Planning A Fairfax Kitchen Remodeling Project? Check Out Our Countertop Guide!

Choosing between countertop materials for your Fairfax kitchen remodeling project can be challenging. There are countless types of materials available, and each has pros and cons. Price, durability, and aesthetic are likely high on your list of considerations but finding the perfect material may require a balance of all three.

We’ve selected our top four countertop materials and are breaking down the qualities that make them great—and where they fall short.

Granite

For decades, granite has been a popular material for countertops—and for good reason. Granite adds luxury and elegance to any kitchen and comes in a variety of colors and styles. Plus, due to the increase in available material options and a dip in demand, the historically high cost of this natural stone has slightly decreased in recent years.

Pros:

  • Low maintenance
  • Durable
  • Heat resistant
  • Available in a variety of colors and styles
  • Adds value to home

Cons:

  • Can be expensive
  • Susceptible to stains
  • Slabs may be naturally flawed
  • A porous stone which requires sealing
granite kitchen countertop

Marble

This natural stone is stunningly gorgeous. Each slab of marble is a work of art containing unique striations and veining. But with such beauty comes a hefty price tag. Some homeowners offset the cost by using marble as an accent countertop on an island. With this in mind, marble is still a risky choice for highly active kitchens due to its susceptibility to scratching and staining.

Marble kitchen countertop

Pros:

  • Adds value to home
  • Heat proof and waterproof
  • Beautiful and unique

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Susceptible to stains and scratches
  • A porous stone which requires sealing

Quartz

Engineered quartz countertops are virtually maintenance-free and are designed to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen. Made to be stain, scratch, heat, and impact resistant, the man-made patterning of quartz can be a convincing replica of even the most beautifully veined marble.

Pros:

  • Very low maintenance
  • Durable
  • Available in a variety of colors and styles
  • No flaws or imperfections
  • Highly customizable

Cons:

    • A pricier option
Falls Church Whole Home Remodel

Solid Surface

When cost is a prohibitive factor in your Fairfax kitchen remodel, solid surface countertops may be the answer. This man-made material can be crafted to mimic its stone counterparts at a fraction of the cost. While the tradeoff for lower price means less durability, we think this option is still a solid choice for countertops to achieve a high-end look within budget.

Pros:

  • Zero maintenance
  • Available in endless colors and styles
  • Generally inexpensive
  • Repairable if damaged
  • Highly customizable

Cons:

  • Susceptible to heat damage
  • Scratches easily

We firmly believe that any of these four leading countertop materials are sound options for your new Fairfax kitchen, but if you can’t decide, that’s okay! Our design consultants are standing by, ready to help you weigh the options and make the best choice for your project.

Contact us for more tips and recommendations for your Fairfax kitchen remodeling project!