Kitchen Counters: A Materials Overview
by Guest Post on Feb 27, 2010
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 |
|
|
Clean with sponge and nonabrasive cleanser. | $10-20 a linear ft. |
| Tile |
|
|
Sponge clean with household cleanser. To maintain glossy finish, avoid overusing harsh abrasives. | $35-80 linear foot depending on tile selection |
| Marble |
|
|
Wipe clean. Seal with salad oil if used for food preparation; otherwise seal with commercial sealant. |
$40-70 sq. ft. |
| Granite |
|
|
Wipe clean. Reseal periodically. |
$60+ sq. ft. |
| Synthetic stone |
|
|
Clean with sponge and mild cleanser. | $60+ sq. ft. |
| Solid surfacing (i.e., Corian) |
|
|
Clean with mild cleanser. Minor scratches can be removed by buffing with an abrasive pad. |
$100-150 linear ft. |
| Concrete |
|
|
Wipe with sponge and mild cleanser. Reseal regularly with wax or sealant. |
$200-300 linear ft. |
| Stainless steel |
|
|
Wipe clean with a sponge and cleanser. | Cost depends on fabrication and edge finish. Custom fabrication is $300-500 per linear foot. |
| Wood |
|
|
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 |
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
108919 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
81378 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
74332 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
59741 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
36610 Views
Latest Articles
Signs You Need Professional Plumbing Repair: Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs
Ignoring the signs of a pending plumbing disaster can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. For instance, homeowners might not realize...
on Jan 20, 2026
Beneath the Surface: Why Professional Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
Beneath the Surface: Why Professional Trenchless Sewer Line Repair is Essential for Modern Homeowners
on Jan 14, 2026
Hydro Jetting Services: Unclog Your Pipes with the Power of Water
When faced with stubborn clogs and slow drains, conventional solutions often fall short. But with the innovation of hydro jetting services,...
on Dec 15, 2025
Why Professional Heat Pump Installation is Key to Maximizing Efficiency and Longevity
Heat pumps are a highly efficient means of heating and cooling homes, reducing energy costs and contributing to environmental sustainability. To...
on Dec 15, 2025
Why Professional Boiler Repair is Essential for Home Safety and Comfort
Maintaining a warm and safe home environment is paramount for any homeowner. Your home's boiler system plays a critical role in this, but what...
on Nov 5, 2025
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 150
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 121
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Safety / Security — 114
- Doors / Garages — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Tips for You to Remodel Kitchen Cabinets Easily
Of all the home renovations that can be done, kitchen remodeling is perhaps the most difficult. This is because it can be the most expensive among...
The Pros and Cons of Artificial Greenery
Artificial greenery ranges from the small fake fern in the corner to the massive artificial ficus tree in the arboretum. They are popular and...
Bring Your Home to Life with Intelligent LED Lighting
LED technology has become a hot property in the consumer lighting market and anyone can jump on the bandwagon to see what the fuss is all about....
How to Transform Furniture
Old and tattered furniture can make rooms look unappealing. Replacing furniture can be expensive, so why not modify existing furniture to save...
Fitting a High Level Cistern
Low-level, integrated cisterns are the norm these days, but if you’re looking for something a little different a high-level cistern can add a touch...