As part of a recent, first-floor renovation, Stewart and Debbie Lewis updated the kitchen in their Sandy Springs home.
But before the contractor had been hired, Debbie had selected the material for her kitchen countertops. While she loved the classic look of a marble surface, Debbie worried about its maintenance.
“I have three young children and love to bake,” said Debbie. “I don’t need more work.”
Instead of marble, Debbie selected quartzite, a natural stone that resists stains and is easy to clean. Quartzite has the marble-style look that Debbie wanted for the family’s contemporary-style kitchen. It also complements the new cabinets and appliances, including the induction cook top and the under-counter refrigerator drawer.
While lighting, cabinetry, appliances and flooring are all important in the kitchen, many designers say that countertops can create a “wow” factor.
But it is easy to be overwhelmed by all choices in countertop materials. Stone is still the countertop material most desired by remodelers and new home buyers. Besides the ever-popular granite, there is concrete, quartz, stainless steel, tile, wood and laminates, which remain a good, economical option.
“Every top has its advantages,” said Jim Meloy, owner of Kitchen & Bath Concepts in Roswell.
If you’re having a tough time selecting materials, choose more than one surface. Some homeowners are mixing materials by putting granite on perimeter countertops and glass countertops on an island.
For more countertop help, consider these tips from Consumer Reports and the National Kitchen and Bath Association, a trade group.
Getting started
- Budget. How much can you spend or want to spend? If you are on a budget, consider laminate, tile and stainless steel. Granite, natural stone and glass will cost more. Prices for granite and quartz can range from $2,240 to $5,600 for 56 square feet of counters, including installation, according to Consumer Reports. On the lower end, cost for laminate can range from $560 to $2,240 for 56 square feet. Be on the lookout for sales, and consider mixing materials to trim costs.
- Big picture. Visualize the kitchen as a whole. Consider how the major elements, such as the cabinetry and countertops, will connect. Do you want the countertop to be a strong color and make a design statement? Or do you want the countertops to be more neutral?
- Function/lifestyle. How do you plan to use the countertop? Families with children may want something durable and stain-resistant. Gourmet cooks and entertainers may prefer high-style and hard-working materials.
- Think big. Tiny samples make it hard to visualize how the finished counter will look. Always see the materials in person and bring home as large a sample as you can, even if you have to pay for it. Engineered stone, recycled glass, laminate and solid surfacing are likely to match samples in the store. If you want stone, visit a stone yard. You’ll find significant variations from one slab to another. When you find a slab you like, put a deposit on it.
- The kitchen sink. A waterproof material such as concrete, solid surfacing, stainless steel, stone, or quartz is essential if you want an under-mounted sink.
Materials
Consumer Reports found significant strengths and weaknesses among materials, but few differences among brands. In a recent report, the magazine tested the following countertop materials.
Quartz. Growing in popularity and comes in range of colors and styles that mimic natural stone. Because it is synthetic material, the color you see on the sample is the color you get.
- Pros: Resists spills, hot pots and serrated knives. Easy to maintain and does not require sealing for stain protection.
- Cons: Edges and corners can chip. Rounded edges help.
Granite. Still a top choice for areas that get a lot of use. Also available in many colors and variations.
Pros: Like quartz, granite survived spills, hot pots and knives.
Cons: Like quartz, its edges and corners can chip. Unlike quartz, it needs to be resealed periodically for stain protection.
Laminate. Better looking than you may remember, thanks to new printing technology.
Pros: Resists stains and heat. It is inexpensive and easy to install.
Cons: Cutting directly on laminate will easily and permanently damages it.
Tile. Comes in wide selection of colors and patterns. Mixes nicely with other materials, and works well on a backsplash or island top.
Pros: Inexpensive and relatively easy to install. Offers good heat resistance, so it’s a good choice around stoves.
Cons: Tile can chip, and grout stains are hard to prevent.
Solid surfacing. One of the few materials that can be used for counters, sinks and backsplashes, solid surfacing creates a seamless look because joints are virtually invisible.
Pros: Available in a variety of colors and patterns. It is also stain-resistant. Scratches and small nicks can be repaired.
Cons: Scratches and cuts easily.
Concrete. Provides a unique look. Typically custom-formed by local fabricators, the quality of this material may vary.
Pros: Concrete can be dyed or textured, though finishes affect performance.
Cons: Nicks easily and can develop cracks. Penetrating sealers protect against heat but not stains and need to be reapplied.
Stainless steel. Complement the industrial look of a professional-style kitchen.
Pros: Resistant to heat and stains. Also waterproof.
Cons: Shows fingerprints, and it dents and scratches easily.
Limestone and marble. Provide a classic look.
Pros: Available in a wide variety of creamy whites, grays, yellows, dark browns and other colors.
Cons: They are easily scratched, cut and stained, even when properly sealed. Hot pots did not mar limestone, but heat damaged marble in tests.
Butcher block. Wood adds warmth to any kitchen.
Pros: Useful for food preparation, such as chopping and slicing. Easy to install and repair.
Cons: Can be nicked and scratched easily. So think about your tolerance for signs of wear and tear. Varnish improves stain resistance.
Recycled glass. The look depends on the size of the pieces of glass. Large shards create a fun, contemporary look. Finely ground glass makes it less busy.
Pros: Resistant to heat, cuts, scratches and stains.
Cons: May crack. Ask about maintenance. Some manufacturers suggest resealing and rewaxing every six to 12 months.
Soapstone. A natural stone that is an alternative to granite and marble.
Pros: Withstands heat well. Good for low-use areas.
Cons: Scratches and nicks easily. Stain resistance is so-so.
Trends
- Quartz is the second most popular counter surface material after granite.
- Shades of gray are up over the past three years. But whites and off-whites remain the top color choices followed by beiges and bones.
Design help
- National Kitchen and Bath Association (www.nkba.org). Find tips on countertops, and find kitchen professionals in your area.
