Readers Tell All: What would you pick?

This week we’re wondering about your dream kitchens. Well, mainly the countertops. Do you yearn for Granite or Zodiaq? Or is it Corian that tickles your fancy?  Selecting the right countertop for your space is one of the most important decisions you will have to make in the kitchen. The countertop sets the tone for the space and can really add both a dramatic and luxurious feeling to the space. So, do you need a little help on choosing the right material for your space? Here is a little guide to enlighten you on the features and concerns of some of the most popular countertop choices.

Granite

Features:

• Durable
• Stain resistant when sealed
• Water and heat resistant

Concerns:

• Avoid Ammonia products when cleaning
• Can be fairly expensive to install
• Use qualified installers

Zodiaq (Engineered Composite Stone)

Features:

• Requires no sealing
• Nonporous
• Abrasion, stain and impact resistant

Concerns:

• Not as heat resistant as natural stone
• Resinous feel and appearance

Concrete

Features:

• Durable
• Custom colors available
• Tactile surface
• Acquires patina from use

Concerns:

• Sealer recommended
• Subject to staining and cracking
• Hot elements will damage sealer
• Qualified installers required

Plastic Laminate

Features:

• Moderate Cost
• Waterproof and stain resistant
• Water and heat resistant
• Easily cleaned

Concerns:

• Not heat resistant
• Seam lines
• Joints susceptible to damage
• Scratches cannot be repaired

Marble

Features:

• Heat resistant
• Natural stone features
• Tactile feel on honed finish

Concerns:

• Costly
• Sealer required
• Susceptible to staining
• Use a qualified installer

Slate

Features:

• Available in a honed finish
• Stain proof and antibacterial
• Water and heat resistant

Concerns:

• Costly
• Avoid ammonia products
• Use qualified installers

Ceramic Tile

Features:

• Durable
• Water proof when sealed
• Stain and heat resistant

Concerns:

• Costly
• Glaze may be damaged by grit
• Grout requires maintenance
• Tile can chip from impact

Stone Tile

Features:

• Less expensive than dimension stone
• Natural stone features in tile form
• Water, stain and heat resistant

Concerns:

• Labor-intensive to install
• Grout requires maintenance

Wood (for islands)

Features:

• Forgiving surface (does not dull knives)

Concerns:

• Susceptible to water damage
• Monthly application of mineral oil required
• Scorch marks and light stains can be sanded

Solid Surface (Corian)

Features:

• Water and stain  resistant
• Light stains, scratches and scorches can be buffed out
• Integral sinks available

Concerns:

• Not heatproof
• Costly to fabricate and install
• Avoid Acetone

Soapstone

Features:

• Soft, satiny, tactile feel
• Water, stain and heat resistant

Concerns:

• Bimonthly oil treatment required to prevent chipping
• Can be costly
• Use qualified installers

Stainless Steel

Features:

• Integral sinks available
• Used in commercial applications
• Water, stain and heat resistant

Concerns:

• Subject to water spots
• Plywood backup recommended to reduce noise
• Use qualified installers

As for Kevin and I, our home now has Corian countertops in the kitchen. We like the durability and smooth touch of the Corian, but in our next home we plan to install Granite for the overall luxurious feeling as well as the durability and functionality. How about you? What countertops do you dream of having in your kitchen? Or did you recently install a fabulous countertop… we want to hear all about it!

All images courtesy of House Beautiful, Country Living and Signature Kitchens and Baths.