Kitchen Counters: A Materials Overview

Kitchen countertops are available in an almost limitless array of materials and colors. Nothing beats granite for durability, stainless steel for a contemporary, functional look, or tile for timeless charm. Below are some of the more common counter surfaces with their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Material	Advantages	Disadvantages	Care	Approx. Cost
Laminate	Wide range of color and pattern Inexpensive Durable Water-resistant	If cut or burned, needs replacement. May crack or separate from its backing.	Clean with sponge and nonabrasive cleanser.	$10-20 a linear ft.
Tile	Endless range of colors, textures, and designs Available in stone, glass, ceramic, and metal. Standard tile may be relatively inexpensive Durable, scorch proof Easy to clean	Grout may deteriorate or discolor Tiles may crack May harbor bacteria if not sealed	Sponge clean with household cleanser. To maintain glossy finish, avoid overusing harsh abrasives.	$35-80 linear foot depending on tile selection
Marble	Beautiful Traditionally used for pastry tables Durable	Expensive Stains easily Porous Acid foods may etch and discolor stone Requires periodic resealing	Wipe clean. Seal with salad oil if used for food preparation; otherwise seal with commercial sealant.	$40-70 sq. ft.
Granite	Many different colors and patterns of stone Heat resistant Hard Durable Beautiful	Expensive Susceptible to grease stains High maintenance Requires periodic resealing	Wipe clean. Reseal periodically.	$60+ sq. ft.
Synthetic stone	Handsome Similar in look to granite, but many additional colors are available Easy to maintain Stain and acid resistant	Expensive	Clean with sponge and mild cleanser.	$60+ sq. ft.
Solid surfacing (i.e., Corian)	Nonporus, seamless Cleans easily Good for custom applications Low maintenance Range of colors and textures including stone and wood	Expensive Usually requires professional installation Can be scorched or stained	Clean with mild cleanser. Minor scratches can be removed by buffing with an abrasive pad.	$100-150 linear ft.
Concrete	Versatile May be shaped and colored any number of ways Material relatively inexpensive	Professional installation can be very expensive Susceptible to cracking Needs to be resealed periodically Very heavy Susceptible to staining	Wipe with sponge and mild cleanser. Reseal regularly with wax or sealant.	$200-300 linear ft.
Stainless steel	Sleek modern appearance Easy care Patterns etched into finish available for custom look Waterproof Scorch proof	Can be noisy May dent Can be expensive	Wipe clean with a sponge and cleanser.	Cost depends on fabrication and edge finish. Custom fabrication is $300-500 per linear foot.
Wood	Handsome, natural appearance Can be sanded and refinished. Unfinished maple is a traditional kitchen work surface	Susceptible to water damage Stains easily Hot pans can burn surfaces Shouldn´t be used with raw meat or preparation of food susceptible to salmonella and other bacteria	For unfinished surfaces, use mineral oil weekly. Sand and refinish stains and burns. For finished surfaces, clean with a damp cloth and a mild cleanser.	$50+ per linear foot