Choosing a counterop surface can be a stressful process! You want a surface that is durable, hearty, and beautiful.
There are pros and cons for each surface and I thought I would offer you a bit of insight:
Butcher Block: Hardwood material
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| Country Living |
Pros: Easy to install and repair. All you have to do is sand and reseal.
Cons: Can burn, scratches and dents easily, needs to be treated regularly with mineral oil or wax or be sealed with a polyurethane sealer. Maintenance can be pricey.
Other wood countertop options: Joined Planks, Single Wide Stave.
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| Decoist |
Ceramic Tile:
Pros: Available in a large variety of colors and patterns. Will not stain or scratch easily. Simple installation and repair work.
Cons: Ceramic tile can break if something heavy is dropped on it. Grout (if not sealed with an acrylic sealer) can create dirt build-up and will stain. Price can vary.
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| Kitchenbuilding.com |
Granite: Natural Stone
Pros: Very strong and durable. Will not scratch or nick easily. Once sealed it is very resistant to staining and cleans easily.
Honed vs. Polished granite: Polished granite is much more stain-resistant than honed granite.
Cons: Requires a strong base due to the weight of the product. Installation is usually customized and granite must be sealed periodically. Granite also usually comes at a higher price point.
*Hint – visit your local granite dealer and ask to see the “clearance slabs”. Often, less popular, less than perfect, or scrap pieces of granite slabs are discounted.
Other types of natural stone to consider: limestone, marble, soapstone, and slate.
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| Marie Flanigan Interiors |
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| via Elle Decor |
Laminate:
Pros: Very inexpensive and easy to install. Every color and pattern available. Many laminates are made to look like their natural stone competitors and can be very convincing.
Cons: Scratches very easily and can burn / scorch. Seams are visible and may allow dirt build up to get under the surface. Some cleaning products may discolor the material.
*Metal Laminate: Laminate surfacing also provides a large variety of metal options.
www.chemetal.com
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| Flooranddesign.com |
Solid Surface:
Made of polyester or acrylic resins combined with mineral fillers.
Pros: Available in dozens of colors and designs. Scratches can be buffed out with an abrasive pad. Can be installed without seams.
Cons: Scratches easily. Heat may cause slight discoloration. Can be moderately expensive.
Concrete:
Cast-in-place, custom precast or a pre-manufactured gauged slab of concrete.
Pros: Many color options, edge styles and decorative elements are available.
Cons: May require a large degree of customization and labor. Color may be hard to get exact when concrete is stained.
Green Products:
Today many paper and glass products are being recycled to create new countertop surface solutions that are unique and beautiful. Visit these sites to learn more:
Ice Stone
Paper Stone