As set forth in a previous blog The New No. 1 Counter Choice, Quartz is purportedly the most popular counter top material used by U.S. remodelers. Quartz is an engineered stone, composed of crushed quartzite and resins. Granite is used widely in the metro Phoenix area, and rivals quartz in popularity here. But they aren’t the only choices. Solid surface (Corian is a brand name) is a mix of acrylic particles and resins, and is now used mostly in mid range kitchen remodeling projects. Some higher end renovations are using the natural stone component of Quartz: Quartzite. Quartzite is similar in look to marble and onyx, and provides a surface that is as heat resistant and scratch resistant as Granite. All other counter tip forms, such as butcher block, concrete and tile are much less desirable in the Valley of the Sun.
