As with most decisions in remodeling, the "one size fits all" just doesn't do it. There is no pat rejoinder on which countertop material is best but this record should get you pointed in the right direction. Each countertop material has its own pros and cons so it pays to do your investigate before you make your final decision and pony-up the dough. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference but no matter which countertop choice you make, there are three main considerations that you will need before production your countertop choice: They are: Cost - form - Utility.
I place these in this order for a reason: Your budget will finally determine the material choices you will have. Next is the design: Achieving your form / style goals can usually be achieved at all the discrete price points. The final choice is utility. These days, stamina (like design) can be achieved through all countertop materials. Ok, let's get started:
Wood: Yes, you heard right "Wood". Most of us have seen "butcher block" island cabinets of a piece of butcher block incorporated into the countertop, but there is a whole new world of wood countertop solutions if you have the cash. Pricing on these countertops make granite look like a bargain! If you want a "Stand-Out" kitchen, this will most of course do it.
Cost: Prices (just for the materials range from 0 sq. Ft. To 0 sq. Ft.!
Design: The choices of wood species are extraordinary: Just to name a few... Cherry, Bamboo, Beech, Black Walnut, Canary, Hickory, Maple, Chestnut, Red Oak, Reclaimed Redwood, Teak, Zebrawood (among others).
Utility: Incredibly, this choice is quite durable. Other than re-oiling the tops every 9 to 12 months or so, there is very puny maintenance. Waterproof: One supplier (Craft-Art) of course states that all of their countertops are "absolutely" waterproof. As well they are stain resistant, food safe, heat resistant and scratch resistant.
Granite: This is currently the most favorite countertop on the market. Beautiful, durable and low maintenance sums-up this choice.
Cost: Affordability (or lack thereof) is the main issue with granite as you can of course spend to 0 per quadrilateral foot depending on the potential and scarcity of the stone. Other factors that determine cost is the thickness of the stone (2 or 3 centimeters widths) as well as the estimate of pits and imperfections. There are typically 2 to 3 potential levels depending on which slab yard you go to. This can have a great impact on the final cost.
Design: Styles and colors of granite are plentiful. Some estimates are in the 3,000 range. You need only to go to a few of slab yards to see that "the sky is the limit" with regards to ready choices.
Utility: Granite is very durable and holds-up well to heat. Although it is leading to seal the granite a incorporate of times a year, total care and maintenance is relatively minor.
*** Note: There has been (of late) a lot of press about the "radon gas" issue with granite. Most of the findings state that while there are some levels of radon, it does not pose a health threat. Further information is ready by going the to the Marble form of America website.
Marble: Using Marble in kitchen applications creates a estimate of issues that may prevent you from production this choice; any way it is widely used in Italy (and other European countries) as a suitable countertop material.
Cost: The cost for Marble is high - comparable with granite.
Design: There are sufficient colors of Marble to achieve the color and style you are looking for however, it may take more time and endeavor than with granite.
Utility: Marble holds-up well to heat any way it is a very porous stone. For this reason, it is susceptible to staining etching even if you seal it on a quarterly basis. As well, this material will convert color over time. While some habitancy will appreciate this, most want to have their countertops to look as good in 10 years (shiny & new) as it looks the day they setup them.
Cultured Marble: This stock is made from crushed marble, resin and pigments (for color). While it is widely for countertops in bathrooms, it is not used in kitchen applications. For this reason, it is not covered in this article.
Limestone: As with Marble, Limestone can be used for kitchen countertops, there comes with it, numerous issues that you need to know up front so you don't find yourself regretting the choice.
Cost: Typically less costly than marble or granite but it is still natural stone and can get expensive.
Design: There are fewer choices (compared to granite) any way limestone does come in some vibrant blue colors that marble does not. Canada is the main source of limestone in North America.
Utility: While Limestone is very resistant to humidity, it nonetheless a very porous material that stains of course and can erode over time. Allowable sealing is an absolute must and is very susceptible to erosion from juices, fruits and foods that contain acidic properties.
Quartz: You might recognize the most favorite commerce names as Cambria, Zodiaq, Silestone or Cesarstone. While these quartz products are appx. 93% natural stone, they are in fact an "engineered stone". Resin and pigments make up the remaining 7%.
Cost: While Quartz is an engineered stock (unlike Granite) it is nonetheless expensive. Prices can reach the price of the lower-end of the granite spectrum.
Design: Due to the fact it is "engineered" you can find a color to meet your needs with puny difficulty.
Utility: This engineered fabrication affords very high stamina any way it will chip with high impact or sharp objects falling on it.
Solid Surface: The most commonly known name Corian. Corian is made by DuPont and is a non-porous, engineered material. It has lost some store share over the last few years to granite and quartz any way it still finds favor with homeowners who like the "seamless sinks".
Cost: Pricing for this material is less costly than granite but will be more costly than tile.
Design: Corian comes in 130 different colors and 3 different face types (Satin, Semi Gloss and High Gloss) so there will be no problem looking a color and terminate to achieve the style you are looking for.
Utility: Corian is very durable and most stains and spots can be cleaned off with soapy water or an ammonia based cleaner (no window cleaners though). For more stubborn stains, use Clr or Lime Away. It is not recommended to place pots or pans directly from the oven
Tile: This material dates back some 4,000 years so it is safe to say that longevity is something you won't need to worry about. While it has lost some of its luster (figuratively speaking) it still finds favor in the marketplace.
Cost: Very cost effective for basic tile any way convention tile can bring the price-point up significantly.
Design: of course hundreds of colors and styles to choose from together with ceramic, porcelain and granite.
Utility: Very durable and heat resistant any way is susceptible to chipping or breakage if heavy or pointed objects dropped on tiles
Stainless Steel:
Cost: Price points for stainless are reasonable any way stainless steel comes in different qualities. It pays to go with the good qualities as the less costly choice has a tendency to scratch easier.
Design: Great for modern look but best if used in conjunction with an additional one face so that it does not become too sterile.
Utility: Very heat resistant and durable any way will scratch with sharp objects.
Concrete: While not commonly known, concrete is becoming a favorite choice for kitchens... The counters and sinks are "poured in place" so they can achieve designs and styles not afforded by the other countertop materials. If you have an "irregular" kitchen shape, concrete may be a good choice
Cost: Equal to or more costly than granite and engineered stone (in most cases) any way depending on the style and estimate of labor involved, it can get pricy.
Design: Since it is a poured product, you can get very creative with regard to shapes, color and flair.
Utility: Concrete is very porous but can be sealed. This material requires quarterly maintenance to reduce the occasion of staining. Cracks and chipping are also inherent if heavy or sharp objects are dropped on the counters.
Laminate: New laminate products have of course changed the perception of the old Formica. New designs and an exponential growth in colors and patterns make it a great choice for the lower price point.
Cost: Hands-down the most cost effective counter material on the store today
Design: Multitudes of color and pattern choices.
Utility: Very strong with a high resistance to scratching and staining. Fairly resistant to heat any way it can burn if pots or pans are placed on the face when taken right out of the oven or from the cooktop.
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