Surface Material
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Description
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Pros
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Cons
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Ceramic Tile
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A countertop material that can be installed personally.
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Heat-proof, easy to clean, available in wide range of price, color, texture and design
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Easy chipping or cracking, uneven surface top, grout stains easily and is hard to clean
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Composite
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Also known as solid surface, it is a mixture of quartz, resin binders and pigments.
Brands like Avonite, Corian and Swanstone would be happy to custom make your kitchen countertops
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Durable, stain-proof, seamless, available in choice of colors
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not heat-proof and not stain-proof
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Concrete
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Concrete affords a choice of unique shapes as it can be cast right in your kitchen. Cracking is common and the
solution is to treat the surface with wax or sealant but recent developments include new high-tech laminated concrete
called Mass1 that's silkier, more stain-resistant and versatile. It's just as hard-wearing and heat-proof, but
lighter and come in subtle colors
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heat-proof, scratch-proof and allows countertop customization (e.g. color-tinting)
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requires wax or sealant treatment
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Corian
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This silky-smooth, solid surface material can be sculpted to any shape, so inks, counters and backsplashes can flow
seamlessly into each other to create contemporary kitchen countertops. A mix of acrylic, resin and minerals, it's
durable and super-hygienic because non-porous, but pricey
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Durable, heat-proof, surfaces can be sanded and resealed as required, hygienic, sleek finishing
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Pricey
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Engineered Stone
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Composed of quartz particles, popular brands include DuPont Zodiaq, Cambria Quartz and Silestone
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Heat-proof, scratch-proof, easy maintenance looks permanent and substantial.
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I don't have any Cons
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Glass
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Sleek and cool, glass is a sophisticated choice of unique kitchen countertops
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Heat-proof, easy maintenance, looks sleek and contemporary
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May chip and the edges and is not scracth-proof
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Granite
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A choice that gives elegance and beauty to even the most modest kitchen. Periodic application of sealant
prevents staining.
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Heat-proof, beautiful colors available, looks permanent and substantial
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Requires periodic sealing, can crack, limited colors available
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Laminates
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They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with pieces cut to size and finished on the ends. Some popular brands
are Formica, Wilsonart and Nevamar
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Good choice of available color, easy maintenance, durable and inexpensive
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Scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair, end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey
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Marble
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A luxurious material often used on kitchen island tops and/or baking centers. Professional sealing will prevent
staining and greatly reduce the porosity.
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Heat-proof, water-proof, easily washed, supports chopping
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Porous, easily stained, not scratch-proof and requires professional sealing
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Soapstone
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It is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel.
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Rich, deep color, smooth feel, stain resistant
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Requires regular maintenance with application of mineral oil, may crack and darken over time
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Stainless-steel
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Stainless-steel has many qualities which make it a good choice for kitchen countertops. The main drawback
is the noise but this can be overcome with proper insulation. Most stainless-steel counter are custom made. Top tip:
wipe with baby oil to keep it smear-free
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Heat-proof, water-proof, tough, cleans easily
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Requires noise insulation, possible denting
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Wood
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A popular material for kitchen countertops, it gives a warm look
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Cleans easily, smooth surface, surfaces can be sanded and resealed as required
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Not heat-proof or water-proof, requires professional surface repair and resealing
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