Updating your countertops can instantly transform any kitchen from ho-hum to WOW in a day. Selecting the right countertop material for your kitchen depends on your needs, tastes, and budget. Here’s an overview of the leading material choices and how they compare.
Laminates are available in literally hundreds of colors, patterns, and finishes, they are relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to install. Laminate is made with layers of paper and plastic that are fused together under high pressure and heat. The laminate is then glued to a particleboard or plywood base. Typically the base is “post formed” so there is a curved front edge and integrated backsplash. Laminate resists stains, low heat, and impact; however you can’t cut on it, place hot pans, or use abrasive cleaners on them without the risk of un-repairable damage to the surface. Cost approximately $8 - $20 /sq ft installed
Laminate Countertop
Ceramic Tile is very functional, and easy to maintain. Tile is available in a wide variety of colors. It’s fairly easy to install and repair. The grout can stain or mildew and will require periodic cleaning. You can seal the grout to minimize stains, and make cleaning easier. Cost approximately $4-$80 /sq ft installed
Butcher Block is a solid, real wood product and is reasonably priced, fairly easy to install, maintain and repair. However it’s vulnerable to water stains cuts, scratches and burns. It will need to be thoroughly cleaned if exposed to raw meats, fish etc. Also regular treatments of mineral oil or beeswax will be needed and occasional sealing with a coating approved for food preparation. Cost approximately $16-$40 /sq ft installed
Solid Surfaces materials like Corian and others are made from resins with mineral fillers and are available in dozens of colors and patterns. Some of the patterns resemble marble or granite. A few advantages of solid surface are seams that are nearly undetectable and integrated sinks with no rim to clean. Small nicks and scratches can be easily repaired, but it will show cuts and can burn from hot pans. Professional installation is required. Cost approximately $45-$95 /sq ft installed
Solid Surface Countertop
Engineered Stone is a newer entry in countertop materials made primarily of quartz that is bound together with resins and pigments. Engineered stone mimics granite but has a more uniform appearance. It has excellent resistance to stains, heat, abrasions and cuts. This material never needs sealing; Microban is also available in Silestone tops. Professional installation is required. Cost approximately $50-$100/ sq ft installed
Sile Stone Countertop
Granite
Nothing comes close to the beauty of real granite or marble as a countertop material. These timeless materials used to be the most expensive; however prices have come down in the past few years. Granite is the toughest and least porous material, when sealed properly, and shouldn’t stain if spills are cleaned up quickly. You can place hot pans and cut on granite without any damage. (Marble is softer and more prone to stains or etching from acids in foods and cleaners. Clean-up can be tricky.) Professional installation is required for either. Cost approximately $50- $120/sq ft installed
Granite Countertop
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