Midwest Surfaces
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    • Home
    • About
    • Gallery
    • Our Process
    • Countertops
    • Sinks
    • Edges
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Our Process
  • Countertops
  • Sinks
  • Edges
  • Contact Us

TYPES OF COUNTERTOPS

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are highly durable, non-porous, and low-maintenance, making them a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, and they don't require sealing. Additionally, quartz countertops come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and patterns, offering a range of aesthetic options.


  • Low Maintenance: Quartz is non-porous and requires no sealing, making it easy to clean and maintain. 
  • Stain Resistance: The non-porous surface makes quartz highly resistant to staining. 
  • Consistent Appearance: Quartz is manufactured with consistent color and patterns throughout the slab. 
  • Durability: Quartz is highly durable and resistant to scratches and chips. 
  • Cost: Can be more expensive than granite, but offers long-term cost savings due to low maintenance. 

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are known for their durability, heat resistance, and stain resistance. They are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to their ability to withstand everyday wear and tear, including scratches, heat, and spills. Properly sealed, granite countertops can be highly resistant to stains.


  • Natural Beauty: Granite is a natural stone with unique veining and color variations, offering a unique and timeless aesthetic. 
  • Durability: Granite is a hard and durable material, resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. 
  • Maintenance: Requires periodic sealing to prevent staining and to maintain its appearance. 
  • Cost: Can be more affordable than quartz, especially for less exotic varieties. 

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite countertops are a durable, low-maintenance natural stone with a unique combination of characteristics, including exceptional hardness, resistance to heat, stains, and scratches, and a beautiful, natural appearance. They are often compared to granite, but quartzite is even more durable and resistant.


  • Hardness: Quartzite is very hard, ranking high on the Mohs scale, making it resistant to scratches and etching. 
  • Heat Resistance: Quartzite can withstand high temperatures without damage, making it ideal for kitchen countertops where hot pots and pans are placed. 
  • Stain Resistance: Quartzite is generally stain-resistant, especially with proper sealing, but like all natural stones, it can be porous and prone to staining if not sealed. 
  • UV Resistance: Quartzite is more resistant to UV damage than granite, making it suitable for outdoor applications. 
  • Natural Appearance: Quartzite offers a natural, marble-like appearance with beautiful veining. 
  • Color and Veining: Quartzite is available in various colors and veining patterns, allowing for a wide range of design options. 
  • Versatility: It can be used in both kitchens and bathrooms. 

Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are known for their beauty, durability, and heat resistance, but also require regular maintenance due to their porous nature.They are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. Here's a more detailed look at marble countertop characteristics:


Pros:

  • Beauty and Aesthetics: Marble offers a unique and luxurious look, with variations in color and veining patterns. 
  • Durable: Marble is a natural stone and is resistant to cracking, scratching, and breaking. 
  • Heat Resistance: Marble can withstand heat, making it suitable for rolling out dough or placing hot cookware. 
  • Cool Surface: Marble stays cool, which is ideal for baking and food preparation. 
  • Versatile: Marble can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home. 

Cons:

  • Porous and Requires Sealing: Marble is porous and can absorb liquids and stains, so sealing is essential. 
  • High Maintenance: Marble requires regular cleaning and sealing to maintain its shine and prevent damage. 
  • Scratch Susceptibility: While durable, marble can be scratched, especially by metal objects. 
  • Staining Potential: Stains can be a concern, especially with light-colored marbles, so prompt cleaning is crucial. 
  • Cost: Marble countertops can be more expensive than other countertop materials. 
  • Acid Sensitivity: Marble is sensitive to acidic substances, which can cause etching or discoloration. 

Dolomite Countertops

Dolomite countertops are a durable, heat-resistant, and aesthetically versatile option for kitchens and bathrooms.While similar to marble in appearance, dolomite is harder, less porous, and more resistant to scratching and staining. Here's a more detailed look at their characteristics:


Durability and Resistance:

  • Hardness:Dolomite is harder than marble, making it more resistant to scratches and etching. 
  • Heat Resistance:It can withstand high temperatures without damage. 
  • Scratch Resistance:While not as scratch-proof as granite or quartzite, it's more resistant than marble. 
  • Porosity:Dolomite is less porous than marble, but still more absorbent than quartz or porcelain.This means it's important to seal it to prevent staining and etching. 

Appearance and Aesthetics:

  • Veining:Dolomite has prominent veining and streaked patterns, often seen in grays and whites, but can also include tans, pinks, browns, blacks, or greens. 
  • Versatility:It's versatile enough to complement both modern and traditional design trends. 
  • Aesthetic Appeal:It's often described as having a smooth texture and elegant, high-end look, similar to marble. 

Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain countertops are a durable, low-maintenance option for kitchens and bathrooms, known for their resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. They are non-porous, making them easy to clean and resistant to bacterial growth.Porcelain also offers a wide range of colors and designs, mimicking the look of natural stones and other materials. 

Here's a more detailed look at their characteristics:


  • Durability:Porcelain countertops are hard and durable, resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks.They can withstand heavy use and high-traffic areas. 
  • Heat Resistance:Porcelain countertops can withstand high temperatures, making them safe for hot pots and pans. 
  • Non-porous:The non-porous nature of porcelain prevents liquids from being absorbed, making them highly resistant to stains and easy to clean. 
  • Wide Range of Designs:Porcelain can be manufactured to mimic the look of various materials like natural stone, wood, or concrete, offering a wide range of aesthetics. 
  • Low Maintenance:Porcelain countertops are easy to clean and maintain, requiring no special cleaners or sealing. 
  • Hygienic:The non-porous nature of porcelain prevents bacterial growth, making it a hygienic surface for food preparation. 
  • Long-lasting:Porcelain countertops are known for their longevity, with a lifespan of up to 50 years or more. 
  • Thin and Lightweight:Porcelain can be fabricated into thin slabs, making it a lighter option than natural stone. 
  • Stain Resistance:Because porcelain is non-porous, it doesn't absorb liquids, making it resistant to stains. 
  • Scratch Resistance:Porcelain countertops are resistant to scratches, making them a good choice for busy families. 

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