as being too industrial.



Quartz

Pros of Quartz

Quartz countertops have an attractive appearance and finish, and come in a wide variety of colors. This is convenient for matching any existing decor or styling in the house. Having a similar polished appearance to marble, quartz countertops add resale value to your home. Furthermore, it’s non-porous, so it’s resistant to bacteria and viruses.



Cons of Quartz

Quartz is actually sensitive to heat, so you’ll want to avoid setting hot pots or pans down on its surface. Quartz countertops can be expensive, so you’ll want to consult with our team of professionals at Quest Interiors about your decision before ordering an entire slab for your kitchen or bathroom.



Quartz in the Kitchen Vs. Bathroom

Due to the sensitivity to heat and the cost of quartz countertops, it is recommended that they be used for bathrooms over kitchen spaces.



Granite

Pros of Granite

Granite is a natural stone material that can also be tinted to any color. When sealed, granite countertops become very resistant to damage or moisture. Moreover, it simply looks elegant and also adds resale value to your home.



Cons of Granite

Like quartz countertops, granite can be expensive, so it’s not as budget-friendly as other material options. It’s also very heavy, so it must be installed by professionals and isn’t DIY-friendly unless it’s in tile form.



Granite in the Kitchen Vs. Bathroom

Granite is a material that will work for either the kitchen or the bathroom. However because of the aesthetic appeal, added resale value, and practicality of installation we recommend that if you are going to use granite countertops, it be in the kitchen space.



There are other materials to choose from for your new countertops, but we’ve touched on some of the most popular options. Give us a call if you’d like a consultation for your own kitchen or bathroom. We’d be happy to assist you with deciding between the various material options! Contact us today or visit us at our Oshkosh or Fond du Lac locations!