Countertops:

Though we'll never stop preaching the importance of selecting your cabinetry first, there's no denying it: that perfect countertop is at the forefront of most homeowners' wish lists. Whether you're craving granite or have fallen for the unique look of quartz surfacing, there are certainly no shortages of options to choose from.

But with so many options, it's important to approach the selection process wisely. You know what these countertops look like; now it's time to get a handle on their individual characteristics. Read on to learn about specific costs and pros and cons before you make a countertop commitment.

Countertop Comparison:

Granite

Granite remains the countertop material that defines elegance. Though heat resistant and durable, granite needs periodic applications of sealant.

Pros: Takes hot pans, looks beautiful.
Cons: Expensive, high maintenance, can stain, may crack, available in limited sizes and colors, requires periodic resealing.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone is fashioned from quartz and offers the visual depth of granite, yet is available in a larger range of colors. It is a nonporous surface that resists scratches and is easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Look for brands such as Zodiaq, Cambria, Silestone and CaeserStone.

Pros: Stain and acid resistant, easy care.
Cons: Expensive.

Solid Surface

Avonite, Corian, and Staron are some of the popular brands of solid surface countertops custom made to your exact specification. Because it is made in a solid sheet, scratches can be sanded out.

Pros: Seamless, stain resistant, large variety of colors and patterns.
Cons: Hot pans or stains can damage surface, can be moderately expensive.

Ceramic Tile

Tile is a great choice for a kitchen. It is often inexpensive and long lasting and can be installed by handy homeowners.

Pros: Takes hot pans, easy to clean, standard tiles are inexpensive, available in many sizes, colors, and textures.
Cons: Uneven surface, grout lines can stain, tile may chip or crack, artistic tiles can be very expensive.

Laminates

Widely used in new homes for many years, laminate counters such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart, are made of plastic-coated synthetics. Its smooth surface makes cleaning a breeze. Available in standard lengths as well as custom sizes.

Pros: Offered in lots of colors, easy care, inexpensive, durable.
Cons: Chips and scratches are hard to repair, seaming will show, edge treatments add to cost.

Wood and Butcherblock

Wood offers a beautiful warm look and is available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods.

Pros: Easy to clean, smooth, can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Cons: Will be damaged by water and stains over time, scratches, must be oiled or sealed as per manufacturer.

Stainless Steel

Counters made of stainless steel are heat resistant and offer a decidedly contemporary style to a kitchen. Stainless counters will be made to your specifications and offer seamless durability.

Pros: Takes hot pans, easy to clean.
Cons: Expensive, noisy, may dent, fabrication is expensive, avoid cutting on it.

Soapstone

Often seen in kitchen sinks in historic houses, soapstone has returned to modern kitchens as both a countertop and sink material. Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel due to its high concentration of talc.

Pros: Deep color, smooth feel, somewhat stain resistant.
Cons: May crack and darken over time, requires regular applications of mineral oil.

Marble

Though rarely seen in an entire kitchen, marble offers the look of luxury to select areas such as islands and insets in baking centers. Ask about new sealers that can help prevent staining.

Pros: Waterproof, heatproof, beautiful.
Cons: Expensive, porous, stains easily unless professionally sealed, can scratch, may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.

Concrete

Concrete counters are often cast on-site making them a good alternative for unusually shaped counters, yet this custom fabrication comes with a high pricetag.

Pros: Heat and scratch resistant, can be tinted, unusual.
Cons: Very expensive, cracking is common, looks somewhat industrial, porous, must be treated regularly with wax or sealant.