Countertop Types: Pros and Cons

MESA, Ariz. - Sept. 16, 2013 - PRLog -- If you’re in the market for a new countertop, finding the right type of material can be difficult.  Well, there are so many types to choose from!  Deciding on the right countertop requires three important factors to consider:  price, aesthetics and practicality (not necessarily in that order).  Since price, for the most part, varies dramatically depending on what region you reside, and varies dramatically on what perspective you have, only one of those factors, practicality, will be the focus of this article.  What “practicality” means here can be answered by the question, “What do I need from my countertop?”  The key word here being “need”.  If you use your kitchen infrequently, or if your hobby is being a master chef; this type of information is critical when choosing the right countertop.   To help you in your quest to find the right countertop, here is a quick pros and cons list describing some of the characteristics each material possess:



Marble

Pros:  Available in an array of colors and patterns, has a nice smooth surface, resistant to chips or dents, and is heat resistant.

Cons:  One of the most expensive countertop types, is susceptible to scratches or being etched by acids including citrus, coffee, alcohol, and some cleaning products; even when sealed.

Granite

Pros:  More durable than marble, very resistant to scratching and staining, resistant to heat if sealed, low-maintenance, high resale value, and has lots of color options.

Cons:  Another material on the pricy side, and requires resealing about once every year.

Engineered Stones (Silestone, etc.)

Pros:  It is Nonporous, resistant to scratches and stains, easy to maintain, no sealant required and it looks like natural stone (it’s at least 90% quartz).

Cons:  This stone-type is not heat resistant.

Solid Surface (Corian, etc.)

Pros:  Durable, smooth surface, can seamlessly integrate sink and backsplash, easy to sand away stains or scratches, lots of color and pattern options, can imitate other materials like concrete and marble.

Cons:  Can be easily be damaged by heat, easy to scratch and dent, and is susceptible to stains.

Stainless Steel

Pros:  Durable, stain-proof, spill-proof, temperature-proof, easy to clean and maintain.

Cons:  Can nick and scratch, can show fingerprints, and has a tendency to be noisy.

Wood/Butcher Block

Pros:  Good for chopping/prep surface, and is gentle on delicate glassware/china.

Cons:  Easily damaged by burns, dents, spills and scratches; requires food-safe protective sealer, needs regular maintenance, and will discolor if installed around the sink.

Ceramic Tile

Pros:  Durable, easy to install and clean, heat and moisture-resistant.

Cons:  Uneven surface, tiles can get scratched, cracked or chipped, and grout can stain.

Lava Stone

Pros:  Beautiful crackled finish, many color options, non-porous, highly resistant to heat, cold, stains and scratching; highly durable, and requires low-maintenance.

Cons:  Expensive, and there’s a waiting list.

Concrete

Pros:  Heat and scratch resistant, smooth surface, very strong, lots of texture and color options, fairly durable, and can seamlessly integrate sink and backsplash.

Cons:  Can be cracked, somewhat porous, must be sealed and waxed, needs to be custom cast (can be pricey to fabricate).

Soapstone

Pros:  Fabulous natural grey color, has a smooth matte feel, resistant to etching from acids, somewhat resistant to stains, scratches can be easily sanded or oiled away, not as harmful to the environment as other quarried stones.

Cons:  Needs regular maintenance, may crack, chip and scratch; and color may darken.

Glass

Pros:  Lots of color, shape, and texture options; non-porous, and is heat-resistant.

Cons:  Can crack, chip, or break; can’t be repaired, must be replaced, scratches and fingerprints are visible.

Laminates

Pros:  Stain-resistant, waterproof, lots of color options, low-maintenance, and is fairly inexpensive.

Cons:  Can be cracked and scratched, not heat-proof, and is difficult to repair.

Paper-based Composite

Pros:  Green (made from recycled paper), very durable, harder than wood, somewhat stain and heat resistant.

Cons:  Can scratch and stain, not totally heatproof, darkens over time, requires sealant, and there is not a huge range of colors.

Bamboo & Paper Composite

Pros:  Green, highly durable, won’t discolor over time, scratch and stain proof, water-resistant, and has more light colors than Paper (above).

Cons:  Only 10 colors available, and requires (infrequent) regular maintenance.

visit the article at http://www.countertops.com/blog/countertop-types-pros-cons/