How to Choose the Countertop That is Right For You?

One of the things that our clients get excited about in making selections for their new home is choosing their kitchen countertops. There are a wide variety of options available now, and with so many different materials to choose from how do you figure out which is the best one for you? Today, we are going to show some of the key features of different types of countertops. There are many factors to consider when it comes time to make this important decision. Some of the key points to think of are: Maintenance, Aesthetic, Price and Durability.

Below we will discuss several different materials and the pros and cons of each.

Laminate:
Pros: Low price point, generally based on a price per linear foot for a pre-formed top, however for odd shapes or custom counters, a price per square foot may be used. Wide variety of colours and patterns, inexpensive enough that many people will change out for a new laminate countertop when redecorating.

Cons: Not heat resistant. Laminate can peel and crack over time. Does not handle moisture well—if water sits on a seam, the material can mould, discolour, or rot. Custom counters for odd shapes or cuts have more seams, which leaves more potential for damage.

Butcherblock/Wood:
Pros: Adds warmth to a room, lower price point generally based on a cost per square foot. Can be stained to match décor.

Cons: Scratches and dents easily, regular oiling required, not heat or water resistant, and can stain.

Image c/o http://www.buildasurface.com/juniper-corian

Corian/Acrylic Solid Surface:

Pros: Durable, easily formed into many different shapes, easy to maintain, wide variety of colours, no seams, heat resistant, bacteria resistant, water resistant and stain resistant.  The sink can be built right into the form for a completely seam-free counter.

Cons: Higher price point, generally based on a price square foot.  Corian doesn’t have the same high-quality look that natural stone gives, can scratch fairly easily (although those can sometimes be buffed out), and can stain.

Granite:

Pros: Wide variety of colours and patterns to choose from, heat, stain and water resistant.

Cons: Requires regular sealing, can scratch (although less likely than most), can etch easily from acidic foods and cleaners, and can crack under pressure like marble, so again, no sitting on those countertops! High price point, generally based on a price per square foot (however, sometimes a local manufacturer using similar products for projects such as granite signage or monuments can be much less expensive than traditional sources!).

Marble:

Pros: Luxurious looking finish, variety of types of marble (different colours and patterns), great for baking and rolling dough.

Cons: High maintenance (needs to be sealed regularly), can etch easily from acidic foods and cleaners, stains easily, chips and nicks easily as it’s a soft stone, and can crack under pressure (no sitting on those countertops!). Marble has a higher price point then many and is generally based on a price per square foot.

Quartz:

Pros: Streamlined modern look, no sealing required, heat resistant and stain resistant. Variety of colours and patterns to choose from.

Cons: Although it could potentially crack under pressure, it is less likely to in comparison with granite and marble.  Higher price point generally based on a cost per square foot.

Stainless Steel:

Pros: Very easy to maintain. No sealing or oiling required, stainless steel provides a nice clean, professional look for a kitchen, that is heat resistant, and waterproof.

Cons: Higher price point generally based on a cost per square foot. Shows scratches and dents easily. Fingerprints also show easily.

Concrete:

Pros: Can add colours and textures, easy to form into different shapes

Cons: Like your concrete floor, it can stain, however sealing it will help prevent staining.  Concrete has a higher price point generally based on a cost per square foot. Extra support may be required because of the weight of the material.

There are also other options such as glass and tile, for those that prefer even more options!  No matter what you choose, there is a wider selection of patterns and materials in each type of countertop, making more options available than ever before!