Countertop Materials
When you’re planning a new kitchen, you face many different choices and one of the biggest is the countertop. You’ll be preparing, chopping, cutting, mixing, spilling, cleaning and maybe eating on it many times every day, so appearance is not the best way to make your decision.
Fortunately, countertops are available in many different materials to suit your cooking and cleaning style. And, the range of finishes is huge so you’re sure to find the right mix of style and function.
What To Consider When Choosing A Kitchen Counter
The main factors to consider are function, appearance, maintenance and cost. Function tops the list because the counter is where you do all the hard work. If you’ve got a large family or you entertain regularly, your counter will have to be hard wearing. Your counter may also function as an eating surface, in which case you’ll want a surface that’s easy to maintain.
Appearance is equally important. The surface colour and finish should complement all the other kitchen elements – walls, cupboards, appliances and flooring. With wear and tear, scratches and stains, the showroom appearance can soon fade. With this in mind, pick something durable to maintain the original appearance.
Health and hygiene are essential in the kitchen, so the surface must be easy to clean and maintain. Some materials may react badly to common kitchen cleaning products. Surfaces that are easily scratched can harbour dirt and be difficult to clean.
Countertops vary widely in cost from basic laminates to top-of-the line stone materials. Installation costs will vary too, particularly if you need complex island shapes or special cuts for sink inserts or awkward corners.
Kitchen Countertop Surface Materials
Laminate
Cost range: $27 to $34 per sq. ft.
Average cost: $29 per sq. ft.
Laminates are a practical, affordable choice. They come in many different styles and colours, and they are easy to clean. But, be careful, laminate can easily be damaged by heat or scratches.
Quartz
Cost range: $50 to $90 per sq. ft.
Average cost: $68 per sq. ft.
Made from one of Earth’s most resilient stones, quartz countertops are available in many shades. Unfortunately, quartz is not as resistant to heat as granite or concrete, so caution will have to be used with hot pots and pans
Granite
Cost range: $40 to $100 per sq. ft.
Average cost: $58 per sq. ft.
Elegant and durable, granite countertops are a timeless classic. When properly sealed, these countertops stand up to heat, scratches and stains. If unsealed or poorly sealed, granite counters can absorb wine, juice or oil, producing a stain that might be impossible to remove. A poorly-sealed countertop can also harbour bacteria in its pores.
Marble
Cost range: $40 to $100 per sq. ft.
Average cost: $58 per sq. ft.
Marble is considered a luxury surface, although it falls into a similar price range as granite. It is simple to clean, but must be sealed and can be easily damaged by stains, chipping or cracking.
Stainless Steel
Cost range: $45 to $55 per sq. ft.
Average cost: $50 per sq. ft.
Stainless steel is an affordable surface material that is widely used in commercial kitchens, and has become popular with homeowners who want a contemporary look. Stainless steel kitchen benchtops are extremely durable, easy to clean and are not damaged by heat, stains or chemicals. However, they are easily scratched and require specialty cleaning products.
Concrete
Cost range: $65 to $135 per sq. ft.
Average cost: $100 per sq. ft.
Concrete is a choice for anyone who wants an industrial look to their kitchen. It’s obviously a tough, durable surface material but is prone to dents and chipping. It must be sealed to prevent damage from heat and stains and it has to be installed by a specialist to avoid cracking or damage.
Wood
Timber is a popular choice for people who want a natural look to their kitchen. Although they are easy to maintain, timber kitchen worktops have to be sealed to avoid damage from heat, stains and scratches. The cost of these countertops varies widely depending on the type of wood you select.
*Prices Provided by Home Depot
