Countertops

When considering popular countertop materials, concrete has always been a competitor on that list. For years, most people preferred concrete slabs over other materials for their trending traits. From modern industrial appeal to its minimalist beauty and versatility, it seems to be the winning option.

However, in recent years, things have taken a turn. Concrete slabs are becoming less and less popular. Mainly because of problems that come with these slabs and a new competitor that has better alternatives. Enter into the ring, quartz.

A concrete look alike quartz has concrete slab’s good qualities, but eliminating the bad ones, and adding all the good attributes quartz has to offer.

Quartz slabs have gained popularity when it comes to upgrading kitchen countertops and bathrooms. And for good reason. If remodeling your kitchen is in your future, you should certainly consider quartz slabs.

But what makes quartz countertops better than concrete? And are less or more costly?

Let’s dive in and see the benefits of choosing quartz over concrete.

Why Choose Quartz Over Concrete?

While concrete offers unique qualities for a kitchen, bar, or bathroom countertop, quartz is the better opponent. Concrete slabs are available in many colors, designs, shapes, and textures. Quartz slabs offer all of these qualities too and much more.

1. Quartz Can Mimic Any Material.

This is the most attractive feature of quartz material when creating a bar, laundry, or kitchen countertop. Whether you want the look of concrete, (or marble, or granite for that matter) quartz allows you just that but with all of the qualities of quartz.

2. Quick Installation and Cost

Quartz countertops are comparatively easy and straightforward to install and take just a few hours to complete, depending on the size and design. Another perk, with a quartz countertop, you get to start using it immediately. Concrete countertops, meanwhile, take between 5 and 7 days to cure. The surfaces subsequently need to dry out for another couple of days before they’re ready to use. Yes, there are variants that dry faster, but they still take up to two days.

While looking at the main differences between concrete and quartz countertops, both of these materials can be considerably costly as they are among the higher end surfaces.

However, concrete can be even more expensive due to the complexity and duration of its installation.

3. Minimal Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, quartz countertops wins with a knock-out. They are considerably easy to maintain. They are non-porous, meaning they need zero sealing, and they don’t absorb water and won’t attract stains.

Also, due to their considerably hard surface, they are hard to scratch or chip off. This means that your countertop remains smooth, chic, and attractive even through regular daily use.

4. Durability

Since quartz countertops are hard, non-porous, and highly resistant to heat, they tend to be significantly durable. Offering the desired appearance for the longest period of time, quartz is a great option for kitchen, bar, and bathroom countertops. Concrete is susceptible to stains and scratches. You can seal them, but even sealed concrete will show marking and stains.

5. Versatility and Beauty

Quartz countertops can be manufactured and customized in a myriad of colors, textures, and patterns. This gives you the flexibility to choose a slab that matches your interior and offers exceptional beauty and value.

For example, quartz slabs can be made to offer different edge designs, similar to a natural stone. In terms of colors and patterns, these unique surfaces allow you to achieve that trendy concrete countertop look.

With Quartz countertops being all the rage right now, a lot of people ask, which Quartz Colors look like Concrete countertops? Below you will find some of our most popular Concrete-looking Quartz countertop Colors.

Airy Concrete
Topus Concrete
Cloudburst Concrete
Raw Concrete
Rugged Concrete
Fresh Concrete
Sleek Concrete
Blue Savoy

If you would like to see any of these in person, we invite you to stop by our showroom in Austin at 11102 Bluff Bend Dr. Or give us a call for a personal appointment at (512) 829-3857.

Both the kitchen and bathroom are two of the most important spaces in any home—serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. When it’s time to revamp or renovate these areas, homeowners are faced with myriad choices. Countertops are one such consideration, as they play a pivotal role in both the functionality and style of these rooms.

Countertops are not merely surfaces for food preparation or toiletry storage; they have the power to elevate the entire ambiance of a kitchen or bathroom. Striking the right balance between function and style is essential, as these spaces must be efficient workstations while also reflecting the style and preferences of the homeowner.

From selecting the right material to understanding the importance of durability, maintenance, and design trends, there are several considerations to explore when selecting new countertops.

In this blog post, we will uncover some helpful tips and insights to empower homeowners to make more informed decisions and create spaces that are both visually captivating and effortlessly practical.

Kitchen Countertops Functionality

Kitchen countertops are some of the most used surfaces in the entire home. These surfaces need to be able to withstand the daily wear and tear of food preparation, cooking, and cleaning, while also providing a suitable workspace for various tasks.

Since durability is key for kitchen counters, granite is one of the most popular choices. It’s a natural stone that’s resistant to heat and scratches, and it can add a layer of depth and intrigue to any kitchen area.

Quartz is also prized for its durability. Quartz is a nonporous, engineered stone that’s similarly resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture. Quartz countertops are also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, meaning homeowners can easily find a style that matches their design vision.

Ultimately, the “best” kitchen countertop material will depend on personal preferences, budget, and needs. But homeowners should consider factors like durability, heat resistance, and maintenance requirements when selecting their new kitchen countertops. Finding a material looks great is only half the battle; it needs to be able to withstand the test of time as well.

Versatile, Functional Bathroom Counters

Functionality is just as important for bathroom countertops as it is for kitchen countertops. Bathroom surfaces must be able to withstand frequent exposure to moisture, humidity, and daily use while providing a practical, stylish workspace. Some countertop materials are better at this than others.

One popular choice is marble, a natural stone that adds an element of luxuriousness and sophistication to any bathroom. Marble is resistant to heat and provides a smooth surface that’s well-suited for various tasks.

Quartz is another great option for bathroom spaces—its nonporous nature makes it exceptionally resistant to stains and moisture, making it more hygienic and easier to maintain. And as mentioned above, it comes in innumerable colors and styles, which means homeowners can more easily find a color or pattern that aligns with their design preferences.

Additionally, if your bathroom is smaller, you might consider choosing a lighter or brighter countertop material to create the illusion of more space. Conversely, if your bathroom is more spacious, you might consider using a darker material to make the room feel warmer and more inviting.

Time to Upgrade Your Home’s Countertops?

When remodeling or renovating your kitchen or bathroom, the role of countertops should not be overlooked. And choosing the right countertop material is crucial, so homeowners must carefully consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements, and overall aesthetic appeal. Whether you prefer the elegance of marble, the durability of quartz, or the boldness of granite, there are numerous options available to suit every taste and budget.

To explore a broad selection of high-quality countertop materials and discover the perfect fit for your kitchen or bathroom, contact us today. Our website offers a wealth of information, stunning design ideas, and a diverse selection of prime countertop materials.

Countertops are a crucial aspect of any kitchen or bathroom design because they serve as a functional workspace as well as an aesthetic focal point. Homeowners interested in remodeling or renovating these spaces often gravitate toward natural stone countertop materials like granite, marble, and soapstone. These natural stone materials are durable, provide unique and beautiful patterns, and last a long time when properly maintained.

Granite is beloved for its heat resistance and deep, rich colorations. Marble offers a more classical, refined look that makes it a prime choice for many luxury homes. And soapstone has a softer, subdued finish that is both easy to maintain and modern looking.

In this blog post, we’ll compare these three natural stone options (granite vs. marble vs. soapstone) to help you make an informed decision when selecting countertop materials for your living space.

Best Natural Stone Countertops

Many homeowners prefer natural stone countertops over other engineered countertop materials because natural stone offers alluring and truly unique patterns that cannot be replicated with engineered stone. Additionally, natural stone is generally more durable and resistant to heat and scratches than many engineered materials.

In this section, we’ll cover some of the basics about each natural stone and highlight their advantages and disadvantages:

Granite

There’s a reason why granite is consistently among the top choices for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. Firstly, granite is a hard, durable natural stone that is resistant to scratches, heat, and moisture, making it an ideal material for kitchens and bathrooms. Granite countertops are also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and homeowners can generally find something that aligns with their design goals.

Granite is also easy to clean and maintain; most granite countertops only require periodic sealing to protect against stains and other blemishes. And lastly, granite is an eco-friendly option because it’s a natural stone that can be recycled.

Marble

For elegant, luxurious design themes, marble countertops are unmatched. One of the main advantages of marble is its timeless beauty and one-of-a-kind veining, which offers a decadent feel to any space. And despite marble’s softer nature, it’s still a highly durable stone that can withstand heat and last for over a lifetime with proper maintenance.

Marble is also naturally cool, which makes it an ideal material for kitchen countertops (especially for baking and pastry-making). Additionally, marble is easy to clean and can be restored relatively easily if the surface ever becomes scratched or stained. And while marble can be more expensive than some other options, its aesthetic and durability make it a highly desirable option for homeowners seeking a high-end, sumptuous countertop material.

Soapstone

Soapstone countertops are generally less known than granite or marble, but they still offer a distinctive look for any kitchen or bathroom design. Soapstone offers a soft, matte finish which can provide a rustic, natural look. And despite its softer nature, soapstone is highly durable and resistant to heat and abrasions. Not only that, but soapstone is also nonporous, which means it’s especially resistant to stains and bacteria or mold growth.

Soapstone is also easy to maintain, requiring only an occasional application of mineral oil in order to maintain its luster. Because of its durability, unique appearance, and easy maintenance, soapstone countertops are a great choice for both kitchens and bathrooms alike.

Granite vs. Marble vs. Soapstone

Sometimes homeowners know they would prefer a natural stone but aren’t sure which material to choose. Granite is the hardest and most durable of the three, while marble is softer than granite and known for its classic, elegant look (although marble generally requires more maintenance than granite). Soapstone is the softest and most matte of the three options, offering a rustic, natural appearance that is practically effortless to maintain.

While all three have their own advantages and disadvantages, natural stone is a great choice for high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re interested in renovating your living space and increasing the value of your home, consider working with True Blue Surfaces. For quality materials and excellent customer service, there’s no better countertop company in the greater Central Texas area.