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Selecting Countertop Materials
 
This kitchen features a granite countertop.
When selecting your countertop materials, there are several things you should consider: your lifestyle, budget restraints, and the overall look and durability of the material.

It is important that the material is not only comfortable to work on, but since it is the hardest working surface in the kitchen, it also needs to perform at a high level.

Below is a chart outlining the pros and cons of common countertop materials.
Material Pros Cons
Plastic Laminate •Easy to install
•Easy to clean
•Economical
•Good stain resistance
•Wide array of colors and patterns
•Readily available
•Durable
 •Not impervious to stains
•Cannot be repaired
•Cannot be cut on without damage
•Scorches easily
•Edge seams susceptible to water damage
•Easily scratched
 
Solid Surface

(Made from polyester or acrylic resin in addition to mineral filler) •Minor scratches can be sanded out
•Nonporous
•Easy to clean
•Highly stain resistant
 •Vulnerable to heat
•Slight possibility of melting or cracking
 
Wood •Easy to clean

•Stains and scratches can be sanded out
•Won't dull knives
 •Surfaces must be treated with a food-safe mineral oil, linseed oil, or tung oil
•Must keep wood surfaces as dry as possible
•Susceptible to water damage and scarring
 
Tile •Heat resistant

•Withstands water when sealed or glazed
•Durable
 •Grout can trap dirt and food residue
•Stain resistance requires sealing
•Not ideal for cutting
 
Concrete •Highly versatile in color, style, and finish

•Naturally heat resistant
 •Prone to staining, must be sealed
•Should be waxed periodically
 
Stainless Steel •Hard wearing

•Resistant to water, rust, heat, and bacteria
 •Can be dented and scratched
•Shows fingerprints
•Never cut directly on it
•Water spots can develop if not dried thoroughly
 
Quartz

(Engineered stone, blend of stone chips, resins, and pigments) •Durable
•Easy to clean
•Nonporous
•Resistant to water, heat, and bacteria
•Waterproof
 •Edges can chip
•Does not resist impacts
•Some patterns can appear unnaturally uniform
 
Granite •100% natural

•Durable
•Can be treated to maintain pristine qualities, or encouraged to weather
•Easy to clean
•Resists bacteria and stains if properly sealed and maintained
•Most damage 

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 February 2012 13:36