Question: I want to replace the kitchen countertops in my Napa condo. The countertops are tile with old white grout, and I would like to install a smooth surface, but there are so many to choose from.

I would appreciate it if you could spell out the positives and negatives of the various surfaces such as Corian, granite, marble, Formica and others.

Shirley Swanson

Answer: Nothing updates the look of a kitchen faster than new counters. But because replacing them is a fairly large investment, both financially and emotionally (because of the disruption the construction causes in one's life), you should explore all the options.

Let's start by approaching the overall design of the kitchen. Each era in society has a look that accompanies and defines it, and kitchen design is no exception. Therefore, you want to be careful not to do anything in a kitchen remodel, even a counter replacement, that will scream "mid-2000s" 10 years from now. You didn't mention your style preference or needs, so here's a list of countertop product choices with information about each. What's listed below is in no particular order of professional preference, its cost or how easy it is to live with and maintain.

[Pictures of different counter materials are at the end of the page.]

Granite

If you want classic beauty and elegance, granite is the material of choice for even the most modest kitchen design. Mother Nature gives us a wide palette of colors with either bold patterns or subtle drifts of colors in this natural material, so finding the right look for your home is easy.

Pros: Stands up to heat, has a look of permanence and is beautiful.

Cons: Requires periodic maintenance, including sealing, has the potential to crack and can be expensive.

Marble, soapstone, lime

While marble, soapstone and lime are natural and beautiful products, they should be avoided for use in high-traffic areas like the kitchen because they absorb stains and scratch easily. Any of them would make a great accent for a backsplash or an island that doesn't get much use.

Pros: Marble comes in unusual patterns and colors.

Cons: Extremely porous surfaces absorb stains and scratch easily.

Engineered stone

The product is an excellent alternative to natural stone. Because it's composed of quartz particles and resins, its nonporous surface is hard, durable, resists scratches and is easy to maintain. Brand names include DuPont Zodiac, Cambria Quartz and Silestone.

Pros: Resistant to scratches and stains, easy to maintain.

Cons: Can be damaged by impact.

Solid surface

This man-made product can be made to fit your kitchen and comes in a wide range of colors. Names for this product include Avonite, Corian and Swanstone.

Pros: Seamless, stain resistant, wide choice of colors.

Cons: Hot pans can leave scorch marks, and it scars easily when used as a cutting surface.

Ceramic and porcelain tile

Tiles are made from natural clay that is fired and glazed. There is no limit to the choice of colors, and some include patterns. Tile makes a wonderful accent for backsplashes, especially if you want patterns or images in the design. Grout can get dirty but can be cleaned or replaced easily. Grout can also be virtually invisible if set with tight butt joints.

Pros: Easy to clean and maintain, inexpensive, takes heat and acid, and handy homeowners can install it themselves.

Cons: Tiles can chip and crack.

Laminate

This counter product is made of layers of paper and plastic that are fused under high heat and pressure to become "acrylic." It's inexpensive and comes in a wide variety of colors. Its most common name is Formica.

Pros: Inexpensive and easy to clean.

Cons: Can stain, hot pans may leave a burn mark and edges can chip.

Butcher Block

This product is made like a cutting board, layers of wood glued together. It absorbs everything and is a high-maintenance product because it must be thoroughly cleaned after every use. Best woods for this are maple and oak. It can be sanded periodically to get to a new layer of wood, then sealed with beeswax or wood oil.

Pros: Not expensive, natural look.

Cons: Cut marks and burns show easily. Avoid use near water. Hygiene is a concern.

Cast concrete

The product is created on-site; forms are made and the concrete is poured. If you have an unusual shape, this is ideal. Color can be added for interest.

Pros: Heat and scratch resistant, interesting look.

Cons: Expensive, and can crack and stain easily.

Stainless steel

This custom-fabricated product has an interesting look that makes a design statement.

Pros: Custom shapes, sizes, takes hot pans well.

Cons: Expensive, noisy, may dent and can't cut on it.

Recycled glass

Glass is being made into interesting surfaces (with or without decorative patterns) for a new look in kitchens. Best use is for accent counters.

Pros: Can take heat, won't stain.

Cons: Expensive.

There you have it. Pick the one you like best and enjoy it for years to come.

 

Here are a few examples of counter tops that are described.

Granite and glass are combined to make a design statement and give the family more functional space.	An all granite kitchen, counters and back splash, makes for easy clean up at the end of a big dinner.
Porcelain tile counters with mosaic tile edging is a great, well-priced alternative for do-it-yourselfers.	Brazilian cherry as a top for an island is an elegant way to have butcher block in your kitchen.

 

All kitchens shown were designed by Beryn Hammil Designs.

 

TO GO BACK TO THE "ARTICLES" PAGE, CLICK HERE