Pros: Solid surface countertops offer a wider range of colors and looks than any other material, although none of them are particularly natural looking. It is non-porous and sanitary, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. For many, this is appealing; for others, this is unacceptable. This consumer buying guide covers top 15 countertop options, along with each material’s pros and cons, and the average cost to install. In addition, there are many tints, stains, and methods that can make your countertop one of a kind. There aren’t many cons to this engineered stone. The finish has a depth that can’t be produced with solid surface materials like Corian. There are three basic styles of butcher block: end grain, edge grain, or face grain. What material are you planning to choose for your worktop this time? It's just a matter of weighing the pros and cons and deciding what look or style works with all your other outdoor kitchen design ideas.. Also, you cannot purchase solid surface countertops directly yourself, so no DIY here: you must go through a licensed dealer and have them professionally installed. The biggest concern for some will be the price. Granite Countertop Comparison Guide Concrete Countertops Pros and Cons 8 Surprising Things About Quartz (Engineered Stone) Countertops Did you know? Also, because the edges of slate counters can be sharp, professionals recommend having the corners rounded off. The Pros, Cons and New Creative Uses for the 4-Inch Backsplash Free … Like other hard surface countertop materials, quartz is non-porous so it resists staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. Granite Solid-Surface Material . And although tiles tend to get cracked or chipped, they can easily be replaced individually without having to buy a new countertop. What it costs: Prices vary widely from supplier to supplier. Soapstone has been used in kitchen countertops for centuries and looks particularly natural in a farmhouse-style kitchen (which happens to be a major design trend). Wood countertops come in a variety of types of wood – from black walnut to bamboo – but a recent, eco-friendly trend is to use reclaimed wood: wood that’s been salvaged from a prior use, like in a house, barn, or other structure. Quartzite is a naturally occurring rock that starts its life as a kind of sandstone and evolves into quartzite when subjected to heat and pressure. Resin-based composites don’t have this maintenance requirement, but also can’t be buffed to the same high sheen. For many, the answer is a resounding yes based on its look, durability and sanitary benefits. Granite is a premium building material that stands out for …, A backsplash is a practical necessity and enhances beauty wherever …, Putting an attractive bevel on a countertop enhances its beauty, …, Quartz countertops are elegant, gorgeous and long-lasting, but they are …, When homeowners are considering granite countertops for their kitchen or …, Are your marble countertops looking dull, perhaps with light scratches …, Granite countertops, like other natural stone countertop materials such as, marble, sandstone …, The Benefits of Engineered Stone Countertops, The Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops, Pros and Cons of Granite Bathroom Countertops, Pros and Cons of Crushed Glass Countertops, How To Polish Granite & Restore That Factory Shine, How to Repair Fissures, Cracks and Chips in Countertops. For cleanliness, a non-porous surface means that it will not harbor bacteria or viruses. Pros: Because granite is highly sought after and considered beautiful, the countertops will add non-depreciating value to your home. By contrast, face grain consists of boards laid flat, which is less suitable for a heavily used kitchen countertop because it is easily susceptible to dents and cuts from chopping. This means you can safely set that hot pan down without worrying about leaving a mark. In one test, E Coli bacteria stayed alive on stainless steel for 34 days but died after only four hours on copper. They are then sealed to make them non-porous and heat/stain resistant. Stainless steel worktops are made of thin sheets of stainless steel fastened to a wood or other backing. Pros: Tile comes in many different colors and styles, and it is very heat-resistant, so cooks don’t have to fear putting down a hot pan of muffins on the counter. It is somewhat heat resistant (although protection should be used if you intend to leave a hot pot sitting for a while). Solid-Surface Material vs. What it costs: $85 to $200 per square foot installed, depending on the type of quartzite you choose and where you live. Pros: Every recycled glass countertop is unique because a different blend of glass is used in each one. They are also vulnerable to scratches and dents. The look of quartz countertops is fairly contemporary. It is non-porous and sanitary, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. Corian Countertops Pros Greater selection - Because Corian is man-made, it is available in a wider variety of styles and colors than granite, which is a natural stone. It takes heat better than most countertops. Because it is non-porous, spills wipe up easily and don’t stain. These brands mostly use the same recipe – DuPont’s original – but differ in the colors they offer. Finally, the thickness of the steel is also rated by gauge, where lower numbers indicate thicker steel, better for heavy use; 16 and 18 gauge are the most common in-home settings. Cons: Granite is very difficult to remove, and should be considered a “forever” upgrade, because you may have to rip out the entire counter if you get sick of it. The seams on engineered stone countertops are sometimes noticeable too, about like those with granite countertops, but this isn’t a deal breaker for most people. Not to be confused with countertops labeled “quartz” – which are a kind of manmade composite, consisting of about 90% quartz and 10% resin – quartzite is a relatively new solid-stone alternative to granite or engineered quartz countertops. What it is: Slate is a soft, dense natural stone like its cousin, soapstone. Pros: Butcher block countertops look warm and welcoming compared to the cool, sterile look of steel or granite. Granite is a natural stone countertop material which has been highly prized in the kitchen for many years. If you’re looking to install new countertops in your kitchen, you’re not alone – 95% of homeowners looking to renovate say that “kitchen countertops are their top priority this year”. It is also very vulnerable to scratching. What it is: Originally invented by DuPont in the 1960s and marketed under the brand name Corian, solid surface countertops are made from acrylic and polyester blends. And the cold aesthetic may not be for everyone. Also, reclaimed wood is more durable than ordinary wood countertops due to having been exposed to the elements for many years. Concrete countertops have been in style for a while now, especially among people who like that industrial or rustic look, and they don’t appear to be losing popularity. Pros: The neutral colors of quartzite look nice against almost any kitchen color scheme. Cons: Depending on the type of quartzite, periodic sealing must be done (as with any stone surface) to avoid staining. Cons: Granite is very difficult to remove, and should be considered a “forever” upgrade, because you may have to rip out the … Cons: Sealing and regular maintenance are necessary due to concrete’s natural porousness, which can lead to easy staining. Pros: Because granite is highly sought after and considered beautiful, the countertops will add non-depreciating value to your home. Pros: As mentioned before, slate is practically maintenance-free. What it is: Butcher block countertops are made up of glued strips of hardwood — often maple, but sometimes ash, teak, oak, or even bamboo. It also won’t change color over time (called developing a patina), unlike many natural surfaces and most other metals. Unlike soapstone, however, slate is non-porous and requires no maintenance. What it costs: Granite can be expensive. The ability to mix in pigments or even materials like seashells or glass offers a wide variety of aesthetic choices. Also, the surface reflectiveness of a given piece of stainless steel is classified by a number indicating the amount of polish. What it costs: Most Butcher Block countertops cost between $40 and $65 per square foot (including installation), but prices can vary widely, depending on your location, the kind of wood you choose, the kind of finish you get, how many square feet of countertop you’re installing, and whether you choose to install it yourself or hire help. They are very inexpensive compared to other countertop materials. They can be made of reclaimed or salvaged wood, which drastically reduces their environmental impact. A middle finish (e.g., #4) would be ideal for looking shiny without advertising imperfections. The manufacturing process allows a much wider range of colors than you’ll find in natural stones such as marble or granite. Recycled paper countertops are typically only available in dark, matte hues, although some companies offer more vivid colors. It does not get scratched easily. What it costs: About $60 to $70 per square foot installed. If you’re willing to live with those things, quartz countertops should meet or exceed your expectations. Prices between $80 and $200 per square foot installed are not uncommon, depending on the color of the granite, the manufacturer, and where you live. It’s not a budget option, and it’s very loud when setting pots and pans down. For a contemporary, upscale look with very low maintenance required, quartz countertops are definitely worth considering. End grain consists of small blocks arranged so that their ends are visible on the surface (see the picture above). Finally, quartz is not as resistant to heat as granite, crushed glassed or concrete, so caution will have to be used with hot pots and pans in the kitchen or hot hair tools in the bathroom. It will stand up to many impacts that would damage another surface. It also rarely comes in slabs longer than 7 feet, which means that longer kitchen counters will require multiple slabs and more complicated installation work. Now that you know both the pros and cons of steel countertops from Countertop Investigator, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. However, some homeowners will prefer the more natural look of granite, marble, slate or wood for their home. If installed properly, they will be smooth and very durable. It also is durable, resisting chips and scratches, and stands up well to heat. CHALK PAINT PROS: Chalk paint dries quickly. What it is: Sometimes known as “engineered stone”, what’s called “quartz” on the materials show floor today is actually a composite, consisting of quartz crystals held together with some kind of binder, often resin. To hire a Countertop Installation Professional to install your countertop, you are likely to spend between $1000 and $1800 total. What it is: Soapstone is a natural stone which takes its name from the soft, almost soapy feel of its surface. Pros: Most importantly, reclaimed wood is sustainable. The name Corian is the Dupont Corporation's brand name for its flagship solid surface countertop material. Pros: Stainless steel is the most durable countertop material and the hardest. Here is a look at their strengths and … Slate comes in dark, subtle colors and is naturally matte. Quartz is a manufactured product and can be very attractive. What it costs: Typically, soapstone countertops run between $60 and $105 per square foot installed, depending on where you live and how thick a slab you want. What it costs: Recycled glass countertops run anywhere from $50 to $100 per square foot, plus around $80 per hour for installation, which results in a cost of about $75 to $150 per square foot installed – slightly higher than typical granite or quartz. Cons: The grout between tiles can collect food and be difficult to clean, resulting in stains. Cons: Reclaimed wood is scarce because its popularity is so high right now, and as a result, it is more expensive than ordinary wood countertops. The most popular recycled paper countertop manufacturer is PaperStone, but they are also made by a variety of other companies, including RichLite, ShetkaStone, and Kliptech. They are also heat-resistant, but only to 350 degrees. It is not as hard as its cousin granite, but not as soft as soapstone, either. Copper can occasionally be salvaged from scrap yards, making it an eco-friendly choice. Quartz has the same durability as concrete and granite, but is quite a bit more forgiving, so it won’t chip or crack as easily. It is naturally gray in color (usually darker gray, although lighter varieties exist) with veins of lighter color running through it. This also means it is naturally anti-microbial. That isn’t necessarily a weakness since beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Pros: Unique and beautiful, marble is also heat-resistant. Pros: Concrete countertops are heat and scratch resistant. Also, some colors of glass are more expensive than others. This long process creates a durable material well-suited to household use. Concrete is durable and scratch-resistant and will last for years if sealed and maintained properly. Plus, it can be cleaned with a simple mixture of lemon juice and salt. What it is: You probably already know! They are not themselves recyclable, although they can be cut up and re-used. It doesn’t have the same hardness in the feel that some people find unpleasant. Periodic waxing or oiling will keep it in the best condition but isn’t strictly necessary. Cons: Over time, copper will naturally oxidize (patina) – it’s a “living” surface that will change color from red to brown to green and gradually dull. We cover the pros & cons of this budget-friendly kitchen element. Those benefits have led to quartz being one of the most popular countertop materials in the past year. More seriously, wood countertops in general are not heat or stain resistant. The appearance of the finished engineered stone is rich, even luxurious. Keep in mind, however, that those prices are competitive with other high-end countertop materials such as granite, marble, concrete and slate. There are two grades of soapstone – artistic and architectural – but only architectural soapstone is suitable for countertop use, as it is much stronger than artistic soapstone. It is also labor-intensive because it is so heavy, which means that it may require additional structural support than what your counters already offer. It integrates nicely with stainless sinks. What it costs: About $40 to $80 installed. It is also beautiful and gives a unique warmth to a room that stainless steel tends to zap. It is available in a wide variety of colors and blends well with many different flooring and wall designs. What it costs:From $100 to $175 per square foot installed. It is hard and durable, and less prone to denting or chipping than quartzite. Edge grain is the most used for countertops because it is strong and less expensive; it’s created by gluing long boards together on their sides. The resulting white or gray rock tends to have beautiful streaks of color, giving it the look of marble while maintaining the toughness of granite. Be aware of the few potential drawbacks and their price. Also, copper scratches and dents easily. Its natural swirl patterns lend a clean, modern, organic look. Stainless steel comes in different grades and finishes, and the best grade of steel for kitchen countertops is type 304, which is highly scratch resistant and very strong. What it costs: Typically $65 – $135 per square foot installed, but this can vary widely, since concrete countertops are often a DIY project. It is gaining popularity as it is extremely resistant to cutting marks, but it is also the most expensive option. And as mentioned above, tile is easily cracked by dropping objects. As a bonus, a butcher block countertop can be installed yourself if you’re handy. What it costs: Between $75 and $150 installed, depending on the gauge of steel. When you get written estimates, expect quartz countertop prices to be $115-$200 per square foot. Cons: Because it is naturally soft, soapstone may scratch or chip more easily than other stone materials. Here is a look at their strengths and weaknesses. Unlike other surfaces, nicks and scratches can be repaired through sanding. The average cost for a Countertop Installation Professional is $1610. Cons: Slate has very few downsides, except that it doesn’t come in a wide range of styles or colors. Cons: Because it is very porous, marble must be sealed as often as once a year, and even then, it will likely still stain when in contact with very acidic substances. It’s very non-porous when compared to other similar surfaces, which makes it extremely unlikely to stain, and therefore it doesn’t require the periodic sealing that many other natural stone countertops require. On the other hand, quartz weighs in about two pounds heavier per square foot, which provides a more substantial feel. Pros: The coolest thing about copper is how anti-microbial it is naturally. They have a feel that’s soft and warm, and often compared to soapstone. These counters were popular in the 70s and 80s, disappeared for a while, and have recently come back into fashion. When DuPont unleashed Corian-brand countertops on the homeowners of America, it was a game changer. 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