The Best Kitchen Counter Materials
The aesthetic appearance of a kitchen countertop is important, because you will want to enjoy it for years to come. There are many other factors to take into consideration, too, when choosing the right countertop for your kitchen. Durability, maintenance, selection and price should all be examined in making your countertop choice. While there are nearly endless options available today, narrowing the field to the best contenders can help you find the perfect counter material for your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
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Natural Stone
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Natural stone countertops are popular choices, ranging from classic granite to newer quartz.
Granite has been a popular and elegant countertop choice for homeowners for decades. Granite is very durable and heat resistant and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, but it requires seaming, sealing and regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Marble is valued for its luxurious appearance, but it is softer and more porous than granite, requiring more maintenance to keep it free of stains. Slate is a popular newer option for countertops. Slate is as durable as other natural stone, but it does not require sealing, since it is non-porous. Quartz is a relatively new contender on the countertop market but is quickly growing in popularity because of its excellent properties. Quartz is the hardest, most stain- and heat-resistant and easiest to clean and maintain of all natural stone countertops today.
Natural stone countertops run from 50 to 100 dollars per square foot installed.
Engineered Stone
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Engineered stone is a composite made from quartz particles, colored stones and polymers compacted and held together with epoxy. Engineered stone has a non-porous surface similar to quartz that is durable and resistant to heat, scratches and stains. Engineered stone is available in even more colors than natural stone and requires minimal maintenance. The cost of engineered stone is similar to natural stone, ranging from 40 to 125 dollars per square foot.
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Wood
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Wood countertops bring a feeling of warmth and simple elegance to a kitchen. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, teak and cherry are preferred for countertop applications, as they are less likely to gouge, split or shift than soft woods like pine. Wood has a natural resistance to bacteria, making it one of the most sanitary materials for countertops. Wood is very porous, however, and must be sanded and sealed well, then treated with mineral oil often to prevent staining, odors and water damage. Expect to pay between 50 and 200 dollars per square foot for wood and butcher-block countertops.
Solid Surface
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Solid-surface counters have no seams, require little maintenance and are stain- and heat-resistant. They are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles. Since solid-surface countertops are entirely man-made, it is easier to place custom orders to get exactly the edging, border or shape you like. Solid-surface counters create a smooth, modern line, and scratches can be easily erased with a non-abrasive pad. Solid-surface countertops cost between 40 and 100 dollars per square foot.
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References
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