Selecting Kitchen
Countertops
Laminate, tile, or granite, oh my. The lions,
tigers, and bears lament that Dorothy had
quickly becomes a homeowner’s nightmare,
too, when faced with kitchen counter
decisions. Choices for kitchen counter
materials are becoming more and more
numerous all the time, creating a need for
a clear set of pros and cons.
Choose by look
The choice of the right countertop can often
be made quickly when you want to achieve a
certain look. For instance, some granites, and
most certainly, stainless steel, are the counter
of choice when the style is contemporary and
sleek. When the style is homier and warmer,
a tile or wood top is a good choice. All-around
good styling can be found in solid surface
(Corian) and laminate (Wilsonart, Formica)
because these counters can be adapted to a
wide range of uses and design styles.
Select by care
If ease of care is your top priority, then narrowing your list to the right countertop becomes easier. Of course, easy care means different things to different people. For some, easy care means being able to wipe off the counters with a sponge. For others, it means not seeing smudges and fingerprints. Still others prefer counters that can take the abuse of spills and heat. This makes it vital to know what easy care means to you.
Countertop pros and cons
Granite. Real granite is resistant to stains if sealed properly, is impervious to heat, and it’s beautiful, making granite is a top choice for counters today. Cleaning is a cinch if you use microfiber towels. Sponge cleaning only smears and dulls their beautiful, glass-like luster. The con is price. Granite is expensive.
Solid surface. This engineered product makes a forgiving countertop. Stains can be sanded out. Any color you desire can be created, making them very flexible for a wide range of design uses. Cleaning is also very easy and sinks can be integrated into the counters. But solid surface counters are expensive and can be easily damaged by heat.
Stainless steel. Beautiful, easy to clean, and resistant to stains and damage from hot pans, stainless is a wonderful choice for counters. Stainless is also a terrific look in kitchens with contemporary or industrial design. Drawbacks include scratching easily, noisiness, and the potential for denting. It can also be expensive to install.
Engineered stone. Like granite, this product has lots of great features. Unlike granite, it’s sealed, resists scratches and cracking, and doesn’t require any annual sealing like the real thing does. Care is also easier than granite, but like granite, engineered stone is expensive. Silestone is one brand of engineered stone.
Ceramic tile. Ceramic is a workhorse in the kitchen. Care is simple, tile comes in a variety of styles and colors and the cost to install depends on the tile, the pattern used, and the installation. Many homeowners can do it themselves, making tile good for creating a custom look without the custom price. Drawbacks include pits in the surface that can collect dirt, uneven surfaces, grout lines that can become dirty, and occasional chips.
Laminate. This product has stood the test of time and it’s understandable. Laminate is low-cost and care is a snap. Replacement is also easy. Problems include scratching, chipping, melting from hot pans, and unattractive seams. Extras like finished ends or rounded fronts can drive prices quite high.
Concrete. Relatively new to the kitchen scene, concrete earns high marks for being unique. Tough and durable, concrete counters can take hot pans easily. Negatives include high cost, cracking, and the annual sealing or waxing required to fight stains.
Marble. Beautiful and timeless, marble is a high-end product that is luxurious and heatproof. However, it’s porous and tends to stain and scratch easily. Good for spot applications, like baking centers or bar areas. It’s also very expensive.
Wood. Warm and welcoming, wood is a cozy choice in a kitchen. As these counters age or become stained, they can be sanded and resealed as needed. Staining and scratches are a problem and more care and upkeep is required to keep them in top shape.
With pros and cons in hand, you’ll be able to make the right choice for your kitchen counter selection. And, it’s these pros and cons that will determine whether your kitchen counter selection becomes a joy or drudgery, so choose with your needs in mind and not necessarily the whims of what’s in or what your sister-in-law has on her counters.
© 2005 Kathryn Weber, all rights reserved
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Cleaning Calender, that calender that puts you in control of your home by ending the power struggle. For more information log on to http://tinyurl.com/d9rh5.
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©2001-2007 Kathryn Weber
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