Countertops, or tops as they are referred to, are usually custom-designed for each installation. There are hundreds of colors, patterns, and materials to choose from. Because they can be made in any size and shape they are impractical to stock in inventory.
Practically speaking, solid surface and stone are the most durable. For wet environments or frequent spills, Quartz, solid surface or stainless steel is the best choice.
In the Bathroom:
Countertops are often not given the consideration they deserve for bathroom use, because of the tremendous variety of alternatives, including cultured marble and pedestal lavs, but they are very useful in powder rooms when combined with the new above counter vessels.
Here you have an opportunity to be really bold and creative. Be careful not to overpower the simple design of the vessel by too bold a color or pattern beneath it however. It's probably best to let your designer choose your options.
Wood is not typically used because the moisture common to bathroom areas is destructive to natural fibers. Synthetic materials on the other hand, are generally impervious to water.
Cultured Stone
(Marble, Granite, Onyx, etc.)
Glass
Granite
Marble
Plastic Laminates
(Formica®, Wilsonart®, etc.)
Quartz
(Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, Legacy, Zodiac, Technistone®, etc.)
Solid Surface
(Cerata, Earthstone, Corian®, Formica®, Gibraltar, Hartson-Kennedy,
LG Hi-Macs®, Swanstone, Wilsonart®)
In the Kitchen:
Most kitchens have a mix of surface materials specifically chosen for how they will be used. For instance a single kitchen may have a granite island for serving; a marble square marble for preparing pastry; a butcher-block square for cutting; solid-surface tops for heavy food-preparation and tile for the backsplash or accent.
Laminate, engineered stone and solid surface come in the widest variety of colors. The flexibility of engineered stone, solid surfacing and stainless steel makes them ideal for fashioning decorative shapes or integral sinks. Once sealed, concrete functions as an excellent surface that's quickly gaining in popularity.
Tile, wood and stainless steel offer special looks but have their tradeoffs.
Tile does not provide a smooth surface for food preparation and its grout can discolor. Grout is a very porous material that becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew and all types of bacteria unless it is properly sealed and maintained.
Wood requires sealants and maintenance, as does natural stone.
Stainless steel and other metals scratch and show fingerprints.
Cultured stone does not contain quartz, it is softer and less durable than engineered stone. Therefore, it is NOT recommended for use in kitchens or other hard use areas. Likewise glass countertops should never be used in the work areas of a kitchen.
Countertops for entertainment areas and wet bars can be of any material, as long as the material and/or surface finish is resistant to acidic substances (fruit juices, wine, etc.).
Popular Countertops for the Kitchen & Entertainment Areas
Concrete
Granite
Marble
Stainless Steel
Plastic Laminates
(Formica®, Wilsonart®, etc.)
Quartz
(Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, Legacy, Zodiac, Technistone®, etc.)
Solid Surface
(Cerata, Earthstone, Corian®, Formica®, Gibraltar, Hartson-Kennedy,
LG Hi-Macs®, Swanstone, Wilsonart®)
A Note About The Backsplash
A backsplash protects the area of wall that is just above the countertop and below the kitchen cabinets from water and grease. (most commonly in the areas of the sink and cooktop/range)
The backsplash can be made of the same material as the countertop, or of a different material, but it should be a material that is relatively easy to clean.
The type of backsplash, straight or cove, will be determined by the type of material used for the countertop.
| Materials Natural Stone Materials: Granite Quartz Concrete Synthetic Stone: Solid Surface Cultured Stone Metals: Stainless Steel Zinc Other: Plastic Laminates Glass | Related Comparison of Granite, Quartz & Solid Surface Stone Care 101 - An excellent on-line reference by Stone Tech Professional for cleaning, sealing and maintaining stone countertops. Including: Natural Stone & Grout (Examples: Marble, Granite, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Terrazzo, Sandstone) |
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