Did you know that climate has a very real impact on residential and commercial structures? Everything from precipitation to temperature and humidity can affect how a home performs over many decades. It is not something people tend to think about when choosing countertop materials. We aim to change that.
Choosing the right countertop material for Utah’s climate starts with considering our state’s unique weather and environmental factors. When we compare those factors with a variety of materials, we end up with some obvious choices.
The Basics of Utah’s Climate
Our climate is classified as dry and semi-arid. Under the right conditions, it even leans toward a desert climate. We are one of the driest states in the union with exceptionally low humidity. As a Utah resident, you also know that our summers are dry and hot, and our winters can be very cold.
The nature of our geology combines with climate to create the perfect storm for dust and particulate pollution, especially during winter inversion events. And because our precipitation is mostly light, building materials need to be able to tolerate temperature extremes and dry air.
How It All Impacts Countertop Materials
What does all this climate stuff mean to countertop materials in Utah? Let us look at three things in more detail:
1. Heat Resistance and Durability
Utah countertops need to be capable of withstanding both kitchen and climatological heat. Granite and quartz are ideal in this regard. Granite is naturally heat resistant, while quartz, as a manufactured product, stands up to both heat and things that stain, scratch, etc. On the other hand, more porous materials may suffer in the Utah heat.
2. Moisture and Humidity Resistance
Concerns over both moisture and humidity are less of a problem in the Beehive State. Because we are so dry, we can get away with more moisture-sensitive materials. Still, kitchen countertops need to stand up to occasional changes in humidity.
This brings us right back to granite and quartz. Humidity and moisture are never a problem for quartz. As for granite, humidity is not a problem as long as it is properly sealed. Marble also works well, but it requires more maintenance to stay ahead of spills and potential stains.
3. Maintenance Considerations
Quartz is ideal for Utah’s climate in so many respects because it is a low-maintenance material that only requires routine cleaning. Granite and marble both require more maintenance. If choosing between the two based on climate alone, granite is a better option than marble.
The challenge with marble is its porosity. The Utah climate, combined with the naturally abusive nature of a typical kitchen, dictates that you need to stay ahead of a marble countertop. If you don’t mind a little more work, marble is a beautiful material that works well in the modern kitchen.
Aesthetic Integration
Finally, many of our customers want countertop materials that integrate seamlessly with Utah’s natural environment. We get at. The Beehive State is a great place to live and raise a family. It is also one of the most beautiful states of all.
Utah’s colors and patterns align nicely with granite in both golden brown and darker gray shades. Marble is generally cooler, so it aligns more aesthetically with urban areas as opposed to rural. And quartz can be made to look like just about anything. So it’s all on the table from an aesthetic standpoint.
Utah’s climate is interesting, to say the least. If you live in this great state and are looking for new countertops, we recommend taking a serious look at granite and quartz.
