When it comes to choosing a great countertop option for your home, two of the most popular options are quartz and laminate. While both have their naysayers and staunch fans, it is undeniable that both offer their own fair share of strong qualities. If you are looking for something for your home, it can be hard to know which to choose from, especially if you are new to this area of interior design. Here are three things you need to know about the major differences between these two famous countertops so that you can make a more informed decision.

Aesthetic Choice

Laminate countertops come in a huge variety of choices because they are not found naturally; they are created and are therefore synthetic materials. Quartz, while refined, is still very much a natural material with beautiful patterns that are unique and hard to replicate in any setting. If you want a more refined and elegant look, it is hard to deny the muted, natural color palette of quartz countertops combined with their individual patterns. However, if you are more interested in a completely customizable surface that can come in almost any color or shape, the laminate might be your best bet.

Strength

Countertops are, after all, meant to be used in the preparation of food (and often in the consumption of it as well!) so it is important you get a material that can handle the rigors of your kitchen. Quartz is generally known to be more durable and better resistant to scratches, heavy weights, and high temperatures, all of which are crucial in a kitchen. Laminate, on the other hand, has a more moderate performance as a strong asset in your kitchen, which is countered by its lower price tag. It is not terrible by any means, but it cannot compete with quarts on a purely utilitarian level.

Ongoing Maintenance

Laminate has good durability and maintains its look for years on end, but it does require you to be quite pragmatic with how you care for it. You can't let it get too dirty or else this debris could cause major scratches and divets that could seriously damage it over time. Quartz is, on the whole, easier to care for as it is less likely for material to stick to it and it can be cleaned with a simple wet cloth after meal preparation. While there are benefits to laminate countertops, such as their price, major customization options, and unique looks, quartz countertops are simpler, stronger, and overall sturdier while also being quite beautiful. 

For more information on quartz countertops, contact a company near you.