Kitchen Countertops  //  From laminate to granite.

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Kitchen & Bath Countertops

There are many options when it comes to countertops. From laminate to polished marble and many options in between. We have listed several of the most popular choices below. At the bottom of the page is an at-a-glance chart comparing these options. Click the manufactures logos for more information.

		Natural Stone Granite is the most used stones for kitchen countertops. Granite is composed mainly of feldspar and quartz. Some granite colors offer extensive veining and movement in it’s pattern. Marble, while offering unsurpassed beauty and elegance, is a softer material than granite or quartz. It is recommended for areas that are not used for food preparation.
		Engineered Stone Most engineered stone is made from crushed quartz with an epoxy filler. The color and pattern is more uniform than natural stone, and since it is made from quartz, it is harder than granite. It is also less porous and never needs sealing.
		Solid Surface Although Corian is the name most people associate with solid surface tops, there are many different manufacturers of solid surface products. Available in many different colors and patterns, solid surface tops have invisible seams and excellent reparability. The drawbacks are they can scratch and are more susceptible to heat damage..
		Laminate High Pressure Laminates (HPL) were the countertop of choice for many years. The main benefit of a laminate countertop is lower cost. While very durable, they can be damaged by heat and scratching.
		Wood Typically used as a cutting or prep surface, wood tops are not recommended for use through-out a kitchen. Maple is the most-commonly wood, with walnut a close second. Island countertops are a perfect choice for wood. Wood tops also need to sealed periodically with mineral oil.
		Tile While tile countertops have lost some of their popularity over the years, they offer an almost unlimited design potential. With a multitude of edging option, they can transition wonderfully between top and backsplash, but grout lines can be a magnet for food particles and do not offer an uninterupted smooth surface.

Material	Repair	Durability	Heat	Cost	Comments
Natural Stone					Unique Patterns, very heat resistant
Engineered Stone					Uniform patterns, very heat resistant
Solid Surfaces					Scratches easily, but simply to repair
Laminate					Most cost effective
Wood					Classical, great for island or workspace
Tile					Allows infinite possibilities