COUNTERTOP OPTIONS
What Are Your Countertop Options?
Granite – Natural stone countertops that requires sealing once a year because they are naturally porous. Granite sealers are usually sprayed on and wiped off after a dull haze has formed. Granite countertops withstand heat, scratches and stains, if properly sealed. Unsealed granite tops can hold bacteria and may also become stained. Most granite has very distinct lines or “veins” that run through it which shows off its natural beauty. No two pieces of granite are identical.
Quartz – Man-made countertop consisting of usually 90% or more ground up quartz combined with resins to form the hard surface. Quartz typically has more uniform patterns than natural stone but is also less susceptible to chips or cracks. Quartz countertops never need to be sealed.
Corian – Popular countertop material used in the early 2000’s consisting of acrylic polymer. It is non-porous and unlike granite, the seams are glued together to form a near perfect union that isn’t easily detected. Integrated undermount sinks are also employed using this same method, creating a “seamless” countertop/sink. Corian is relatively soft and scratches rather easily. Cutting directly on the countertop results in scratches and gouges that must be repaired by a professional. Unlike Granite or Quartz, hot items, such as pots and pans also cannot be placed on the countertops, as they melt at 300°.
Laminates – By far the most common countertops up until the last few years is laminate. Advances in laminate material allows for a more “granite-like” look and feel. The low cost of laminate still makes it attractive, but with the prices of granite dropping and the common problems of swelling, due to most laminate tops being made out of particle board, laminate countertops have seen a decrease in popularity.
Ceramic Tile – Not as popular as it once was, ceramic tile still has a place among certain applications such as outdoor kitchens and wetbar areas. The relative ease of installation and inexpensive cost still make these countertops a favorite among some homeowners.
Wood – Butcher block tops are typically made of hard woods such as Oak, Walnut and Bamboo. Their stunning appearance often is the centerpiece to any kitchen. Able to resist heat, ideal for food prep and durable, wood tops are still a favorite among kitchen enthusiast. Like granite, wood is porous and must be sealed regularly using mineral oil.
Stainless Steel – Stainless Steel counter tops were primarily used in the restaurant industry until a few years ago when Contemporary designers began incorporating it into their home kitchen designs. Durable and non porous, Stainless Steel offers a clean, sleek look to any Contemporary kitchen.
Soapstone – A very dense stone made of mostly talc. It has a tendency to “dry out” and needs to be oiled regularly to maintain its lustrous finish using mineral oil. Slightly softer than granite, Soapstone usually comes in smaller slabs, meaning that you will have more seams in your kitchen than traditional granite or quarts.
Marble – A natural stone that is softer than Granite and will scratch easier, making it less appealing for use in the entire kitchen. Marble is also susceptible to household acids such as vinegar, mustard and citrus, which cause a chemical reaction and will remove the polish. Marble, however, is perfectly smooth and is sometimes used as a pastry slab and is more commonly found in bathroom applications.
Concrete – Rather new to the countertop industry, concrete offers a wide variety of choices when it comes to style. Whether you’re looking for a masculine look to go with your new wet bar or a pure custom piece that uses pigments, broken glass, stones or anything else the imagination can come up with to create a purely custom, one of a kind, durable countertop as a centerpiece. Concrete is porous and must be sealed more often than Granite to avoid staining and bacteria growth.