Kitchen Counters 101

Kitchen counters today play a demanding role: They’re expected to withstand the rigors of daily food preparation as well as scrutiny as the showpiece of an open-concept home.  How do you select the right counter material for your home that is beautiful and can take a beating? As you contemplate your needs, consider the following pros and cons to make the right countertop choice for your kitchen.  Below is a breakdown of the different types of surfaces.

Wood Counters

Wood butcher-block counters are typically made from maple or oak. They can work with many different kitchen styles and can complement another countertop material in the same kitchen.

Pros: Butcher-block counters will give your kitchen a warm look, are easier on your glassware and provide an excellent cutting surface. They also are easy to repair—blemishes can be sanded out and refinished.

Cons: Because wood is porous, butcher block counters needs to be oiled occasionally to prevent water from damaging the wood. They also are susceptible to staining and burns, and they can be difficult to keep clean.

Cost: About $25 per square foot to $200 per square foot.

Tile Counters

Ceramic tile comes in a range of prices, colors and styles to match any taste. Tile countertops also are popular because they are inexpensive compared to other materials.

Pros: Tiles are durable, and you can choose from a wide variety of colors and accent tiles to personalize your kitchen design. Tiles also are easy to clean.

Cons: The biggest complaint from homeowners who have tile countertops is about the effort required to keep the grout between tiles clean. Kitchen experts suggest keeping grout lines small, using larger tiles and using epoxy grout—which is impervious to water but more difficult to use. Tiles can scratch or chip; it may be impossible to replace broken tiles with a match if you haven’t kept extra tiles on-hand.

Cost: Tile countertops range from $20 per square foot to $75 per square foot, depending on the tile selected and complexity in the design. Tile installation costs also vary greatly by region and tile size.

Natural Stone Counters

Granite and marble are among the top-of-the-line countertop choices. These and other natural stones—such as limestone, slate and soapstone—can give your kitchen a warm luster.

Pros: Granite is very durable, won’t scratch, can handle heavy use and resists heat. Soapstone also is durable. It is resistant to burning; scratches can be sanded out with fine steel wool, and acids or chemicals won’t damage the surface. Marble and limestone are likely to show stains and scratches.

Cons: Because these are premium countertop materials, expect to pay a higher price. If you don’t have a lot of counter space, contact installers to see if they have leftovers from bigger jobs. Some home improvement warehouses also may offer precut granite counters in common lengths and depths for homeowners with a standard kitchen layout. Granite and marble will stain if it is not periodically sealed. Soapstone needs to be oiled, especially when new, or it will oxidize unevenly. Be sure to wipe up water and stains immediately, especially with marble.

Cost: About $100 per square foot to $250 per square foot. Costs can be significantly higher for rarer stone choices.

Corian Counters and Other Solid Surfaces

Many manufacturers make solid surfacing countertops, although the most popular is Corian by DuPont. Solid surfacing materials cost about the same as natural stone, but solid surface veneers are less expensive. The material is relatively durable; burns and scratches can be sanded out or repaired.

Pros: Solid surfacing is popular, because it is available in many color and design choices. The material also can be used in molded sinks, which eliminates caulking issues. Seams do not show as much as they would with other counter materials.

Cons: This material is not heat-resistant, and you cannot cut directly on it—or it could be damaged.

Cost: It costs about $50 per square foot to $100 per square foot, less expensive than natural stone but more expensive than tile.

Laminate Counters

Homeowners typically choose laminate when cost is a consideration. However, the improved quality and variety of pattern options are increasingly making it an aesthetic choice as well. WilsonArt, Formica and Nevamar are some of the top brands.

Pros: Laminate is inexpensive and has more color and design choices than other surface materials—and it is easy to clean.

Cons: Laminate is not as durable as other surface choices. You cannot cut on it, and it is not heat-resistant.

Cost: $20 per square foot to $50 per square foot.

Quartz Counters

Although quartz is an abundant mineral in the earth’s crust, quartz countertops are actually a mix of crushed real quartz stone, resins and polymers. Popular brands include Silestone, Zodiaq, Cambria and CaesarStone. It’s a popular (albeit pricey) countertop choice because of its durability.

Pros: Quartz is resistant to heat, stains and scratches; it doesn’t need sealing, and it is available in a wider variety of colors and patterns than real stone.

Cons: Price is a drawback. To reduce the cost, you can consider quartz overlays that fit over existing countertops. Quartz also doesn’t have the natural variations you would find in natural stone—and has visible seams.

Cost: About $60 per square foot to $185 per square foot.

Concrete Counters

Concrete has been a popular countertop choice for modern homes, but because of versatility, it’s gaining interest from those with more traditional tastes.

Pros: Concrete wins points for personalization. You can dye it whatever color you want and embed it with other stones, jewels or tiles. It also is durable and won’t burn.

Cons: Concrete stains easily if it is not sealed. It can crack. It also can be costly.

Cost: $60 per square foot to $120 per square foot.

Stainless Steel Counters

Stainless steel has grown in popularity among homeowners who seek a sleek, commercial-grade kitchen.

Pros: There’s a reason pros pick this material. It is durable, easy to clean, won’t burn, doesn’t stain and is easy to maintain.

Cons: It scratches easily and is difficult to keep spotless, because it shows abrasions and smudges.

Cost: $60 per square foot to $120 per square foot.

-From Realtor.com