Countertops are a big part of any kitchen or bathroom, two of the busiest and most functional rooms in the house. When selecting a countertop for your home get smart on the pros and cons of the material, as well as your likes and dislikes, so you can make an intelligent selection. Today we’ll examine five countertop options and another 5 in tomorrow’s post.
How to Top It
Plastic Laminate – A layer of brown paper paired with colored paper then bonded together by plastic resin while under pressure.
Photo sullivancountertops.com
- Pros: This easy to clean material is available in hundreds of colors and numerous finishes. Durable and water resistant. It is the most inexpensive countertop material and can be installed as a DIY project.
- Cons: Scratches, chips and seams are highly visible. Hot pots will ruin the counter. Repairs cannot be camouflaged.
- Price: Least expensive – $7 – $25 per lineal foot.
Color-Through Laminate – Multiple layers of colored paper bonded together so color appears all the way through the plastic laminate
- Pros: There are many colors available and it is easy to clean. Unlike regular plastic laminate the seams, scratches and chips don’t show as prominently and it can be carved or routed.
- Cons: Even though they do not show as much as in plastic laminate, this material also scratches, chips and burns easily if hot pots are placed on the counter. Repairs are difficult.
- Price: Affordable -
Solid-surface – Thicker and tougher than color-through laminate, this synthetic material is available in stone look-alike styles.
Photo 2.dupont.com
- Pros -Doesn’t require a plywood sub-counter. Scratches, chips and burns are removable by using an abrasive cleanser or fine sandpaper. Seams are invisible. The material resists warping and is durable.
- Cons -Intense heat will burn the counter and it can chip if heavy objects drop onto it. An installer must be certified and competent in order to install the material properly.
- Price – Expensive. $150 – $250.
Wood – Maple is often used due to its subtle grain and hardness but oak is also popular.
Photo hgtv.com
- Pros - Naturally beautiful and scratches, chips and burns can be removed with sanding. Contains anti-microbrial properties.
- Cons -Wood is not as durable as other countertop options and it may warp as it is not waterproof.
- Price – $100+ per lineal foot depending on the wood species.
Marble/Granite- Both of these are natural stone and are available in beautiful colors and patterns.
- Pros - Both are luxurious, durable and will not burn. Granite is hard and does not scratch or chip easily.
- Cons - Stone can crack and repairs are difficult. Since color is natural veining varies so your sample may not match your purchase. Seams show and veining can vary.
- Price – Expensive. $40 – $250 per lineal foot
More to Come
Do you see your countertop material in the selections above? Does one material appeal to you more than the others? Tomorrow’s post presents five more countertops options for your consideration. Be sure to check them out.
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I’m still debating this issue with myself. I am leaning towards corian but the final decision will likely be based on how much $ I have poked away when the time comes to purchase it. Hubby says laminate all the way but I need a little splurge.
If you can manage it, nothing makes a kitchen (or bath) shine like an upgraded surface. While laminate is practical and has some advantages, it definitely does not say ‘high end’. Many of the stone or manufactured stone surfaces are more affordable now and really give a prettier look.
I’ve just selected (after MUCH pondering) ” tata ta daaaaah” (think trumpets blowing…)
The engineered quartz is “Q” by MSI (http://qfrommsi.com/) – “Rushmore” is the “Color”.
franki