Options for Countertop Materials
All kitchens and bathrooms need counter space. Kitchen countertops must be durable, standing up to heat and heavy use. Bathroom countertops must resist water and moisture. You should also consider the cost of materials and installation, as well as the ease of maintenance and, possibly, whether materials are earth-friendly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Natural Stone
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Marble is a natural stone material that is durable but expensive. Granite surfaces are heat resistant and durable. However, granite is expensive to buy and install. It also must be refinished with sealant periodically and is prone to cracking and staining.
Many kitchens have a marble slab for food preparation. The coolness that is natural to this stone is a must for candy makers. Marble, however, is expensive to purchase and install. It also stains easily and, because it is porous, must be resealed periodically.
Soapstone has historically been used for countertops and sinks, but it requires applications of mineral oil for routine maintenance. It resists staining, but darkening and cracking of the material is not unusual, even with regular maintenance. Like granite and marble, soapstone is expensive.
Slate is easier to maintain than soapstone. Any scratches are easily removed with steel wool. The cost is comparable to other natural stone products.
Cement, often poured in place, is also available pre-cast. Higher-quality pre-casts are more resistant to cracking, which can be a problem. Cement costs only half as much as other stone products.
None of the natural stones are eco-friendly unless recycled materials are used.
Wood
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Butcher block wood gives a natural look to a kitchen counter. Maple and oak are the most popular wood countertop choices because they're hard and durable. Even when wood counters are oiled and sealed properly, however, they can absorb moisture, which can cause cracking and warping over time. Wood is also prone to scorching, staining and scratching, but you can easily resurface and reseal it when that happens. Another popular characteristic of woods is noise reduction. Using wood with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification and water-based finishes adds to its eco-friendly profile. The cost of wood countertops is comparable to that of granite.
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Laminates
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Laminate countertops offer cost-effective solutions. Countertops made of plastic-coated synthetics are called laminates. They are customizable, durable and affordable. Their surface is easy to clean, but chips and scratches are difficult to repair. They are not seamless, and optional edge treatments can add to the cost. If they are formaldehyde-free, they are quite eco-friendly. Only general-purpose laminates with a matte finish are effective for countertop applications.
Metal
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Stainless steel counters can match your appliances. Copper has antimicrobial properties and cleans easily with soap and water. Moisture- and heat-resistant, copper ages to a brownish patina. Occasional waxing helps the surface resist stains.
Stainless steel counters are durable, heat resistant, hygienic and easy to clean. However, they are noisy and can become dented and marred. The costs of metals vary with their market values and can be high.
Solid Surface
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Engineered stone is created using 90% quartz in resin. It looks like granite, doesn't require sealing, and resists stains and scratches. It compares to granite in cost.
Composite materials include recycled glass, paper, plastic and cement in a resin matrix. These pre-cast products are eco-friendly, affordable, easy to maintain and customizable.
Ceramic Tile
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Ceramic tile countertops make a good DIY installation project. Ceramic tile is durable, heat resistant, inexpensive and easy to install. Tiles may crack and chip, however, and the uneven surface and grout can make cleaning difficult. Some ceramic tile is recycled.
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References
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