Best countertop and backsplash pros near Port Huron, MI

It is not recommended to put a hot pan directly on a marble countertop. While marble is heat-resistant, it is not completely heat-proof, and extreme or prolonged exposure to high heat can cause discoloration, cracking, or chipping. Pans may also scratch or nick the surface. To protect your countertop and maintain its integrity, always use trivets or hot pads. Note that faux marble finishes do not resist heat and require protection from hot items at all times.

For most homeowners, quartz and quartzite countertops are similar in price. The average quartz countertop installation costs $80 to $220 per square foot, while quartz countertops cost $70 to $200 per square foot. Of course, there are outliers, like if you choose a highly customized, rare natural stone with high-end finishes.

Porcelain is a relatively affordable, mid-range countertop material. It typically costs between $50 to $70 per square foot.

Compared to quartz, porcelain is slightly more affordable, as quartz generally ranges from $50 to $200 per square foot. However, lower-quality, builder's grade quartz can be similar in price to porcelain.

Compared to granite, the price can be similar, depending on the quality of the stone. While granite slabs can range from $50 to $200 per square foot, you can find lower-end granite in the same price range as porcelain. High-end granites will cost significantly more.

Porcelain is generally more expensive than laminate, acrylic, and ceramic, but less expensive than high-end slate, concrete, and marble. A key benefit is that porcelain does not require sealing, which reduces long-term maintenance costs.

The best way to save money on countertop installation is to choose an affordable material. For example, if you have a busy kitchen and need durability, choose a more affordable but lasting material like granite countertops. Likewise, if you don't use your countertops often, you can use a softer material that costs less than more sturdy ones. 

Another way to cut costs is to remove and dispose of the existing countertops yourself, if possible. That way, countertop installers can get straight to placing the new feature, reducing labor costs.