If you're remodeling or designing a kitchen from scratch, you can be sure countertops will eat up a healthy chunk of your budget. With so many options and price points, it is touch to decide on look alone. While some are shiny, heavy and pricey, including colorful granite, concrete can create a subdued impression that's more modern than glamorous. There are fragile performers and the almost indestructible laminates that should be the solution for busy kitchens that see a lot of wear and tear. Often, you can end up with a combination of countertop surfaces in one kitchen, meaning it's important to know what best suits your lifestyle and budget. The top kitchen-design companies already know the pros and cons of various surfaces.
QUARTZ/ENGINEERED STONE
Engineered stone is composed of crushed quartz particles that have been combined with polymer resins and pigment. It's uniform in color and pattern, which is great for those looking for a clean finish. It's also available in a wide range of colors.
"The look is different. It's more of a solid, speckled finish, versus some of the stones that have a grain," says co-owner Jim Deslaurier, of Ottawa's Deslaurier Custom Cabinets, adding it's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include Cambria, Silestone and CaesarStone quartz countertops.
Pros: It is stain-and scratch-resistant, easy to care for and manufacturers usually include a warranty.
Cons: Expensive to fix if chipped or cracked.
Cost: $50 to $100 per square foot, installed.
GRANITE
Granite is right up there with quartz, and is the top material of choice if budget is not an issue. The popularity of this surface has skyrocketed, and the fact that it boosts a property's resale value doesn't hurt. This material is a rock with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern. While it does hold up to heat, experts suggest using a protector to avoid any problems. Some warn the counter may crack if a hot object is placed near a weakened area or hidden fissure, or if the countertop has not been installed properly.
Pros: A wet cloth cleans this surface easily. It has the second-highest hardness rating after diamonds.
Cons: Requires some maintenance, including a sealer. Some stone absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it.
Cost: $55 to $200/sq. ft., installed.
LAMINATES
Pros: Cost-efficient, easy to clean and available in a variety of colors
Cons: Scratches and chips are difficult to repair, seams show, end and front-edge finishes can be pricey.
Cost: $25 to $70/sq. ft., installed.
WOOD OR BUTCHER BLOCK
Pros: Easy to clean and season with vegetable oil. It can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Cons: May stain over time. Can be damaged by water and heat.
Cost: $30 to $125/sq. ft., installed.
MARBLE
Pros: Marble is elegant, waterproof and heatproof.
Cons: Porous, stains easily unless professionally sealed, can scratch.
Cost: $50 to $200/sq. ft., installed.
STAINLESS STEEL
Pros: Easy to sanitize. Takes hot pans without marking.
Cons: It does scratch and may dent, adding to the industrial look.
Cost: $100 to $200/sq. ft.
CONCRETE
Pros: Heat-and scratch-resistant, can be color-tinted, looks exotic. Additives reduce porosity; custom-formed with a modern appeal.
Cons: It can crack without proper treatment. It can appear cold and industrial. It is porous, but can be sealed.
Cost: $80 to $120/sq. ft., installed.
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