A Guide For Counter Top Materials: Which One Is Best For You?

Oh, the counter top! It’s the main accent to any cabinetry but is not an easy decision to make with all the choices available these days. Each counter top material has it’s pros and cons, so be prepared to settle in some way with one of the options. First and foremost, remember counter tops need to be durable for the everyday tasks performed in the kitchen. The long term maintenance and it’s ease to clean is also something to keep in mind. Hands down, stone and quartz counter tops are viewed as a “must have” to many house hunters in today’s market. It is said that these counter tops can help increase the value of your home. Now, there is some food for thought.

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Whether you are installing a new kitchen, or just replacing the counter tops for an update, use the following to help guide you to make the right decision for you and your kitchen needs:

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YOUR GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT COUNTER TOP

(NOTE: Red font indicates the most relevant pro/con… ($) = less expensive, ($$) = mid range and ($$$) = most expensive. Some materials have various ranges and price points.)

LAMINATE ($)
– made of plywood, chipboard or MDF by a thick plastic laminate

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Advantages:
-solid, durable material
–wide range of colours, textures and patterns available
-cleans easily with soap and water
-water and stain resistant

Disadvantages:
-dark backing may be visible at seams
-can chip or scratch
-cannot be used as a chopping surface
-non-resistant to heat
–cannot use under mount sink with laminate

SOLID SURFACE ($$)

-made of cast plastics such as polyester, acrylic and minerals fillers

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Advantages:

-highly resistant to permanent damage; markings can be sanded away

-seams are barely visible

–can be moulded into unified counter and sink

-cleans easily with soap and water

-durable

-warm to touch compared to stone

Disadvantages:

-lower cabinets may require reinforcement

-dark colours will show nicks

-almost as costly as real stone

–looks artificial

MARBLE ($$$)

-luxurious stone available in a variety of colours/patterns

-surface suited for baking, rolling dough, etc.

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Advantages:

-water and heat resistant

–classic, beautiful, natural material provides a smooth, cool surface

-hard wearing, durable

-cleans easily

Disadvantages:

-lower cabinets may require reinforcement

-not practical 

-needs sealant yearly

–stained by acids like lemon juice, sugar, alcohol

-will dull knife if used as a chopping surface

CONCRETE ($$-$$$)

– stylish and unique material that can be formed and manufactured on site

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 Advantages:

-heat and scratch resistant

–add dyes/colours/accents to create a custom look

-additives help decrease porousness

Disadvantages:

–cost is associated with manufacturing on site

-maintenance is unstable; cracking and shifting may occur

-cabinetry must be heavily reinforced

GRANITE ($$-$$$)

-natural, elegant, polished stone available in a variety of colours

-surface suited to baking, rolling out dough, etc.

This granite is from my new kitchen. It’s Bianco Antico.

Advantages:

-water and heat resistant

-immune to stains, resistant to most alcohol, oil and lemon juice

-cleans easily

-aesthetically pleasing and functional

Disadvantages:

-seams are usually fairly obvious

-lower cabinets may require reinforcement

-will dull knife if used as a chopping surface

–needs to be sealed yearly due to porous nature

TILE MOSAIC (S)

-high-fired, dust pressed clay available in a variety of colours, designs, etc.

-best options are glazed ceramic with matte finish

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Advantages:

-water and heat resistant

-resists scratching

–will not burn, stain or discolour

Disadvantages:

–grout between tiles is difficult to clean

– hard on glassware and china

-does not have an overall smooth surface due to grout lines

-generally a dated look

QUARTZ ($$-$$$)

-also referred to as engineered stone – made from 93% natural quartz and 7% resin, pigments and binders

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Advantages:

-strong, durable material

-mold, mildew, heat, crack and scratch resistant

-impervious to stains

–does not need to be sealed

-seams are difficult to detect

-uniform in colour and pattern

-extremely hygenic

Disadvantages:

-lower cabinets must be reinforced

-cost is reflected in the high quality of manufacturing

SOAPSTONE ($$-$$$)

-generally dark gray in colour with white veining

-natural product comprised of mineral talc, quartz and other minerals

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Advantages:

-does not stain

-resists acids and alkalis

–less porous than other stone materials

-heat resistant

Disadvantages:

–requires regular maintenance with application of mineral oil

-hard on glassware and china

-may crack

-gray colour will darken over time

BUTCHER BLOCK ($$)-hardwoods like maple are best

-surface should be finished with food safe oil

-wood cut across the grain wears slower

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Advantages:

–excellent chopping surface 

-easy on glassware and chine

-resistant to moderate heat

Disadvantages:

-avoid using near sink, moisture will blacken the surface

-may contract in dry conditions

-can scratch and scorch

–difficult to sanitize/clean thoroughly

STAINLESS STEEL ($$$)

-available in matte, patterned, sandblasted or polished finishes 

-appropriate for areas in contact with water

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Advantages:

-waterproof, heat resistant

-strong, durable material

-easy to clean

–extremely hygenic

Disadvantages:

-noisy and cold

–fabrication is expensive

-will dull a knife if used as a chopping surface

-difficult to maintain shine and marks

Resources:

http://houseandhome.com/design/choosing-kitchen-countertops#Solid_surface

http://interiordec.about.com/od/kitchencounters/tp/tp_countertops.htm

http://www.improvingyourworld.com/home/soapstone_countertops_pros_and_cons_000962.html