Materials Available for Kitchen and Bath Countertops

Designer Lauren Powell touches on the multitude of materials available for countertops in the kitchen and bath.

• laminate - inexpensive, available in an array of patterns
  
• tile - available in wide variety of colors, can create custom patterns, durable, non-porous, easy to maintain
  
• butcher block - perfect for use on a center island, should be rubbed down with vegetable oil monthly
  
• solid surface - durable, non-porous, scratches can be buffed out, provides seamless look, variety of edge treatments available
  
• marble - stains and scratches easily, not recommended for kitchen countertops
  
• granite - heat- and scratch- resistant, available as whole slab or as tile

kitchen window treatments: Waverly, Williamsburg – 665351; Tuckahoe – Colonial Red
rustic iron hardware: Van Dyke's - AH-02002647 and AH-02002649