By DEBBY HENRY
The kitchen is said to be the heart of the home––a place of gathering, renourishing and renewing. The kitchen is a room that sustains life, a room that deserves special attention.
When helping clients choose countertops to create that ideal kitchen, Lou Ann Burgess, co-owner of iKitchens Etc., LLC, emphasizes budget, style, usage and resale.
“We begin the conversation with budget, discuss the look and function they hope for, and circle back to budget almost every time,” Ms. Burgess said.
“If you are planning to sell in the next couple of years, go middle of the road, nothing too trendy, no extreme patterns or colors.” If resell is not in the near future, “sometimes it is worth spending a bit more on a countertop that really makes you happy,” she said.
Soapstone, marble and laminate countertops have been around a while, according to Ms. Burgess, with laminate being the most popular due to its affordability and durability. In the 1970s, solid-surface products emerged. In the 1980s, granite provided a classic look, while addressing upscale markets. And in the 1990s, we saw quartz.
Although quartz and granite continue to be popular with an explosion in color and patterns, a myriad of products can make decision-making as difficult as choosing a doctor. To help sift through all the options, here’s a list of countertops––the top seven being the most popular, with pros and cons and estimated prices. Final cost ultimately depends upon the complexity of the project.
1. Granite:
A beautiful and classic look, granite comes with polished or matte surfaces.
Pros:
• Wide range of colors and patterns.
• Durable against splashes, knife nicks and heat.
Cons:
• Requires sealing.
• Sturdy cabinets needed to support weight.
Estimated Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed
2. Quartz:
Engineered of natural stone and resin and tinted with color, quartz is a good compromise between the beauty of stone and the easy care of solid surfaces.
Pros:
• Greater ranges of colors and patterns than natural stone.
• Resists staining better than granite or marble.
• Durable.
Cons:
• Lacks natural variegations.
• Not as resistant to heat as granite and marble.
Estimated Cost: $40 to $90 per square foot, installed
3. Soapstone:
Made from a quarried steatite stone usually with a lot of talc, soapstone’s natural softness and depth presents a more subtle beauty than granite or marble.
Pros:
• Light to medium gray tones, darkens with time.
• Low maintenance, easy to clean.
• Hardy.
• Nonporous surface doesn’t require sealing.
Cons:
• Needs polishing with oil to keep it looking good.
• Natural roughness can scuff glassware and china.
• Does not hold up well to sharp knives.
Estimated Cost: $70 to $100 per square foot, installed
4. Marble:
Elegant and cool, marble is an ultra-traditional choice sometimes better for bathrooms, fireplace mantles and other areas that aren’t used as heavily as the kitchen. :
Pros:
• Heat resistent.
• Remains cool for pastry and baking stations.
Cons:
• Susceptible to stains, even with sealing.
• Can scratch and chip.
• Subject to change over time, although some like the changes.
Estimated Cost: $40 to $100 per square foot, installed
5. Laminate:
Made of paper with resins and fused to particleboard, laminate continues to be a popular countertop.
Pros:
• Stylish, latest designs mimic pricier surfaces.
• Low maintenance.
• Durable.
Cons:
• Prone to scratching, burns and sometimes staining.
• Layers can peel when exposed to moisture.
• Cannot be used with undermount sinks.
• Difficult to repair.
Estimated Cost: $10 to $30 per square foot, installed
Usually composed of marble dust, bauxite, acrylic or polyester resins and pigments, solid surfaces are often referred to as Corian, but there are a host of other manufacturers now.
Pros:
• Wide variety of color and pattern options.
• No sealing or special cleaning required.
• Seamless installation. No cracks to trap dirt and debris.
• Blemishes can be sanded out.
Cons:
• Can have artificial look and feel.
• Does not hold up well to hot pans or sharp knives.
Estimated Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed
7. Wood:
Natural, fresh appeal of wood, looks great with white cabinetry or with traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens.
Pros:
• Assorted tones.
• Scratches can easily be sanded.
Cons:
• Swells and contracts with moisture.
• Requires oiling to protect the surface.
• Needs frequent disinfecting.
• Problematic around a range or sink.
Estimated Cost: $35 to $70 per square foot, installed
8. Recycled Glass:
Manufactured in a cement or resin binder with glass fragments, recycled glass is unique and stunning.
Pros:
• Eco-friendly.
• Resin-base doesn’t need to be sealed.
• Easy to clean.
• Resists heat and scratches.
Cons:
• Only cleaners with low acidity can be used. Spills must be wiped quickly.
• Cement-based, must be sealed.
• May be trendy.
Estimated Cost: $75 to $150 per square foot, installed.
9. Stainless Steel:
Once found mostly in commercial kitchens, stainless steel provides a distinctive look for a contemporary and industrial style.
Pros:
• Nearly indestructible.
• Resists heat and bacteria, stays cool.
• Easy to clean.
Cons:
• Fingerprints show.
• Can dent and scratch.
• Noisy with clanging pots, pans and dishes.
Estimated Cost: $65 to $125 per square foot, installed
10. Tile:
Manufactured from varying materials, tile works with almost any kitchen style and comes in a wide range of colors and designs.
Pros:
• Durable to knife nicks and heat.
• Easy to replace individual tiles.
Cons:
• Uneven surface.
• Grout needs to be sealed.
• Grout demands more cleaning.
Estimated Cost: $10 to $80 per square foot, installed
11. Concrete:
Slightly edgier than other materials, concrete has been described as “industrial chic.”
Pros:
• Versatile.
• Can be customized in any shape or tint with added inlays.
• Stands up well to heavy use.
Cons:
• Will stain without frequent sealing.
• Small cracks can develop with time and settling.
• Sturdy cabinets needed to support weight.
Estimated Cost: $75 to $125 per square foot, installed
12. Paper Composite:
Created from paper fibers mixed with resin, paper composite is an eco-friendly choice.
Pros:
• Mimics the look of solid surfacing or laminate but is more inviting.
• Surprisingly durable and withstands heat and water.
• Lighter surface than natural stone or concrete.
Cons:
• Prone to scratches and susceptible to chemical damage.
• Needs treated with mineral oil, sometimes sanding.
Estimated Cost: $85 to $125 per square foot, installed