I wrote an article in 2011 called “Counter Intelligence” that proved extremely popular. The 2014 update was also popular. Two new materials, Porcelain and Quartzite and one new design trend in the Quartz space has compelled me to write again about countertops.
Some materials previously written about have fallen so far off the proverbial radar I am not including them here.
What material do I recommend? I will often explain the pros and cons of a given material to a client with my final comment being buy what you want.
There are now four basic types, Hard Surface (Stone including manmade quartz) Porcelain, Solid Surface (Acrylic) such as Corian and Laminate such as Formica and Wilsonart. Additionally, there are Specialty materials such as wood and concrete. All have unique qualities and there are pros and cons to each.
Hard Surfaces. This category includes granite, marble, quartz, soapstone and newcomer porcelain. Hard surfaces are manufactured or quarried and sold in slabs.
A common trait with all hard surfaces is seams. If you have a large island or an “L” or “U” shaped countertop and choose a hard surface, you will most likely have seams in your countertop. Depending on your choice of material, the seams can be very visible.
Design Trend:
First a design trend is taking hold in the Quartz and Porcelain spaces. Back splashes made with a thinner version (1 cm or 2 cm) of the same 3 cm quartz product used on your countertop. Stone sometimes book matched back splashes are not new. Especially in higher end homes. However, now that Quartz and large format Porcelain manufacturing has developed the ability to replicate “movement” or patterns like patterns found in natural stones the cost of using these materials in a backsplash has become reasonable.
Check out what Cambria is doing with Backsplashes here. Cambria Back Splashes
Quartzite:
Hobart M. King, PhD, RPG, Manager and Publisher of Geology.com defines Quartzite as this: “Quartzite is a nonfoliated metamorphic rock composed almost entirely of quartz. It forms when a quartz-rich sandstone is altered by the heat, pressure, and chemical activity of metamorphism. Metamorphism recrystallizes the sand grains and the silica cement that binds them together. The result is a network of interlocking quartz grains of incredible strength.“
In planer language, it’s a beautiful stone similar to marble yet harder and less prone to etching than marble. There is somewhat of a translucent quality to many of the Quartzites out there that can’t be replicated in man made products or found in other quarried stones save for some marbles or onyx. Fabricators often recommend a honed finish.
Porcelain:
There is more than one large format Porcelain manufacturer out there. In this article we are going to focus on Dekton from Cosentino. Cosentino, like me, is a big supporter of NARI.
Cosentino describes Dekton as their “ultracompact, high-performance surface that offers endless possibilities for interior and exterior spaces. It is made from a premium blend of over 20 materials manufactured through a revolutionary high-tech process at over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and 25,000 tons of pressure. The result is a virtually indestructible surface that mimics the look and feel of natural stones, wood, concrete, and more, without the upkeep. Dekton is the only cradle-to-grave carbon neutral solid surface on the market.”
To be clear, porcelain has very different properties than Natural Stone or Quartz. Make sure you understand the differences before purchasing.
Granite:
Granite comes in the widest variety of looks, colors and quality. Yes quality, just like diamonds and other precious stones, granite is rated. These ratings can vary. However, “First Choice” is the rating recommended by quality fabricators.
Pros – Generally considered the most beautiful, granite can be polished to a very high sheen. Granite can also be honed (a sort of dull or softer look). Most quality fabricators will make sure your countertop has a sealer on it. They may also offer optional higher grade or longer lasting sealers. Either way, proper care is always recommended.
Cons – It may be natural, but I do not consider it green or eco-friendly. Granite is mined all over the world and must be shipped in large container ships, trains and trucks to get it to your door. Moreover, it is typically quarried, or strip mined. Granite, like other stones, needs to be sealed and the sealer needs to be renewed from time to time. It is not NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified for commercial food preparation.
Marble:
Marble is generally not recommended in kitchens but can be used in bathrooms and other rooms. If you like the look of marble for your kitchen there are some quartz and acrylic products that can look very similar.
Pros – Natural beauty is hard to match. Preferred by some baking enthusiasts.
Cons – Even though it looks similar to granite, it is not. It is generally considered softer, and its properties are different from granite. It is more prone to stains and does not hold up to most cleaners and soaps. It tends to dull over time. Like granite, it may be natural, but I do not consider it green or eco-friendly. It is not NSF certified.
Soapstone:
Soapstone is sometimes considered the original stone countertop primarily mined in the north eastern United States.
Pros – Often a serious cook’s favorite because of its heat resistant properties. Soapstone also has a unique natural beauty. It is non-porous and will not stain. It can be rejuvenated with linseed or similar oils.
Cons – Soapstone does not polish to a high sustainable sheen. You will have to treat it periodically with oil. Before purchasing, do your homework. Soapstone’s unique properties can be both a blessing and a curse. Soapstone is mined in a similar fashion to granite or marble; hence many would not consider it green or eco-friendly.
Concrete:
Concrete, as the name implies, is made from concrete. Concrete can take many forms and a variety of colors can be added. It can be prefabricated, or forms can be made and the counter can be made on site. Colors, sealers and other treatments can also be added.
Pros – Concrete counter tops typically have an earthy or rustic look. It also has an appealing quality for do-it-yourself types. However, it is best left to the pros, especially if you are tinting or trying to create a pattern.
Cons – Concrete counter tops are not cheap. Concrete is naturally porous and prone to staining. Even with sealers you can expect to have some staining. I strongly recommend you research this countertop option very carefully prior to committing to it.
Solid Surfaces (Corian, Hi-Macs & others)
Solid Surfaces: For this article, we will restrict our focus to one type of material, Acrylic. This material has been in use for over 45 years, and until about ten years ago or so has only been available through one manufacturer, Du Pont, the maker of Corian.
However, in recent years competition has come to this market segment due to patent expiration and the introduction of affordable granite and quartz offerings. This competition has been good for consumers in two ways, pricing and product selection. If you haven’t looked at these offerings yet, you should. This is not your mother’s Corian!
Pros – Acrylic surfaces are NSF certified. Acrylic surfaces are also repairable. Acrylic surfaces do not stain. If your fabricator has the right equipment, acrylic can be formed into many shapes and configurations from shower bases and sinks to more unusual items like the ones shown below. Most solid surface manufacturers are working hard to be more green or eco-friendly both in their manufacturing processes and product offerings. Both Corian and Hi-Macs from LG Corporation to name just two have offerings with recycled content and or simulated movement.
In the last few years many manufacturers have been adding larger particulates and in some cases developed methods to create movement emulating some of the features that make granite and marble so appealing. Another great feature to solid surfaces is they can be bonded in the field creating a virtually seamless appearance and feel.
Cons – Acrylic surfaces can scratch and burn, but not easily. The good news is they are repairable. I have heard complaints over the years about staining. They do not stain. Virtually every time I have investigated complaints of staining it was due to the homeowner using abrasives to clean the counter which results in small scratches in the surface. These scratches can catch dirt giving the appearance of a stain, but, in fact, it is just dirt or liquids in the scratch lying just below the surface.
Laminates:
The original countertop material has been making a comeback in recent years. Over the last few years many laminate manufacturers have been introducing vibrant colors and patterns creating a low-cost alternative to other more popular materials. Laminates can also be used to create colorful panels and decorative accents.
Pros – They are still considered one of the more cost-effective countertop options. Updated colors and patterns provide a vast array of color options. This is not your grandmother’s Formica!
Butcher Block and Exotic Hard Woods:
Wood: Wood tops are becoming increasingly more popular for islands. These woods can vary widely in color and grain. There are two basic categories for wood counter tops. Butcher Block is usually made from maple and is treated with “food safe” oils and conditioners. The other, exotic woods are coated with tongue oil or a similar material. These are typically made with more exotic wood and are permanently sealed. They can be used around sinks and the finish is hard and durable. However, a tongue oiled finish is not recommended as a cutting surface.
Pros – Butcher Block is not usually used for an entire countertop, but it can be very functional in a food prep area. These tops will scratch when cutting on them which helps build character over time. They are considered food safe.
Cons – Butcher Block must be treated on a regular basis for sanitary reasons. They must be treated regularly with the “food safe” oils or conditioners. Do not substitute a “non-food safe” oil or conditioner. These tops may or may not be considered green or eco-friendly depending on the manufacturer’s forestry management and harvesting policies and manufacturing procedures. These tops should be treated every two to three weeks depending on use.
Recycled Paper Products:
We haven’t seen much of these products in the countertop space. However, the Epicurean Cutting Boards make my Holiday Gift Recommendation list every year. But that’s another blog…
Special Note: Not all recycled paper or wood products may be NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified.
THIS MATERIAL IS THE PROPERTY OF DDS DESIGN SERVICES LLC. All rights reserved.
