--Countertops play a critical role in the success of any kitchen or bathroom. They
must accentuate cabinetry, withstand daily use and reflect your family’s personal style.
As families are getting smaller and more scattered, family kitchens are getting
bigger. Designers are using industrial appliances, state-of-the-art cabinets
and countertop materials, and including a kitchen island whenever possible. An
island looks beautiful in most settings and adds workspace, storage area, and
room for additional appliances.
Most countertops and island tops have a single surface, like a tabletop. New
multi-level islands and counters can incorporate both food preparation and
eating areas, wine racks, cookbook shelves, bar sinks, deep fryers, and other
amenities. The sky’s the limit if you have room.
There are lots of options on the market for countertops—from high-end granite to basic tract-home laminate. We took a look at 10 of the
most popular countertop materials—each with its own pros and cons. Natural surfaces are durable and add
sophistication as well as improve resale value, but man-made surfaces have
their advantages, too. Before remodeling your kitchen or building a new home,
consider your lifestyle, home décor and budget. Use the guide below to help make an informed choice.
Granite Counters
Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to
think about—like money. It defines elegance in a kitchen. The beauty of the stone
contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen. Granite is the most
durable of all natural materials used for home and commercial décor. The only igneous rock capable of cutting granite is the diamond. Most
granite used for countertops is polished to a high-gloss finish giving it a
mirror-like appearance. Available in a myriad of colors and patterns, granite
coordinates with just about every interior. It is durable, and scratch and
bacteria resistant. Everlife offers natural stone countertops protected by
PermaShield, which provides a beautiful surface that is stain-resistant, easy
to care for and requires no sealing.
Pros: Granite holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3,000 colors; will last a
lifetime and new sealers are almost maintenance-free.
Cons: It is expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some
stones absorb stains if not sealed; it can crack if stressed or improperly
installed.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is composed of 93 percent quartz particles. It is available in
a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists
scratches. It’s easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone.
Quartz-based stones vary widely in color because of different materials and
clays within the stone. These stones can be found in varying hues of light
gray, yellow, green and red. Because of its strength and beauty, Silestone is a
good choice for discerning consumers.
Also known as quartz, engineered stone imitates the look of natural stone by
combining small stone chips, resins and other pigments. Quartz has quickly
become one of the most popular options in countertops because it deflects
stains better than natural stone and doesn’t need a sealer. Quartz is highly resistant to scratching, scorching and
staining and is also easy to maintain. Only three other natural minerals—diamond, sapphire and topaz—are harder than quartz. While a careless slip of the knife will scratch other
countertops such as laminates and solid surfaces, it won't mar Silestone. It
also has four times the flexural strength of granite, making it less
susceptible to chipping and cracking during transportation and installation.
Pros: Resistant to stain and acid; easy care.
Cons: Expensive.
Solid Surface
Because solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid, any
scratches can be sanded out. The countertops can be custom-made to your
specifications. Avonite is one manufacturer of non-porous solid surface
countertops made from a blend of acrylic or polyester resins and a mineral
filler. This creates a surfacing material that looks like stone but cuts like
wood. The grain pattern goes all the way through allowing for 3-dimensional
shaping. Avonite is available in more than 65 colors. Solid surface counters
mimic the look of quartz counters, concrete or natural stone. They are
non-porous, stain-resistant and provide design versatility.
Pros: Come in a rainbow of colors and patterns; they are seamless and stain resistant.
Cons: Vulnerable to hot pans and stains that can damage the surface; can be moderately
expensive.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is durable, easy to clean and, generally, inexpensive. A practical
alternative to natural stone, porcelain is resistant to heat, scratches and
food spills, and is easy to maintain. Tiles with integral color will disguise
chips that occur during use. Now offered in slabs instead of the small grouted
tiles still seen in homes of the ‘50s and ‘60s, grout discoloration is not a consideration. Tile slabs come in 40 colors
and mimic the look of natural granite, marble and slate.
Glass countertops introduce practicality and beauty to kitchens. Non-porous,
hygienic and impervious to stains, they can be wiped up with common glass
cleaner. Recycled glass blended with other materials produces a product
comparable to granite in strength, scratch resistance, thermal resistance and
durability. Blazestone offers tiles made from 100 percent recycled glass.
Recycled content tiles are considered equivalent to a mid-priced tile.
Pros: Takes hot pans; easy to clean; available in a wide range of pricess, colors,
textures and designs.
Cons: Surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained;
custom-designed tiles are very expensive.
