What Are Countertops Made Of?

A countertop should be hard enough to resist wear.

Plastic laminate countertops have ruled in the interior design industry for more than two decades. However, technology has brought some other players to the field as the trend moves towards countertops as focal design pieces, not just work surfaces. New chemical sealants and protectors make other materials more appropriate for countertop surfaces and increase their durability. Most countertop materials are vulnerable to heat and acidic spills, so care must be taken.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminate is comprised of a thin sheet of colored plastic glued to a substrate made of 3/4-inch plywood or particle board. This type of countertop is very durable, easy to wipe clean and can last for decades. It comes in many colors and is fairly easy to install. However, it can develop worn spots in areas of high use and is not very forgiving of contact with hot items or sharp knives.

Granite

Granite is a hard, porous natural stone that blends nicely as a countertop on wood cabinets. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns. These countertops can be quite expensive to install, and they must be sealed with an impregnator, a sealer that makes the material more stain resistant. Abrasive cleaners or acidic foods will mar the granite's surface, and the stone can crack or chip if a heavy object falls on the countertop.

Wood

Wood has long been used for large area cutting surfaces such as a butcher's block on a dishwasher or a kitchen island. However, new sealers make hardwoods durable enough to use for long countertop spaces as well. Wood is susceptible to burns, so trivet use for hot dishes is encouraged. Light burns and stains can be removed by lightly sanding the wood surface and coating it with food grade mineral oil. Beeswax will help protect the wood surface.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone, also called quartz surface, is made from a blend of quartz and polymers to create a durable, hard, maintenance-free surface. It's heat and stain resistant and non-porous, making it an ideal food preparation surface that doesn't promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Clean engineered stone by wiping it with a damp cloth. It doesn't require sealers or waxes to protect its finish.

References

• This Old House: 25 Years of Innovation--Countertops
• Hometime: Making Laminate Countertops
• This Old House: Caring For Granite
• This Old House: Wood Countertop Care
• DuPont: Zodiaq Countertop Care
• Cambria: Cambria Benefits