Granite has been a gold standard of countertop design for some time now. With its elegant yet durable design, and the fact that every slab of granite is uniquely different makes it a very attractive option for the discerning homeowner. Granite countertops is a sure fire winner to improve the look and feel of your Spokane kitchen remodel and increase the value of your home.
Granite countertop pros:

• Extremely durable
  
• Great variations and options in color and texture being a natural stone
  
• Essentially impervious to heat- a big bonus for the kitchen chef
  
• Low maintenance when sealed with newer, more durable sealer

Granite Countertop cons:

• It is a natural stone and will require periodic sealing to avoid stains
  
• Because it is a natural product there can be imperfections- they may add or detract to the look depending on your own opinion - we tend to like the variability and uniqueness
  
• Can be prone to crack if incorrectly installed- that’s where we come in as your granite countertop expert installers!

Another natural product is wood, usually as butcher block countertops. This is a very warm and inviting countertop material that lends a rustic or country feel to most kitchens, although when designed correctly it can fit into most any kitchen. Maple and Oak hardwoods are most commonly used.
Butcher Block Countertop Pros:

• Very unique and distinctive look
  
• Can be sanded and refinished lending a very long lifespan potential
  
• Will not wear down knives when used to cut directly on. This does lead to wear on the countertop from cutting but can be considered as more of a patina depending on personal preference
  

Butcher Block Cons:

• Wood is not as durable in general as other options because it is a softer material. However this is overcome with proper maintenance and care.
  
• Can be marked by knives
  
• Can be damaged by water stains over time. This is where it is important to follow care instructions we provide to protect the wood, particularly around water sources, and repair any leaks quickly.

A personal favorite of ours is classic stainless steel. Uber durable and with an industrial modern vibe, stainless steel has moved out of the commercial kitchen and into the homes of many aspiring chefs.
Stainless Steel Countertop Pros:

• Impervious to heat and very durable
  
• Easiest to clean and maintain
  
• Uniquely industrial look and feel
  
• Ability to install seamless with custom installation
  

Stainless Steel Countertop Cons:

• Requires custom fabrication
  
• Can scratch easily, though this is often considered part of the patina
  
• Can be a colder and more noisy surface

​Often considered the cheap option, laminate has seen a resurgence due to its many options for color and pattern. It has actually become popular for midcentury modern homes to add an authentic look. 
Laminate Countertop Pros:

• Relatively quite inexpensive
  
• Very low maintenance requirements
  
• Easier for DIY
  
• Custom edging and backsplash options are available
  

Laminate Countertop Cons:

• Still has a stigma as cheap- may not add value to your home
  
• Seams will be visible
  
• Not as durable- scratches and chips can be difficult to repair

Ah, marble countertops. They are beautiful and harken back to renaissance sculptures. A natural stone that is considered a very premium product, no two sheets of marble are exactly the same. Due to its expense it is usually used as an accent on an island. 
Marble Countertop Pros:

• Beautiful and with veining that is unique to each slab
  
• Naturally heat proof and waterproof
  
• Will definitely add a premium feel and increase value of home
  

Marble Countertops Cons:

• Higher $$ of materials and installation
  
• Prone to scratches and difficult to repair
  
• Porous material that can stain easily, though modern sealers help

​Quartz, aka Engineered Stone, is rapidly becoming a favorite countertop surface and for good reason. It is very durable and does well under high use scenarios. Quartz is an engineered stone, sort of an updated marble or granite. Available in a wide range of colors, some actually do a pretty good job of imitating granite and marble.
A similar product containing recycled glass in resin is another option that performs similarly
Quartz Countertop Pros:

• Resists staining and scratching. Is waterproof and heatproof
• Slabs are engineered so uniform in appearance and custom fit
• Easy maintenance with no sealing required

Quartz Countertop Cons:

• Countertops are quite heavy and need solid foundation
• Material is still on the expensive end of countertop materials

Ceramic and porcelain tile has come a long way since the yellow and green 4x4 tile of the 70’s. Today’s tile come in a wide range of shapes, styles, and designs. Ceramic and porcelain countertops are very durable, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive. 
Ceramic Tile Countertop Pros:

• Durable, waterproof, heat proof and easy to clean and maintain
• Come in a wide variety of styles and color
  
• Easy installation makes DIY possible
  

Ceramic Tile Countertop Cons:

• Tiles can crack under impact. Relatively easy to replace though
  
• Grout lines can stain and be difficult to clean. Plus, you have grout lines
  
• Not as show stopping as other high end materials