counter intelligence
Torn between quartz and granite? Get the inside scoop on the best countertop material for your kitchen.
Among the most important criteria to consider when choosing a countertop material is the bottom line—your budget. “People want a look, and budget applies heavily,” says Kathy Van Gundy, owner of American Countertops in Albuquerque. The amount of money you want to spend will determine whether you choose a high-end stone countertop, for instance, or a laminate that imitates stone.
Durability also factors into the equation. Budget constraints can necessitate choosing a less durable material, says Joe McDermott, president and co-owner of Kitchen Studio of Albuquerque, as in the previous stone versus laminate example. Ask yourself how hard you are on your countertops. Is your top priority looks or practicality, Van Gundy adds.
If your countertop budget is moderate, Van Gundy recommends looking at a solid surface countertop or high-end laminate. Larger budgets can accommodate granite. These are just a few examples, and you’ll find an abundance of additional materials that fall into this spectrum. “You can get the best of both worlds by mixing and matching,” Van Gundy adds. Some people choose one material for countertops and another material for the island, which allows them to incorporate some of their top-choice material without breaking the bank.
If you want a new look without the price of replacing your countertops, you can also consider resurfacing. “To resurface a countertop is one-third the cost to replace it,” says Sharon Dillard of Get A Grip, a national resurfacing corporation based in Albuquerque. Some homes have such large kitchens that replacing all of the countertops would be very expensive, she says. “This is an alternative.”
Get A Grip uses a liquid plastic that is sprayed over the existing countertop. The company’s Eurostone is designed to mimic a stone countertop and is available in numerous color combinations at a fraction of the cost of replacing the surface with stone or Corian. The process takes several hours and dries in 24 hours, making it quicker than having countertops replaced. Eurostone can be used on plastic countertops, Dillard says—note that this is probably not the choice for you if you’ve invested in a higher-priced material. The newly resurfaced countertop can be cut and burned, but it also can be spot-repaired.
Granite
Granite countertops’ increased popularity in recent years isn’t surprising, considering the material’s advantages. In addition to the natural beauty of the stone, granite is very durable and is resistant to scratches and burns, McDermott says. However, granite is a porous material, and simple maintenance is required. Plan to seal the granite once a year, or more often if you are particularly hard on your countertops.
The price of a granite countertop varies. McDermott says that often the more color and “movement” in the stone, the higher the price. The final price of granite includes the cost of the slab, plus fabrication and installation costs, and you must consider the cost per lineal inch of finished edges. Keep these factors in mind when thinking about your budget. The finished and installed price of granite can cost, on average, $100 to $400 per lineal foot, according to McDermott.
Quartz or engineered stone
You will see quartz countertops referred to as engineered stone because quartz is combined with resin to form the surface. Quartz is an extremely hard material that is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. Unlike granite, it is nonporous, so it is a particularly good surface for food preparation and does not require sealants. The material offers more color choices than granite, as well. But these features aren’t cheap. McDermott says the price of a quartz countertop falls between that of high-end and low-end granite. Two common brands of quartz surfaces are Silestone and CaesarStone.
Solid surface
Solid surface countertops can be a great alternative to higher-priced stone surfaces. The man-made materials are uniform throughout, so although they can be scratched, the scratches can be buffed out. Corian, a brand of solid surface material by DuPont, is nonporous, easy to clean, and is available in more than 100 colors. The material can’t withstand intense direct heat, and it can be stained by some substances. McDermott says that Corian has a finished and installed price of around $100 to $150 per lineal foot. Other solid surface brands include Avonite and Swanstone.
Laminates
Laminates might not have the high-end appeal of stone, but the material continues to be an economical countertop choice. There are a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes available, and the material is easy to clean. Laminates are vulnerable to scratches, heat, stains, and damage from certain chemicals, however. There are many types of laminates available, but McDermott estimates an average price to be $30 to $60 per lineal foot, finished and installed. Popular brands include Formica and Wilsonart International.
More options
The list of choices goes on, from innovative environmentally friendly products to stone surfaces such as marble and slate to wood, tile, stainless steel, and concrete, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Aspirations for a greener kitchen might lead you to materials such as IceStone, a surface made from 75 percent recycled glass and concrete. A more traditional wooden butcher block countertop adds a warm look to the kitchen but must be oiled regularly and is not as resistant to heat as other materials, McDermott says. Even a resilient tile countertop requires maintenance to keep the grout between the tile sealed and clean. Stainless steel countertops are modern and durable, though McDermott warns that they are easy to scratch. Concrete also has maintenance considerations but is catching on as a countertop surface, offering unique looks and many opportunities for customization.
With all of the materials, prices ranges, styles, and colors available, there are no rules. It’s a matter of finding the best choice for you. “If you like it, then it’s great,” Van Gundy says.