Materials
Countertops Materials Comparison
Review this page for a quick overview of counter options, then click on the heading to find out more about each type.
| | | | |
Should I cut on it?
| Yes | Yes | No | No |
Should I roll dough on it?
| Yes | Yes | No | No |
Should I place a hot pot on it?
| Yes | No | No | No |
Is it virtually stain-proof?
| No | Yes | Yes | No |
Main advantage? | | Durable | Durable and can form integral sink | Low cost |
Main disadvantage? | Expensive and requires sealing | Expensive | Not good for hot pots and pans | Layers make it harder to repair when chipped |
Expect to pay per sq. ft. | | $45-$125 | | |
| | | | |
Should I cut on it?
| Yes | No | No | No |
Should I roll dough on it?
| No | No | No | Yes |
Should I place a hot pot on it?
| No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is it virtually stain-proof?
| No | No | Yes, but grout is not | Yes |
Main advantage? | Good for cutting and chopping | Textured look, easily shaped, custom colors | | Clean look and can form integral sink
|
Main disadvantage? | Requires sealing and shouldn't be near sink | Requires sealing | Not a smooth surface; grout can discolor | Shows scratches and fingerprints
|
Expect to pay per sq. ft. | | | | |
| | | | |
Should I cut on it?
| Yes | No | Yes |
Should I roll
dough on it?
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
Should I place a hot pot on it?
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is it virtually stain-proof?
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
Main advantage? | Available
in many (and custom) colors | Hygenic; available
in limitless
colors and shapes
| Durable and sustainable |
Main disadvantage? | Expensive and is harder to repair because
of single slab | Will crack
if heavy objects drop on it; hard to repair
| More common in commercial kitchens |
Expect to pay per
sq. ft. | $210 & up | | $65-$75 |
