Types of Countertops
Marble
Quartz
Granite
Quartzite
Soapstone
Butcher
Metal
Cement
Solid Surface
Laminate
Some of our favorite places to find Marble:
Marble
A nature metamorphic stone, with moderate to high porosity. Marble is best used in light traffic areas. $100-$150/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- Natural Stone
- Classic Elegance
- More ideal for bar tops, bathrooms and fireplaces.
- Distinctive character
- Cool work surface favored by bakers
- Widely available
- Not ideal for kitchens or high traffic areas – susceptible to stains and scratches.
- Requires extensive care and application of a sealant
Quartz
Quartz is a composite stone engineered from natural quartz combined with a resin binder. It is nonporous and very durable. $75 to $150/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- Nonporous – more sanitary and resistant to staining.
- Tough and Durable
- More uniform design throughout the surface.
- Easy to Maintain
- Many color choices
- Can be damaged by heat.
- Can be difficult to fit or modify. Sinks must be flush-mount, drop-in or under-mount.
- Acid-based cleaners can erode Quartz countertops
Some of our favorite places to find Marble:
Granite
Granite is a natural rock formed from the crystallization of magma beneath the earth’s surface. $40 to $60/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- Great range of colors, veins, flecks and grains
- Heat-Resistant
- Variety of edge choices
- Easy to clean with soap and water
- Long lasting
- Natural appearance
- Each stone is unique therefor it is often necessary to plan the kitchen design around a chosen slab.
- Can look dated
- Needs to be sealed
- Prone to Cracking and fading.
- Heavy and difficult to remove once installed
:
Quartzite
Quartzite is a naturally mined metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. It is an extremely strong and durable natural stone. $60 to $100/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- More durable than Granite
- Looks like Marble but not as “Soft”
- Require little maintenance
- Resistant to scratches
- Offers a more natural stylish appearance and sophisticated look
- More expensive compared with other options
- Lack of uniformity.
- Require sealing once a year to prevent stains
- Limited color choices
- Difficult to install
Soapstone
A natural, quarried stone often imported from Brazil and Finland. It is recommended to oil countertops once a month in the first year to encourage the patina to develop. $70 to $120/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- Soft soap-like feel
- Milky, rustic look
- Easy to Clean
- Typically found in cool shades of gray.
- Cleans easily with soap and water.
- Durable and acid-resistant.
- Antimicrobial properties
- Heat resistant
- Due to its softness, soapstone is susceptible to scratches and chips.
- Periodic oiling to maintain its patina.
- Expensive
Butcher Block
Traditionally made from hardwood types like Walnut, Ash, Acacia, Alder, Teak, Maple, Oak and Cherry. $45 to $100/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Variety of grains and stain options
- Can be long lasting when well cared for
- Timeless and versatile
- Unsealed counters must be oiled twice a year.
- Once sealed the block should not be used or direct cutting.
- Sensitive to liquid
- Can scratch easy
- Temperature fluctuations cause wood to expand or contract
Metal
Metal countertops include stainless steel, copper, zinc, pewter, bronze and brass. Copper is known to be naturally antimicrobial. $75 to 200/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- Modern and Industrial look
- rust and burn resistant
- easy to clean
- easy installation
- Shows fingerprints and water spots
- Susceptible to scrapes and dents
- expensive
Concrete
Concrete countertops are customizable, handcrafted surfaces that are easy to maintain. $65-135/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- Durable surface
- Suitable for a variety of kitchen styles, from farmhouse to modern
- Customizable
- Decorative add-ins, including drainboards, , inlays, and marbling.
- Can take up to 28 days to completely cure.
- Can crack overtime (but easy to repair)
- Price
Corian® is a popular brand.
Solid Surface
Solid surface is a manmade material consisting of acrylic and resin. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors and can have the appearance of natural stone. $50-200/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- Endless styles
- Stain and Scratch-resistant
- Seamless
- Damage can be sanded and buffed out
- Easy to maintain and clean.
- Not heat resistant
- Vulnerable to deep scratches
Popular brands include Formica, Wilsonart, and Nevamar
Laminate
Also called Formica, laminate is a combination of resin and paper bonded together. This is an inexpensive option that comes in a variety of styles. $10-40/SF
BENEFITS
DISADVANTAGES
- Inexpensive
- Variety of options
- DIY-friendly
- Easy to maintain
- Scratches easily
- Shorter lifespan
- Difficult to repair