Advice and reviews: choosing a countertop surface material
Key factors to consider in selecting countertop surface material include the style of the kitchen, required maintenance, and budget. Natural stone surfaces used as countertops include granite, marble, slate, limestone and sandstone. Of these surfaces, the most commonly used is granite. Granite is heavy, durable and expensive. Granite is highly scratch resistant, and is usually resistant to etching caused by acidic substances. Hot pans can be placed upon granite countertops without fear of burning the surface. However, granite can be porous and consequently stain easily. Granite will need to be treated with a penetrating sealer upon installation to guard against stains, and will require at least annual reapplications of a sealer. Liquids spilled upon granite countertops must be wiped up quickly to avoid staining. Many stains can be removed from granite or minimized by the application of a poultice. Because the size of slabs of natural stone is limited, granite countertops will usually have seams.
Similar in appearance to granite is marble. Marble requires more maintenance than granite, as marble scratches easily and reacts to acids. To some extent, marble may be protected by the application of two sealers, one which will minimize stains, and a second surface coating to protected polished surfaces from etching. Another option is to select honed marble. Although honed marble lacks the sheen of polished marble, etching may be corrected using an abrasive.
Other natural stone countertop surfaces such as slate, limestone and sandstone are also prone to etching and staining. While these surfaces may be sealed to minimize staining, they are subject to etching. These latter three surfaces are best used by those who are willing to actively maintain their countertops and to treat them with care. Concrete is also making an appearance in modern kitchens as a countertop surface. Concrete is extremely porous, and must be periodically sealed to minimize staining. Concrete may also crack, and will change color over time.
Wood may be used either for the entire countertop or as an inset work surface. Wood expands and contracts, and may warp if exposed to water. A thin layer of varnish, lacquer or oil must be applied periodically to protect the surface. If the surface is to be used for cutting or chopping in food preparation, mineral oil should be used instead of varnish or lacquer. Wood countertops must be cleaned thoroughly with antibacterial soap after being used for uncooked food preparation to alleviate concerns about bacterial growth. Burning or staining of the wood can be sanded away.
Stainless steel is being used in contemporary kitchens with increasing frequency. Stainless steel can be exposed to high temperatures without scorching, and is also impervious to water. However, a stainless steel countertop may be noisy to work on. Such surfaces also show smudges, and depending upon the grade of material, may be subject to scrapes, stains and corrosion.
Manmade solid surface countertops are increasingly being made to look like natural stone. No special maintenance is required, other than regular wiping down of the surface. Many of these solid surfacing materials can be easily repaired if they are cut, burned or otherwise damaged. Unlike granite, these surfaces are non-porous and consequently do not stain. However, as these surfaces do burn and may be scratched, they require the use of trivets, hot pads or cutting boards to protect the surface. Manmade solid surface countertops typically come in a wider variety of colors than natural stone countertops. The seams of solid surface countertops are generally not visible. Such countertops also are typically less expensive than natural stone, although in some regions the difference in cost may be minimal.
Perhaps the least expensive countertop surface is plastic laminate. This surface is made of several layers of melamine, paper and plastic resin bonded under heat and pressure, and glued to particleboard or plywood. In addition to being relatively low cost, laminate countertops are available in a wide variety of colors and designs. No maintenance is required other than normal cleaning after use. Laminate resists stains and mild abrasions well. However, these countertops may be cut and burned if not properly protected. Unlike solid surface countertops, damage to laminate countertops cannot easily be repaired.
Ceramic tile may also be used as a countertop surface. Ceramic tile is available in various colors, sizes and patterns, allowing for creativity in the design of the surface. It is both heat and stain resistant. Although the tile itself may be resistant to staining, the surrounding grout is often easily stained. The grout must be sealed, and precautions taken to keep the grout clean. Periodic re-grouting may be necessary. Ceramic tiles may crack if a hard object is dropped upon it. Individual tiles can be replaced if damaged.