| Countertop
Types |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Laminates
The typical laminate countertop material
is known as Formica. It is made of a thin layer of plastic (1/32"
or 1/16") that is glued to particleboard or wood and can simulate
many different materials, including granite. The edge of the
countertop can be square or rolled. Wood, brass and other inserts
can also be added |
-Inexpensive
and fairly durable
-Available in endless patterns and colors
-Resists staining
-Easy to clean |
-Abrasive cleaners
can scratch and dull the finish
-Sharp knives will produce scratches and hot pots will melt
the finish
-Warping of the surface can occur with prolonged wetting or
flooding
-Laminates usually cannot be repaired once damaged
-Seams are easy to see
Some materials will fade with time |
Acrylic
and/or Polyester Plastics (Corian, Etc.)
Unlike laminates, acrylic and/or polyester
plastics are homogenous throughout the material. Available in
thickness of 1/2" and 3/4", these materials come in numerous
colors. They can be polished but are often seen with a matte
finish. They can be expensive and in many cases, more expensive
than granite (hint!) |
-Non-porous and stain resistant
-Abrasive cleaners can be used on unpolished finishes
-Easy to clean and refinish
-Many colors available
-Seamless
-Scratches can be repaired |
-Scratches easily
-Hot Pots will melt finish
-Expensive
-Plastic unnatural appearance |
Wood
(Butcher Block)
Wood countertops have often been used
to give a natural warm appearance. Most wood countertops are
made with hardwoods glued together into strips. Butcher block
is constructed this way with rock maple or beech. If you do
a lot of cutting, wood may be a perfect choice |
-Durable if cared for
-Cleans easily
-Scratches can be removed by sanding |
-Can Warp
-Turns black if exposed to large quantities of water
-Requires sealing
-Expensive |
Tile
Tile countertops are typically made with
ceramic tile ranging in size from one square inch to as large
as six square inches. There are also other shapes, such as octagonal,
rectangular, etc. Tile countertops are popular in country-style
kitchens and are durable materials. However, all tile has grout
lines, which can cause problems. Grout soils very easily and
will require frequent cleaning. I would suggest that epoxy grout
be used when installing any tile countertop. Epoxy grouts are
a bit more expensive, but the expense will far outweigh the
aggravation of clean up. |
-Durable
-Non-staining and will not scratch
-Endless colors, shapes and designs.
-Heat resistant |
-Chips easily
-Grout can be a problem
-Slightly more expensive than laminates. |
Granite
Granite
is an excellent choice for countertops. Granite is available
in polished and matte finishes. While granite may be more expensive
than some other materials, its longevity adds immeasurable value.
(note from natural-stone.com-Granite
will never be sold because it has a look that is very similar
to a plastic-looking Corian color.....The fact that Corian
tries to make their product look like granite speaks volumes
as to which product is the most beautiful. For pure aesthetic
beauty, Corian does not come close to the richness, the depth,
the polish, the power and the naturally organic quality that
is granite. The beauty of granite will always sell itself.
|
Scratch resistant
-Hot plates can be placed directly on the surface.
-Durable
-Natural product
-Wide selection of colors
-Beauty, beauty, beauty |
-Requires proper
sealing to prevent staining
-Expensive |
