Finding the perfect kitchen countertop for the most used room in a home can be a challenge. Countertops must be durable, stain-resistant, easy to clean, and improve a kitchen’s overall appearance. Although it may seem impossible at times to find the right countertop, a little research and visiting a few kitchen showrooms will identify the right type and style.
Natural Stone: Counter Tops that Bring Nature into the Kitchen
Natural stone is often the countertop of choice for many kitchen installations. It is very expensive; however, provides a look that is warm and elegant. There are several types of natural stone materials that are used in kitchens.
- Granite – this stone has a crystalline structure, containing tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. It also contains natural fissures that appear to be cracks, but they are not structural defects and do not impair the material’s function or durability.
- Marble – this stone has been around for years and is quite expensive. Because of its expense, marble is typically used in specific areas of a kitchen such as a baking preparation area.
- Soapstone – this stone is non-porous dark-gray material. This means it does not stain easily and not affected by chemicals or acids. This stone requires regular treatment with mineral oil to avoid stains.
- Pyrolave – this stone is constructed from natural lava rock from the volcanic flows from Volvic in France. Pyrolave creates the ultimate luxurious worktop surface, requiring no special maintenance. This stone is impervious to stains and scratches.
- Pros – natural stone is smooth, extremely hard, durable, and resistant to scratches. It is also bacteria, heat, and water resistant. Natural stone is excellent for baking preparation.
- Cons – natural stone is expensive, can discolor, and chipped or broken if abused. It is impossible to hide seams and must be resealed every two to three years with normal use. An important con is that showroom color may not match installed color.
Solid surfaces are typically man-made from acrylic or plastic material which is colored by resins. This countertop material has a uniform appearance, along with consistent patterns and colors. Final counter installations match showroom examples.
- Corian – this counter materials can be refinished and minor cuts or scratches can be removed. There are three types of Corian finishes: matte/satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss.
- Compac Marmol and Quartz – these counter materials inhibit the growth of bacteria. They both have exceptional hardness and resistance to impact. They are ideal for heavily trafficked and well used kitchen.
- Quartz – this is engineered stone that is a non-porous material, made from a mixture of 93 percent quartz and 7 percent resin binders and pigments. It has the strength of granite; however, it is more flexible and easier to handle. This material is easy to maintain compared to natural stone and does not require regular sealing. Quartz counters have seams, although not pronounced.
Like all kitchen countertop materials, solid surface materials have their own pros and cons that include:
- Pros – solid surface countertops are smooth, durable, no visible seams, heat resistant, water resistant, and scratches can be sanded out.
- Cons – must be professionally installed, along with being expensive and having limited color options.
Tile countertops are heat resistant and attractive. They come in several shapes, sizes, and colors that can be manufactured or handcrafted for an artisanal look.
- Porcelain – these tiles are extremely dense because they are made from clays with low water absorption. They are known for durability that can even rival granite’s durability.
- Ceramic – this tile is made from pressed clay. It includes mosaics and ranges from half-inch to three-inch pieces. It’s the softest tile and easily chipped.
- Stone – these tiles, typically 12 inches square, that are typically made from granite or marble.
- Concrete – these tiles offer a newer, highly durable surface that can be colored to match any kitchen décor. Concrete tiles are typically 24 inches and come in standard countertop depths. Concrete tiles come as basic tiles and are about half the price of a concrete countertop.
- Pros – durable, heat resistant, good to do-it-yourself, and available in many colors.
- Cons – countertop is uneven, grout lines are hard to clean, and easily chipped or cracked.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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