Countertop Guide

Countertop Guide

Getting to design your own kitchen can be a very rewarding experience, but the amount of decisions you have to make can be overwhelming. With so many options, it can difficult to know which direction to go. One decision you’ll be facing is what type of counter top material you want. This pros and cons list will help you get acquainted with the most popular options and help you select the ideal material that will compliment your kitchen design. For further questions feel free to contact us here.

Granite

Pros

• Beautiful, naturally-formed design
• Each piece is unique
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Can withstand heat and knives very well

Cons

• Can become easily stained, will require sealing to avoid damage
• Very heavy, must be paired with strong cabinet boxes

Butcher Block

Pros

• Great for country or cottage style kitchens
• Creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere
• Comes in a variety of tones
• Has beautiful natural graining patterns
• Natural wear and tear can add charm and personality but can also be sanded away if desired

Cons

• Can warp because of water damage, will need to be oiled frequently to prevent this
• Can absorb bacteria and will need to be disinfected regularly

Solid Surfacing

Pros

• Great for modern style kitchens
• Very low maintenance, no sealing required
• Damage can be easily sanded away
• Very wide range of color options including vibrant hues not found in nature

Cons

• Artificial man-made look may not appeal to everyone
• Can be just as expensive as granite or other natural materials

Marble

Pros

• Very classy and elegant
• Has a strong defense against heat

Cons

• Has a weak defense against staining, scratching and chipping
• May not be sensible to use throughout whole Kitchen because of price and potential for damage

Quartz Surfacing

Pros

• Simple to maintain
• Great at imitating natural beauty of stone
• Comes in wide variety of color options
• Very durable

Cons

• Can imitate stone, but isn’t quite as good as the real thing
• Can be just as, if not more expensive than stone

Tile

Pros

• Works well in country or old world style kitchens
• Comes in a variety of color options
• Stands up well against staining, heat and knives
• Individual tiles can easily be replaced if chipped

Cons

• Modular aspect makes for an uneven surface that can be difficult for cutting boards or when rolling dough straight onto the counter
• Grout between tiles can attract bacteria or become stained if not sealed

Laminate

Pros

• Getting better and better at mimicking more expensive materials
• Great for designing on a budget
• Easy to clean
• Can be paired with any cabinet base because of its light weight

Cons

• The layers in the material can peel over time
• Susceptible to stains, scratches and burns
• Excessive damage can be difficult to repair

Concrete

Pros

• Works well with industrial chic designs
• Can be tinted to any shade you want and can be inlaid with shells or other interesting materials
• Very durable
• Can withstand heavy use

Cons

• Stains easily so must be sealed frequently
• Can crack if exposed to high levels of heat
• Very heavy and will require strong cabinet base