Basic Facts, Pros and Cons on Purchasing Countertops

Information on 13 different countertop materials from HomePortfolio.com.

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From HomePortfolio's Learn More About Series
By Susan Winner, Kitchen & Bath Editor

Choosing a countertop material can be as confusing as deciding on your cabinet door design. There are the practical needs and options to consider as well as the room layout, style, and character.

Combining different materials in a kitchen fully utilizes each material's performance while adding interest to the design. Consider a cool-to-the-touch marble baking area and a butcher block-topped island. Slate around the cooktop and granite by the sink.

Following are some basic facts about, as well as pros and cons of, each material.

New Venetian Gold Granite Slab from Walker Zanger

Granite

Granite, one of the hardest natural materials, is primarily made up of quartz and feldspar. An expensive option, granite's unique beauty and longevity make it an elegant choice.

Extremely heat- and scratch-resistant, granite allows hot pans to be placed directly on the surface.
Stains can be removed by a variety of methods depending on the type of stain. Scratches need to be repaired by a professional.
A porous material, granite requires proper periodic resealing with a penetrating sealer at least once every couple of years to prevent staining.
Cutting on the surface is not recommended.
Sizes are limited, and slabs must be pieced together for larger areas.
Available in many varieties, in various edge treatments, and in polished, honed, and matte finishes.
Prices range from $100 to $300 per linear foot depending on availability, quality, and the amount of fabrication required.

Aragon Gold Marble Slab from Walker Zanger

Marble

Marble is rarely used on kitchen countertops due to its soft nature.

Stains and scratches easily.
A porous material, marble requires proper periodic resealing with a penetrating sealer to prevent staining.
Heat- and water-resistant.
Works well in very small areas for specific tasks, such as rolling out pastry dough.
Available in honed, matte, and polished finishes.
From $35 - $75 per square foot fabricated.

Limestone

Limestone consists mainly of calcite, a neutral-toned mineral.

Varies in hardness: some varieties are softer like marble and some are harder and more scratch-resistant like granite.
A porous material, limestone requires proper periodic resealing with a penetrating sealer to help prevent staining.
Available in black, gray, brown, white, and yellow, limestone has a smooth, muted complexion.
From $35 - $75 per square foot fabricated.

Custom countertop from Silestone

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone combines natural quartz and silica sands under extreme pressure at very high temperatures to create an agglomerate product that looks like granite, marble, or travertine but is more durable and flexible.

Nonporous, engineered stone is stain-, acid-, mold- and mildew-resistant and hard enough to resist chips and scratches.
Available in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, it is produced in 1/2", 3/4" and 1/4" thick slabs.
From $50 - $65 per square foot.

Pyrolave countertop from Pyrolave

Lavastone

Lavastone is quarried in France and enameled and fired to present a brilliant crackle finish.

Completely fabricated before shipping, it can be made into any shape through laser cutting technology, in seamless slabs up to 48" x 96".
Impervious to stains and heat, lavastone has a high-gloss finish that can scratch if mistreated.
Available in many colors as well as in custom colors.
From $180 per square foot installed.

Black concrete countertop from Buddy Rhodes

Concrete

Concrete contains natural materials: stone, silica-based cement, water, and pigment. Cast in molds and structurally reinforced, it is either pre-cast in a shop or done on-site.

Concrete is a handmade, custom-crafted material that works well with other natural elements such as slate and wood.
Extremely porous, concrete must be properly resealed periodically to resist stains.
Avoid cutting directly on the surface, as this will compromise the sealant.
Rather unpredictable in nature, concrete may crack and will change color, developing a warm patina over time.
Hairline cracks may develop from the natural shrinkage of the concrete. These cracks tend to be nonstructural and simply add interest to the inherent beauty of the material.
As with marble or granite, seams can become part of the design element.
Standard 1.5" thick tops start at approximately $100 per square foot.

Old World Tiles from Seneca Tiles

Tile

Tile countertops allow for the most versatile range of designs.

Tile is heat- and stain-resistant.
Available in ceramic or porcelain, from mosaics to 6" x 6" sizes, and in every color imaginable.
Epoxy grout is highly recommended for easier cleaning.
Glazed tiles may scratch and chip, so extra tiles should be purchased and stored.
Optional corners and liners are available from many manufacturers to finish the edges beautifully.
From $5 per square foot.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are wonderful for cutting and chopping.

Usually made from rock maple for its tight grain, as well as oak and cherry, butcher block can also be made in mixed and exotic species.
Must be oiled regularly.
Clean easily; bacteria can be removed by rubbing a slice of lemon over the surface.
Fairly durable, butcher block may develop scratches that can be repaired by sanding.
Approximately $30 per square foot.

Soapstone

Soapstone (Steatite), a material that has been used in kitchens for centuries, achieves a traditional, rustic look.

Soapstone is primary composed of talc, making it soft and smooth to the touch.
Chemically and thermally resistant to stains and burning.
Reapplying a coat of mineral oil periodically will enhance its luster and act as a sealer.
Originally mined in Vermont, most soapstone is imported from Brazil in a range of blue/gray tones.
From $55 per square foot fabricated.

Custom slate countertop from Sheldon Slate

Slate

Slate is a natural stone that features nonporous, heat-resistant qualities.

Any scratches can usually be removed easily with a damp sponge. Deeper scratches may be buffed out with a steel wool pad.
Slates mined in Vermont require no sealing.
Softer than granite, slate has edges that should be rounded to discourage chipping.
Limited color choices; available in tones of green, gray, purple, and black.
From $65 - $80 per square foot fabricated.

Countertop from Corian

Solid Surface

Solid surface materials are manufactured from acrylic resins and/or polyester plastics.

Offering seamless construction, solid surface materials can easily accommodate large areas or a built-in sink.
Nonporous, solid surface resists most liquid and food stains.
Trivets are recommended, as hot pots will melt the finish.
Designed to be consumer-friendly, scratches and stains can be easily sanded away.
Available in numerous solid colors and evenly distributed patterns, they can be found with matte and polished finishes, and with a wide selection of edging details.
From $100 per linear foot installed depending on the pattern, edge treatment, and amount of fabrication necessary.

Copper countertop from Counter:culture

Copper and Zinc

Copper and zinc metal countertops present a unique, warm appearance.

Nonporous by nature, copper and zinc may be polished regularly to retain their new, bright finish or left to age naturally and oxidize, developing a rich patina.
To prevent heat damage and scratching, trivets and cutting boards are recommended.
Soft, but due to their substrate construction, dent-resistant.
Available in seamless lengths to 118".
Zinc from $120 per square foot.
Copper from $135 per square foot.