There are lots of countertop options on the market for kitchen countertops, but these 5 materials comprise a large percentage of countertops in residential kitchens. They include laminate, granite, quartz, solid surface, and butcher block. Each material has its positive and negative aspects. For instance, some are very strong while others can be scratched or marred. And some materials cost a lot more than others. Don’t forget – Hardman’s doesn’t just sell countertops – we professionally install them!

1. Granite

For some time, granite has been the countertop material of choice when there were no cost issues to consider. Granite defines elegance in a kitchen. Even modest kitchens seem like luxury spaces when flavored by the beauty of granite countertops.

Historically, granite has been an expensive material, but its cost has come down somewhat as supplies have increased and engineered stone has become more common.

Pros:

  • Almost impervious to heat
  • Very strong and durable
  • Adds real estate value to home
  • Nearly 3,000 different colors and types available
  • Nearly maintenance-free when treated with newer sealers

Cons:

  • Very expensive material
  • Not suitable for DIY installation
  • Slabs may have imperfections
  • Can crack if stressed or improperly installed
  • Knives are quickly dulled by cutting on granite
  • Stone is porous and requires sealing to avoid stains

2. Quartz 

The countertop material known as “quartz” is actually an engineered stone product that contains as much as 93 percent quartz particles and other minerals, shaped into slabs and bound with resins. These are not solid quartz slabs produced by quarrying.

Sold by companies such as DuPont Zodiaq, LG Viatera, Cambria, and Silestone, quartz was created as a more adaptable and better-performing alternative to granite and marble. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists both scratching and staining. Some types are convincing copies of natural marble, with similar veining. Unlike natural stone, engineered quartz requires no annual sealing.

Similar technology is now being used in so-called glass countertops, which consist of particles of recycled glass blended with resins and shaped into countertop slabs. Consumers keen on being on the cutting edge may want to consider glass as well as quartz countertops.

Pros:
  • DIY installation possible
  • Easy to maintain, no sealing required
  • Slabs are uniform, with no imperfections
  • Can be custom-fabricated in any size and shape
  • Resists stains and is impervious to heat and acid
  • More convincing, natural appearance than solid surface material
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Countertops are very heavy

 

3. Laminates

Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. The laminates are plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that’s easy to clean. Countertops are made by bonding the laminate sheets to a particleboard (MDF) core. Laminate countertops can be purchased as pre-formed segments (called “post-form countertops”), or custom-fabricated to specifications, either on-site or in a fabrication shop.

Although for many years regarded as more ​ordinary than premium countertop materials, laminates have seen a recent surge in popularity, thanks in part to the thousands of colors, patterns, and styles now available. Laminates are especially popular in retro designs, particularly midcentury modern kitchens.

Pros:
  • Very easy to maintain
  • Thousands of options available
  • DIY installation is relatively easy​
  • Very inexpensive countertop option
Cons:
  • Seams are always visible
  • May be viewed as too average by potential home buyers
  • Custom edging and backsplash treatments can add expense
  • Surfaces can be scratched and chipped; damage is almost impossible to repair

 

 

4. Wood or Butcher Block

Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are the species most often used as countertop woods.

Pros:

  • Relatively easy to clean
  • Very long-lasting when properly cared for
  • Can be sanded and resealed, as needed
  • Offers a charming country look in most kitchens

Cons:

  • Fairly expensive countertop material
  • Surfaces can be scratched and cut by knives
  • Can be damaged by water and stains over time
  • Bacteria can be a problem if not properly maintained
  • Wood is subject to cracking if not maintained; must be oiled and sealed frequently

 

 

5. Solid-Surface Material

Solid-surface material, sold under brands including Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone, is a man-made material consisting of a blend of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into sheets and other shapes. Solid-surface countertops and sinks have now been around for nearly 50 years, but at the time of introduction, they were regarded as space-age alternatives to natural stone, which they sought to mimic.

Once regarded as premium, luxury countertops, solid-surface material is now considered somewhat mid-tier, but it is still an excellent choice for mid-range kitchens. It can also be a good material in high-end kitchens with a lot of countertop space that would be prohibitively expensive to cover with granite or quartz.

Pros:
  • Resists staining
  • Seams are virtually invisible
  • Damage can be easily sanded out
  • Available in many, many colors and patterns
  • Integrated sink/countertop units are available

Cons:

  • Moderately expensive
  • Vulnerable to damage from hot pans
  • No DIY installation; must be fabricated by pros

 

If you have any questions, or would like to speak with one of our experts about a purchase and/or installation, please reach out!