Granite - One of the most popular
choices for kitchen counters. The stone is quarried and cut into
slabs. The slabs are then honed or polished. Honing results in a
flat (not shiny) appearance that minimizes the appearance of the
grain or texture of the stone. Much more popular is polishing, which
yields a glossy finish that highlights all the pattern of the stone.
Granite's appearance can be speckled, resemble wood grain, have large
color spots or a blend. You may be able to find bargains if you are
willing to purchase material that has been pre-cut and edged.
The down side is limited variety and edge detail choices.
Pros - Granite has an elegant appearance many feel is unmatched by
other materials. It is heat resistant and should stand up to hot dishes
straight from the stove or oven. It is scratch resistant although it
is advisable to use a cutting board (to avoid dulling knives). One
FDA study found granite to be second only to stainless steel in bacterial
resistance.
Cons - It must be resealed every year or two. It can crack. Acidic
spills should be wiped up right away to avoid damage. It can stain,
especially lighter colors. Fewer color choices than man-made materials.
Expensive.
Marble - Similar to granite but not
as resistant to heat, scratches, damage and especially stains. Marble
is much more popular for bathrooms, walls and floors because its durability
is better suited for those applications. Marble is not very resistant
to acids and chemicals and thus is easily etched or dulled. Use of
marble in a kitchen is usually limited to a baking counter or accent
piece, such as on an island.
Pros - Truly beautiful material with more colors than granite. Graceful
'movement" in the patterns. Fairly hard and heat resistant.
Cons - Very prone to chemical etching and dulling. More easily damaged
than granite. Very expensive. Fewer color choices than man-made materials.
Requires periodic resealing.
Concrete - This material has become
more popular in recent years. It can be stained in a myriad of colors
and formed into unique shapes. The surface can be given a polished
or honed finish. Many people mistakenly assume this material is inexpensive.
However, the extensive labor required to prep, install and finish make
it one of the most expensive options.
Pros - A unique look not found in other materials. Can be stained
in many colors. Can be formed into nearly any shape. Heat resistant
but less so than granite.
Cons - Cracks and chips are more likely than with granite. Material
can crack. Requires periodic resealing. Can absorb stains.
Stainless Steel - A very industrial
look is achieved with the use of this material. It has a distinctive
look that can become overwhelming if over-used. A very durable and
heat-resistant product.
Pros - Can be fabricated for a seamless installation. Heat resistant,
Stain resistant, Hypo-allergenic, high bacterial resistance. Easy to
clean.
Cons - Expensive. Shows fingerprints. Easily scratched. Can dent.
Tends to make a noisier kitchen.
Butcher Block - Typically made from
maple or oak, these hardwoods provide a durable and warm surface. You
can cut on a butcher block counter, but it will not resist all scratching.
However, this surface has the advantage of being sandable, and sealable
thus removing stains, cuts and other damage.
Pros - More repairable than most other surfaces. Has a warm appearance
and can be colored to suit your taste. Easy to clean.
Cons - More easily damaged by stains, water and scratches. Cuts must
be resealed. Improperly maintained surfaces can harbor bacteria.
Solid Surface - This material has
the unique characteristic of having the same appearance all the way
through its thickness. Therefore stains and scratches can be sanded
out. It is available a wide variety of colors. Because it is man-made,
it can be installed to appear seamless. It is only a little less expensive
than granite. It comes in a wide variety of colors, which is the
compelling reason, for many, to select it over granite.
Pros - Easy to clean, maintain and repair. Resists stains but not
as well as granite. Wide variety of colors. A little cheaper than granite.
Cons - Some feel it has too artificial of an appearance. Does not
resist hot pans well. Moderately expensive.
Engineered Stone - Made from 93%
quartz and 7% resins, quartz is harder than granite. Because it is
made from a natural stone, it very much resembles natural stone. The
key difference is that its texture or pattern is a little more uniform.
Quartz stone is sold under several brands names including Zodiaq, Cambria
Quartz, Silestone, CeasarStone.
Pros - Very stain resistant. Virtually impervious to scratching from
cutlery. Wide variety of colors. Has the appearance of natural stone,
though more uniform. Does not require resealing. Easy to clean and
care for.
Cons - Some people don't like the uniformity of the pattern. Fairly
expensive. Does not resist heat well - always use trivets or other
heat insulators.
Tile - Tiles come in a variety of
sizes, shapes and colors. They can make a bold statement in a kitchen.
A nice element of tile is that you can use inexpensive for most of
your countertop and then select a few accent pieces to create a stylish
appearance while keeping costs low.
Pros - Less expensive than most other options. Huge variety of tiles
to choose from. Ability to mix and match tiles to create a truly custom
design. Easy to clean. Resists heat from hot pans. Easy to repair if
replacement tiles are kept on hand.
Cons - More prone to chipping. Grout can become dirty and requires
more effort to maintain. Creates an uneven surface.
Laminate - A rainbow of colors and
myriad patterns make laminate an attractive option. Coupled with its
low price, laminate is a popular choice for kitchen counters. The material
is fairly easy to install, maintain and clean. Unfortunately, damage
is often difficult or impossible to repair (short of replacement).
Pros - Inexpensive. Huge selection of colors and patterns. Easy to
install. Easy to clean.
Cons - Scratches, tears and damage to end and edges are difficult
to repair. Replacing a section is possible, but only if matching material
is available (fading of installed material may make a perfect match
impossible).
