Countertops Rock solid and elegant 2
Quartz (Silestone, Cambria, Zodiaq):
Best for: Those who cook a lot and have messy family members.
Price: $40-$90 per square foot installed.
Pros: Durable, nonporous, resistant to scratches and stains; doesn't chip; more uniform
appearance; no bacterial issues; many choices; some have 10-year warranty.
Cons: Not as natural-looking; undermount sink has to be cut carefully to match.
Maintenance: Needs no sealing or refinishing; easy to clean.
Wood:
Best for: Country-look kitchens or kitchens with mixed styles of countertops.
Price: $40-$65 per square foot installed.
Pros: Provides a warm and homey look; available in a wide range of colors and finishes; is easy to clean; can be sanded and resealed; some are waterproof and scratch resistant; suited to imaginative shapes.
Cons: Can be damaged by oil and stains over time, but spills wipe up easily. Sanitize with 20 percent white vinegar and water; wipe with oil periodically.
Maintenance: Fine sandpaper removes surface scratches. Requires periodic sealing and refinishing to remove scratches, dings and dents . Apply satin finish oil to restore luster.
Marble:
Best for: Pastry prep or trophy kitchens not used for much cooking.
Price: $40-$115 per square foot installed.
Pros: Beautiful and natural-looking; waterproof, heat resistant; offered in a wide range of colors.
Cons: More porous than granite so it's prone to etching and stains; bacterial issues; chips; not strong enough for heavy-use kitchens.
Maintenance: Needs annual sealing. Use mild cleaners without vinegar or citric acid.
Stainless Steel:
Best for: Those who want a contemporary, industrial look and for second homes.
Price: $80-$110 per square foot installed.
Pros: Nonporous; resists bacterial growth; offered in a variety of finishes; heat resistant; will not fade or chip; can be made with an integral sink for a seamless look.
Cons: More expensive than granite or quartz; may scratch or dent; fabrication is expensive; can't cut on it directly.
Maintenance: Like stainless appliances, can fingerprint and is time-consuming to keep it looking clean. Towel dry after use. Clean with mild cleanser only.
Solid Surface (Corian, Swanstone, Avonite):
Best for: High-traffic kitchens where a lot of cooking is done.
Price: $49-$63 per square foot installed.
Pros: Durable, long-lasting, heat and stain resistant; nonporous; has inconspicuous seams; resists bacterial growth; can be repaired easily; some offer 10-year warranty.
Cons: Falling out of fashion; is not as natural-looking as stone; not heat or scratch resistant.
Maintenance: Soapy water or ammonia-based cleaners will remove most dirt and stains. Minor blemishes can be sanded out or removed with mild household abrasive.
Laminate (Formica, Nevamar and Wilsonart):
Best for: Budget-minded homeowners.
Price: $30-$40 per square foot installed.
Pros: Easy to install; resists stains and heat; durability has improved; choices are varied, including those that resemble granite.
Cons: Doesn't add as much value for resale; scratches and chips almost impossible to repair; most have visible seams, although some post-formed seamless versions are available.
Maintenance: Cleans easily.
Please click the icon to chat online.
