Kitchen CountertopsCidar2015-07-01T14:51:57+00:00Kitchen Countertop Comparison Chart
Granite
-
- Pros: Granite is the most popular material used for kitchen counter tops, making this choice a top resell feature. The nature made granite color and pattern selection makes each and every piece one of a kind. Granite stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, heat and other wear and tear.
- Cons: Granite must be sealed occasionally to avoid stains. Its weight requires well constructed and sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight.
- $35-$100/sq.ft installed
Solid Surfacing
-
- Pros: Solid Surfacing Counter tops were first known as “Corian” and are made primarily from acrylic and polyester. Solid surfacing is nonporous, making it virtually maintenance free — no sealing or special cleaning required. It can be susceptible to scratches and burns but these can be easily sanded out. There are extensive color and pattern options such as vibrant hues. The seamless installation contains no cracks to trap dirt and debris.
- Cons: Solid surfacing has an artificial look and feel, yet can approach the price of natural stone. This material does not hold up as well as granite and other materials to hot pans, sharp knives, nicks and scratches.
- $35-$100/sq.ft installed
Quartz Surfacing
-
- Pros: Quartz Surfacing or Engineered Stone is made of resin and quartz chips tinted with color. This combination of solid surfacing and natural stone mixed in provides stone beauty and easy care. Quartz surfacing is durable and has the same maintenance as solid surfacing and is available in a large range of colors and patterns.
- Cons: Quartz Surfacing counter tops do not have the natural look of granite.
- $40-$90/sq.ft installed
Marble
-
- Pros: The glamorous look of marble is hard to beat. This elegant traditional material choice offers unmatching luminescence and distinctive veining. Marble holds up to heat well. Because this material holds a cooler temperature it stands up well against bacteria, mold and provides a good food preparation surface.
- Cons: Even with sealing, Marble is very susceptible to stains. It also easily scratches and chips. For that reason, marble is used sparingly in a kitchen.
- $40-$100/sq.ft installed
Tile
-
- Pros: Kitchen tile countertops are one of the most inexpensive options. Ceramic and porcelain are the standard tile options. There is nearly limitless options for colors and designs and can work with just about any kitchen style. It’s durability holds up to heat, knife scratches and stains. If a tile is chipped or cracked it is fairly easy to replace.
- Cons: Tile does not provide the same seamless, smooth surface as Granite and other materials. Tile grout must be installed properly and maintained in order to resist staining and bacterial growth. Because of the tile seams and grout the daily cleaning is more difficult.
- $10-$80/sq.ft installed
Laminate
-
- Pros: Laminate is an excellent budget saving option. It is made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board. The newer laminate designs mimic stone, butcher block and other more expensive surfaces. Laminate is low maintenance and easy to clean. Its light weight doesn’t require the support of a thick cabinet base.
- Cons: Laminate does not hold up well over time. It is very prone to scratching, burns and staining. Over time, regular wear and exposure to moisture cause peeling. If you have an undermount sink, laminate’s raw particle board core will eliminate this choice for you. When damaged, laminate is difficult to repair and will most likely require replacement.
- $10-$30/sq.ft installed
