Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, building one from scratch or just ready to give yours a face-lift, countertops are a central part of the look. And you may be daunted by the wealth of options on the market. Countertops make a huge difference in the look, function and wear of a kitchen. They can also be a great change artist to spruce up an existing home for resale. Below is sampling of some of the most common surfaces on the market today.
Granite
This variety of natural stone remains the premier choice among many. Because of its dramatic beauty and seemingly endless variety of colors and patterns ranging from subtle to bold, you’re sure to find a slab that fits your style. Granite is hard and scratch resistant and requires minimal upkeep when properly sealed. Because granite is so desirable, it’s likely to add resale value to your home. Granite is still one of the most expensive countertop choices and though it is recyclable, the transport and mining of this stone require extensive energy resources.
Price range: $50 to $100 per square foot, depending on the size and thickness.
Quartz
Quartz is one of nature’s hardest and most abundant minerals. In fact, nearly every type of stone contains some percentage of this material. Manufacturers of quartz countertops add pigments, resins and, occasionally, recycled content to a base that is about 95 percent natural stone. One of the benefits of a quartz surface is that it is stronger than granite and doesn’t require sealing. Quartz is also naturally resistant to moisture, stains and bacteria and has a variety of edge treatments and installation options. The downside to this countertop material is the price, which can rival high-end granite and marble.
Price range: $60 to $100 per square foot.
Solid Surfacing
Made primarily from acrylic and polyester, solid surfacing first was sold under the brand name Corian, which is often used as a generic term for it. Today, it’s made by a host of manufacturers and has enjoyed steady popularity over the years. Solid surfacing is nonporous, it is naturally resistant to water, bacteria and stains and is virtually maintenance free and requires no sealing or special cleaning. Although it can be susceptible to scratches and burns, those are easy to sand out. Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris. Solid surfacing tends to have an artificial look and feel a bit institutional and can approach the price ranges of natural stone.
Price range: $40 to $100 per linear foot.
Marble
For centuries marble’s cool elegance has been synonymous with wealth and privilege. But thanks to improvements in its production, this rare beauty has become a bit more affordable. A hard, crystalline form of limestone, marble is often white with streaks of grays, although there are many color variations. It stands up well to heat and because it remains cool, it’s a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations. Marble can be polished for a high shine or honed for a casual, matte finish. There are a few downsides to this luxurious material. It is expensive and the porous nature of this product makes it prone to stains, scratches and etching from acidic substances. This material also requires periodic sealing to maintain its finish.
Price range: $125 to $150 per square foot, depending on thickness and installation.
Laminate
Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, so it’s a good choice if your budget is tight. Made of paper blended with resins and fused to particleboard, laminate has been a kitchen mainstay for decades. In the past, it hasn’t always had a reputation as stylish, but that’s changing. The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other pricier surfaces. However, laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining. And because of the raw particleboard core, you can’t use laminate with undermount sinks. Laminate surfaces are difficult to repair if they are damaged.
Price range: $24 to $50 per linear foot.
Butcher Block
Many homeowners like butcher block’s warm, natural appearance and variegated wood tones. Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It’s especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops. After all, it’s what chopping blocks have been made of for years. But you can also sand scratches down with ease. Wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block is no exception. This material can harbor bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface.
Cost: $35 to $70 per square foot, installed.
Concrete
No longer exclusively an industrial material, concrete has miraculous shape-shifting abilities that allow an endless array of looks. Most concrete countertops are manufactured on site for maximum quality control. It’s an appealing organic material that can mimic the look of natural stone and is available in a vast range of colors, textures and decorative inlays. This product is extremely durable and is eco friendly especially when recycled content is added. Due to the porous nature of concrete, countertops need to be sealed and waxed regularly.
Price range: $65 to $135 per square foot, not including installation.
Paper Composite
A more recent innovation in countertops is one created from paper fibers and mixed with resin. This surface is eco friendly and a whole lot more durable than it sounds. Paper composite evokes the look of solid surfacing or laminate but with a warmer sensibility. It’s surprisingly hardy and can withstand heat and water very well. It’s also a great deal lighter than natural stone or concrete. But, this material isn’t scratch proof and is susceptible to chemical damage. It needs an occasional rubdown with mineral oil, and even sanding, to refresh it. Although it sounds as though it would be a lower-budget option, it isn’t, unless you install it yourself.
Cost: $85 to $125 per square foot, installed.
There are so many beautiful surface options and price ranges available. It is well worth your time to research each surface to better understand which one will fit into your perfect kitchen or bath space! FBN
By Michelle Mallett
Michelle Mallett is the owner and principal designer at Mallett Design Works, a design firm specializing in customized kitchen and bath design. She is certified in kitchen and bath design by the NKBA and is an Allied Member of ASID. To discuss how Mallett Design Works can help you achieve a space that exceeds your design expectations, call Mallett at 928-699-1405 or visit the design studio located at
4401 N. Hwy 89 Ste. 3. You may also visit her website at www.mallettdesignworks.com to see a full list of services and portfolio.