1. Granite
Granite has been the material of choice lately for most custom kitchens - assuming price is no object. The beauty of stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen. It is difficult to beat for durability and ease of maintenance. Be aware that fancy edge details will drive the price up.
Pros: smooth and seamless; heat resistant; comes in a wide range of colors; very durable; has a high value to home buyers.
Cons: expensive; requires annual sealing.
2. Quartz Composite
Quartz composite engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a wider range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It is easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include Zodiaq, CaesarStone, and Silestone.
Pros: smooth and seamless; heat resistant; non-porous and stain resistant.
Cons: expensive, comparable in price to granite.
3. Solid Surface
Solid surface materials are made from acrylic or polyester resin. Because they are a solid material stains, scratches, and light scorch marks can be sanded out. Some brands on the market include Dupont Corian, Formica Solid Surfaces, Avonite, and Wilsonart Gibraltar.
Pros: resilient; nonporous and nonstaining; seamless; easy to clean; repairable; durable; integral sinks possible; comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns.
Cons: vulnerable to hot pans; stains; expensive, comparable in price to granite.
4. Ceramic TileCeramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Its inexpensive price tag makes it an excellent choice for the average home. Because it comes in small modules and is easy to handle it can be installed by most resourceful homeowners.
Pros: versatile; inexpensive; heat resistant; durable; wide range of price, color, texture, and design.
Cons: surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained.
5. Granite Tile
Granite Tile is a good solution if you like granite but don't want to spend the money for a solid slab. Granite tile comes as large as 24" square, and can be installed without a grout joint. The exposed edges are often trimmed with wood.
Pros: same as granite; economical.
Cons: same as granite; hairline cracks between tiles.
6. Laminates
Laminate counters come by trade names such as Formica, Nevamar and Wilsonart. They are made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. This was the counter surface of choice from the 50's through the 70's, and is still the most economical.
Pros: inexpensive; relatively durable; easy to maintain; comes in a vast array of colors and patterns.
Cons: damaged by sharp objects and heat; not repairable; seams show.
7. Wood or Butcher BlockIf you're looking for a sustainable material you can't get much greener than wood. A wide variety of hardwoods are used for custom wood countertops, and off-the-shelf butcher block is usually maple. Aesthetically speaking it is a beautiful, warm material.
Pros: resilient; easy to work; relatively durable; smooth; surface can be repaired; can be used as a cutting board.
Cons: can stain if unsealed; susceptible to moisture damage around sinks; will scorch; not as easy to keep clean as other materials.
8. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a good choice if you're going for a contemporary or industrial look, or if you want the ultimate in low-maintenance materials. There is a reason why commercial kitchens use stainless steel.
Pros: smooth and seamless; heat resistant; nonporous and nonstaining; non-chipping; easy to clean; integral sinks possible.
Cons: expensive; can dent.
9. Marble
I don't generally recommend marble for kitchen countertops because it is relatively soft and porous. If you're going to use stone, granite or another more durable stone is a better choice. Traditionally, bakers prefer marble slabs because the material keeps the dough cool. Some people just plain like the look of a classic white Carrara marble and don't mind sealing it every couple of months.
Pros: smooth and seamless; heat resistant; traditional; beautiful.
Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; polished surface is etched by acidic foods; can scratch; needs periodic resealing.
10. Concrete
Concrete as a counter material has been trendy for the past 10 years or so. The concrete mix used for countertops should be a different mix than that used for sidewalks and building foundations. Additives reduce porosity and eliminate cracking.
Pros: versatile; durable; heat resistant; can be color-tinted; easily customized.
Cons: mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is likely; can stain; porous and needs to be regularly sealed.
