EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW
ABOUT KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS BUT,
WERE AFRAID TO ASK
So who are you in one of these possible scenarios: THE EXHAUSTIVE RESEARCHER sitting in your God forsaken kitchen poring over mounds of advertisements, clippings, magazine articles, email forwards from friends of their recommendations while sipping your favorite latte; THE EXHAUSTED FULL TIME MOM/EXECUTIVE/WORKING WOMAN and you feel as though if you make one more search for information about countertops your head will explode oh, and as for you, you mistakenly grabbed your child’s slobbery sippy cup thinking it was your latte but, I digress; THE NEW TO THE PROCESS “NEWBY” for whom this material is hopefully the most comprehensive assemblage of information available on the topic, completing your research of countertop materials in one fell swoop; THE INDUSTRY PRO who does not have the time to gather, analyze, sort out and, figure out all this information however, must stay abreast of all possible options in an very competitive market.
Recently, during a discussion with noted local real estate agent Shirley Mattam-Male she stated that she wished she knew more about options for residential countertop materials. Even with a generally good knowledge of products that were on the market and available today Mrs. Mattam-Male didn’t know the best information to provide to her typically knowledgeable and well-versed clientele. Because Mrs. Mattam-Male is a well known, respected and highly sought after agent (McEnearney & Associates of McLean) I felt compelled to compile this information believing that if she is repeatedly asked this question there probably is a need by many others for a concise, well researched and, easily deciphered table of information.
A large concern today when remodeling or building is sustainability of our building products as well as the question “so, what happens to all the stuff that gets ripped out of my house?” Many folks today, though their home is in desperate need of renovation or upgrading in one area or another, find it difficult to simply toss out items in their home that, though they may function well – or even perfectly, use significantly more energy than current comparable items, are worn, may not function at all or, just do not fit in with a desired look. The exciting thing is that industry as a whole today is very well aware of this fact and is functioning at warp speed to bring products to market that reflect these consumer concerns.
Having been in the remodeling industry for nearly 30 years and remembering my own parents separating glass, cans and paper goods from food waste dating back to 1964, (I was the only kid on the block whose parents had a compost pit! LOL) I am always excited to increase my knowledge base of products that will only make me a better industry pro. To that end, I trust that you too will find this report an informative and invaluable tool to help you make an educated decision.
May yours be a NICE job,
Paul L. Johnson, President, NICE Contracting, Inc.
There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. We have provided our top 10 from most to least preferred by options/look along with pros-cons for each. Additionally, we have provided links to additional information from manufactures or fabricators. We also rate the materials on our Green Factor in the following manner: Highly sustainable = HS; Moderately sustainable = MS; Sustainable = S; Unsustainable = U
1. Granite
Considered to be one of the most beautiful countertop surfaces on the market granite is the choice of homeowners and designers alike. The vast array of color, natural design, beauty and one of a kind pieces make this material a natural (pardon the pun) choice when one desires to be unique. Granite is still my choice for high-end kitchen remodeling and I recycle existing granite to be removed at every opportunity.
Pros: Can take the heat; an almost limitless variety of natural colors designs and features; is a permanent material; is hard – second only to diamond; a very high value material; almost maintenance free (using newer sealers).
Cons: expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it; can crack if stressed or improperly installed.
Green Factor: U
2. Engineered Stone
Engineered stone materials are made from a process where the granite is crushed and materials separated. The feldspar is discarded and the quartz that remains is used to fabricate the new material. Approximately 93% of the material in engineered stone is quartz. Many colors are available along with pretty wide variety of large to small homogenous mixes of aggregate. Some of these aggregates (glass, stone, mirror chips etc.) are very large and eye catching while others are very small and subtle. Since this material is largely made of granite and epoxy based materials it is very hard and scratch resistant, easy to maintain and, does not require the repeated sealing process of natural stone. Brands on the market include Silestone (our favorite) Cambria Quartz, DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, Vetrazzo, Avonite and, Enviroglas
Pros: Very durable, almost care free, readily available, resistant to stains & acids. A local dealer of Silestone, Counter Intelligence, features state of the art measuring and a very fast turn-around of one week. Very important when looking to keep the time frame of your project to a minimum. Vetrazzo and Avonite offer unique materials in that no two tops are exactly alike but certain styles can be generally duplicated. Vetrazzo also has an 85% recycled content making it a very green product.
Cons: Can be a pricy alternative, some materials do not look like real stone.
Green Factor: HS-S
3. Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops used to be the answer to those who liked granite but couldn’t afford it. Then, as popularity grew so did cost. Now with so many options on the market these products are still a viable choice for those who are concerned about the affects of overall cost on their wallet and believe that granite and other materials are out of the price range. Though some minor scratches can be easily sanded out by the homeowner deeper scratches can make for a not so hot looking surface in time. Like the above first two, these tops are custom made for the application. The following companies make solid surface countertops: Corian, Avonite and, Swanstone.
Pros: Large variety of colors and styles; when installed properly appears seamless; somewhat stain resistant. A great alternative to an upgraded laminate material.
Cons: Do NOT set hot pots or pans on this material. Severe changes in temperature changes can cause immediate as well as long -term damage. For the price point of this material I would strongly consider other materials if money permits.
Green Factor: S
4. Wood or Butcher Block
Though I don’t recommend solid wood tops for the wet areas of kitchens or bathrooms, they can make a very nice statement in other areas that do not receive much water traffic. An example of these would be an island (without a sink), workstation, book case top or, desk. The good local fabricators offer a very wide variety of wood species, assembly techniques and finishes that will almost guarantee yours to be a unique piece. Sealing products on the market today (offered by the fabricators) keep these tops from being a source food borne illness and allow for a beautiful luster when applied on a regular basis.
Pros: Adds warmth to any room; easily refinished; ability to tie other wood materials into design. Most woods today are engineered and grow in forests that have been planted for the purpose of harvesting for a specific purpose. Wood products are our most renewable resource.
Cons: Easily damaged; not recommended for wet areas; can be damaged by water and, stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to fabricator’s instructions. Some wood species are harvested from old growth regions of the world. Check with your designer or fabricator prior to purchasing to see where your wood would be coming from.
Green Factor: HS
5. Soapstone
Soapstone has a very unique look and feel. Many people like this material as it reminds them of an old style country kitchen. Like marble and wood this material is very soft and subject to some stain and scratching. Looks very robust with a large edge – 2” or more. Soapstone is typically dark gray in color and has a soft feel.
Pros: A great alternative to other stone/solid surface materials. Though a little softer than granite it is somewhat stain resistant, has a great luster and color and depending on the finish has a smooth feel.
Cons: Requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; could crack if not properly installed and, may darken over time.
Green Factor: U
6. Concrete
Concrete is a great choice if you like a homogenous look and have unusual shapes where you don’t want seams. However, these can come at a cost. Because they are cast directly in your space the timing can be a little better than granite or other solid surface materials, the price can be a budget buster and quality can very greatly if you don’t use someone that does it all the time.
Pros: For those who want what nobody else has this is a good choice; you can tint the product to blend with adjacent finishes; minimally porous; and is resistant to heat and scratching.
Cons: Fairly expensive considering it is concrete!; some shrink cracking is possible; has a heavy feel; it is porous but is able to be sealed.
Green Factor: HS
7. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel reminds me of the Bethesda kitchens of old. They came with the metal cabinets for nothing short of the look of you doctor’s office. Now they are heralded for their elegance when used with the right type of cabinetry for a very clean though industrial look. They feel and look cold and uninviting unless factored into a well placed design by a capable designer. Needless to say they are heat and stain resistant and very durable. Unlike a new car don’t worry about the first scratch as there will be more to come. These tops are also seamless as they are fabricated to the exact specifications of your project.
Pros: Easy to clean and maintain; can take a hot pot right from the stove; virtually no staining; hard to damage.
Cons: Pretty pricy; makes noise with utensils, pans; can be dented; cannot cut on it.
Green Factor: HS
8. Marble
Hold on to the wallet on this one. Most often marble is used only as an accent surface because it is so susceptible to scratching, staining and because of its extremely high price. However, sometimes with a given cabinet or general design type there is nothing else that can be used. Like everything else in life sometimes there is just no substitute for that one and only look and marble can do just that. Because it is the most prevalent, carrera is the best known however there are many other types of marble on the market used in the best addresses in Washington, D.C., Bethesda, Great Falls, McLean and Chevy Chase. Marble does require constant maintenance and easily stains. Certain sealers on the market do prevent some staining but, like anything else if the worst can happen it will to marble. Though it is waterproof, make sure your installer thoroughly seals any holes cut in the field prior to installation of faucets or other fixtures that will mount through the top. If not a dark wet ring will forever remain around the fixture.
Pros: An incredibly beautiful counter; heatproof; water proof.
Cons: Wicked expensive; stains easily; will scratch; will need to be professionally maintained to ensure original luster; porous.
Green Factor: U
9. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile countertops evolved as an inexpensive alternative to the more expensive solid surface tops and an upgrade from the laminates. Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean and, are a really good inexpensive – big bang for the buck choice. If an owner wants to save some bucks, has some tools (or the resources to rent them), a general ability to work with their hands and a passion to see something come together ceramic tile is a great choice. I recommend material that is the same all the way through so that when chips occur they are not as noticeable. However, if this is not possible due to a “gotta have it material” simply make sure to purchase a little more so that when the inevitable occurs you have a back up plan.
Pros: Takes hot pans from stovetop to countertop; tiles are easily kept clean takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.
Cons: Depending on material, most times the surface is uneven; grout lines will easily stain; tile can chip or crack; some tile can be expensive.
Green Factor: S
10. Laminates
It should not come as a surprise to those that know me that laminate counter materials come way last on my list. There is good reason for that. They don’t typically hold up unless they are extremely well made – and of all the proper materials, and very carefully installed. They have been the staple material for entry level builders for decades but when it comes to high-end remodeling in the areas that I serve, they typically don’t make it on the radar. If you find the need for a laminate material to complete an Au Pair kitchenette or another specifically functional space there are several manufactures that you would do well to use. They are: Formica, Nevamar and Wilsonart. Make sure to specify that they substrate is made of marine grade plywood, that all of the edge material is applied first with the top applied last and that any and all laminate backsplash materials are fully sealed prior to installation. Failure to adhere to these basic requirements will result in the failure of your countertops prematurely. Some laminates are made from recycled plastics, have low VOC’s. Look for non-toxic adhesives and formaldehyde free substrates.
Pros: There are almost 500 colors and styles from the 3 noted manufacturers; easy maintenance; fairly durable; very inexpensive.
Cons: Seam show; seams can fail easily; scratches and chips easily; difficult to impossible to repair.
Green Factor: S
