Discover your different kitchen countertop options

Are you shopping for a new countertop for your kitchen or bathroom? There are many options on the market, offering a wide variety of looks, prices, durability, and ease of maintenance. In this article, discover the different types of countertops available, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, so you can make the right choice based on your budget and needs.

Countertops tiled with ceramic or porcelain tiles: an economical and durable option

Tiled countertops with profiles for a complete finish | Tiled countertop without profiles with Habitat ceramic tiles, Glacier color.

Porcelain or ceramic tile countertops are worth considering, as they offer a host of advantages. Available in a wide range of sizes, the choice of colors and patterns is also breathtaking! Some models look just like wood, while others are identical to natural stone.

Depending on the tile you choose, it is usually the most economical option. It offers excellent value for money! Note that if you want profiles for a better finish, the cost of your countertop will be higher.

Porcelain is more resistant to impact and contaminants than ceramic. It may therefore be wise to opt for porcelain if you want to focus on durability. Also, opt for matte tiles, as they are more scratch-resistant than glossy tiles.

Although ceramic and porcelain are generally easy to maintain, it is important to consider the maintenance of the joints if you choose this option for your countertops. To make maintenance easier, we highly recommend choosing larger tiles and opting for epoxy grout. This will reduce the number of joints and make maintenance much easier! We also recommend choosing smooth tiles without relief to make cleaning your countertop easier. Adding a sealant may also be recommended, depending on the tile you choose.

It is important to keep in mind that most countertops are 25“ deep, while most tiles are 24” in size, so it is not possible to simply use a full tile to cover the entire depth of your countertop. You will need to plan for cuts... and waste!

Discover our ceramics and porcelain here

Porcelain tile countertops: unmatched style and durability

Porcelain countertops: Marvel Onyx, color Black | Jasper Grey | Étoile, color Renoir

Porcelain tile countertops are majestic. Several classic options such as marble patterns or stone effects are available. They are more expensive, but once installed, you won't have to think about them again for decades! They are very durable (heat, impact, and scratch resistant) and very easy to maintain. An excellent long-term choice!

Engineered stone countertops: the ultimate in durability

Engineered stones such as quartz and Dekton are highly valued for their durability, but they have a reputation for being expensive. The reality is that prices vary considerably. Some are more affordable than others, depending on the complexity required to create the finished product.

Manufacturers classify their products into groups, with group 0 being the most affordable and group 8 being the most expensive. With the help of our advisors, you can check this index to start your research if you have a more limited budget.

Quartz

Quartz countertops in Calacatta Extra, Embrace, and Et Noir colors.

Quartz is a popular choice for countertops because it offers a wide variety of colors and patterns, and it is possible to have a Canadian quartz countertop. When you want a local option, it's the ideal solution! It should be noted that quartz is less resistant than Dekton. Although it is durable, it is important to always use trivets, as it does not withstand heat well. Light colors can also stain more easily if not cleaned quickly and properly, such as with spills from coffee, wine, or certain spices.

Discover our quartz countertops here

Ultra-compact surfaces such as Dekton

Dekton countertops, Laurent, Onirika Trance, and Grigio colors.

Dekton is the new favorite of many interior design professionals because of its beauty and durability. It is even a carbon-neutral product! It is extremely resistant to abrasion, scratches, thermal shock, and stains. If you want to focus on durability, this is the option to consider! It is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns. The only drawback is its price, which is not within reach for smaller budgets. Dekton is on average 20% more expensive than quartz.

Discover our Dekton countertops here

Micro-concrete countertops: the latest trend!

Micro-concrete countertops, colors Pearl, Arabiaca, and Aluminum.

Micro-concrete countertops are very new to the market and are gaining popularity. This coating is a real star on Instagram! It's a great option for people who want to give their kitchen a makeover themselves, quickly and easily. In fact, you can even cover your existing countertop with a layer of micro-concrete. Although it's easy to apply and adheres very well, it's still a DIY project for those who enjoy doing their own home improvement. Note that only a few colors are available and that the uneven finish of the surface may make it a little less easy to maintain. Bonus: it's a Canadian-made product! All in all, it's a coating that will give your room a very “Pinterest” look!

Discover our micro-concrete here

Counters for all needs

As you can see, there are many countertop options to choose from. Be sure to identify your needs and preferences before you begin shopping. Here is a comparison chart to help you review your various countertop options at a glance, including their features, advantages, and disadvantages:

	Price	Durability and ease of maintenance	Variety of looks	Size	Thickness
Porcelain or ceramic tile, without profile	$	ü	üüü	Varied, but may require trimming and losses	Depending on the substrate and the tiles chosen
Porcelain or ceramic tile, with profile	$$	ü	üüü	Varied, but may require trimming and losses	Depending on the profile selected
Porcelain tile	$$$	üü	üü	≈ 5’ X 10’	½’’, sometimes ¾’’.
Quartz	$$$	üü	üüü	≈ 5’ X 10’	¾’’ or 1 ¼’’
Dekton	$$$$	üüü	üü	≈ 5’ X 10’	¾’’
Micro-concrete	$	ü	ü	No restrictions	A few millimeters

 

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Porcelain or ceramic tile, without profile	Economical Heat resistant Stain resistant Wide variety of looks Can be done yourself	Depth restrictions with the most common tile formats (12“ x 24” and 24“ x 24”) Less attractive finish than with profiles Requires special maintenance of grout joints Polished tiles are less resistant to scratches
Porcelain or ceramic tile, with profile	Economical Heat resistance Stain resistance Wide variety of looks Can be done yourself	Depth restrictions with the most common tile sizes (12“ x 24” and 24“ x 24”) More expensive than without profiles Requires special maintenance of grout joints Polished tiles are less resistant to scratches
Porcelain tile	Heat resistance Stain resistance Very easy to maintain Thinner than quartz or Dekton	Polished porcelain tiles are less resistant to scratches The choice is more limited in a thickness of ¾"
Quartz	Easy to maintain Wide variety of looks Several Canadian options	No heat resistance Light colors are more prone to staining
Dekton	Ultra-resistant (stains, impacts, scratches, heat, etc.) Very easy to maintain Carbon neutral	More expensive
Micro-concrete	Economical Quick and easy installation on existing flooring Made in Canada	Less durable Uneven and rough finish Limited color selection

Please feel free to make an appointment with one of our advisors or visit us directly in store. We will be happy to help you turn your dreams into reality.