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Laminates
Laminate counters are made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface
that
’s easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends. The most
common kitchen countertop, laminate is a synthetic material made up of several
layers: multiple sheets of kraft paper (like that used in grocery bags), a
decorative paper and a melamine plastic coating. Though economical, laminate
doesn't have the lasting power of stone. However, manufacturers like Wilsonart
offer upgraded, high-wear surfaces with increased lifespan. A slightly more
expensive alternative with no dark edges is solid-color laminate, which is made
of a colored plastic throughout.
Certain designs replicate the look of granite, solid surface, engineered stone
and hardwood, providing an in-demand look at an undemanding price.
Pros: Available in many colors, patterns and finishes; easy to maintain; durable and
inexpensive.
Cons: Layers make it almost impossible to repair scratches and chips; hot items and
water may cause layers to break apart; can
’t cut on it; can’t clean it with abrasives; seams show; end finishing and front edge choices can
be pricey.
Wood and Butcher Block
Wood countertops offer a beautiful, warm look and are available in a wide range
of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple, cherry, walnut and oak are the
most widely used for countertops. The warm, natural appearance of wood
countertops makes them a perennial favorite.
Ideal for cutting and chopping, butcher block counters, like those by Boos
Block, are simple to install, and surface scratches are usually easy to repair.
No other countertop surface offers the functional advantages of butcher block,
and it is priced far below other solid-surface tops. For a more personalized
look, exotic woods, reclaimed woods and bamboo are available.
Pros: Oil finish can be quickly wiped clean with a damp cloth; smooth, renewable
surface; can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Cons: Can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed
according to manufacturer
’s instructions.
Stainless Steel
For a professional restaurant-kitchen look, stainless steel can’t be beat. New alloys contain a dash of chromium to make it rust-resistant.
Stainless steel is typically attached to plywood to provide strength and deaden
sound. Fans of neutral surfaces who find beige boring will love stainless
steel; the metallic hue blends well with almost any color. It is nonporous,
doesn't chip or scratch and requires minimal maintenance. If you like a
contemporary and industrial feel, stainless steel is a good choice. It is heat
resistant and durable, and can be constructed without seams.
Pros: Takes hot pans; won’t stain; is smooth and cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Cons: Shows scratches and fingerprints; expensive, noisy and may dent; can’t cut on it.
Soapstone
Often referred to as the original stone countertop, early settlers in New
England relied on durable soapstone for their own countertops. It is often seen
in historic homes, but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and
sink material.
Soapstone’s inert nature means acids won't etch the material, and stains can be rubbed
out. Mineral oil treatment will bring out a darker, richer color. Soapstone
slabs enhance and beautify the home. Because soapstone is dense and nonporous,
it lasts longer than other materials
—as long as 100 years. Dorado Soapstone makes a countertop that is a good
alternative to granite. It doesn
’t need to be sealed like granite, but it is slightly easier to scratch.
Pros: Rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant.
Cons: Requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and
darken over time.
Marble
Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the
countertops of the entire kitchen, but rather on an island or inset at a baking
center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains, however,
some new sealers retard staining. Its color varies from white to black
—including yellows, reds and greens—and is frequently beautifully veined or clouded. Marble used for countertops has
either a polished or silk finish and provides a cool, sophisticated ambiance.
With marble, there is always a possibility of scratching and staining, as the
stone is not as hard as a granite surface. Marble should be cared for the same
as a fine wood finish. Armstone makes a terrazzo-like cast marble made of waste
marble chips and pieces of brightly colored recycled plastic bound in a resin.
The counter slabs are cut and finished with a variety of edge profiles and are
available in two patterns.
Pros: Waterproof, heatproof and beautiful.
Cons: Expensive; porous; stains easily; scratches easily and needs resealing
periodically.
Concrete
For countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as it’s often cast right in the kitchen. However, the high price tag puts it beyond
the reach of many people. Fu-Tung Cheng, author of the bestselling
Concrete Countertops: Design, Forms, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath and Concrete at Home gives ideas in his books on how to adapt modern-feeling concrete counters to the
traditional home.
“Concrete’s use in kitchens and bathrooms may still be considered relatively modern
design-wise by some homeowners. But while concrete can be used to create a
modern or minimal look, it
’s also perfectly adaptable to a more traditional setting—where it was so extensively used in the first place.”
Concrete can act as a substitute for traditional materials. It has an earthy,
decorative look, and it works well in both contemporary and traditional spaces.
Concrete counters can be customized by embedding stones, glass, seashells and
other elements in the concrete during fabrication
.
Pros: Heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new
treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more
decorative.
Cons: Costs are in the mid to high range due to custom work; cracking is possible; can
look somewhat industrial; porous, but can be sealed.
Other choices homeowners might want to consider are slate and onyx. Slate is
available in a variety of dark colors including gray, black, deep purple, red
and turquoise. It has a soft touch, elegant appeal and low absorption rate.
Onyx is one of the most trendy and luxurious materials in countertop and
backsplash available today. A semi-precious stone, onyx has a wide color range
and translucent appearance. However, it is susceptible to scratches and stains,
so it must be sealed regularly.
