|
Type of Countertop |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Granite |
Scratch resistant
-Hot plates can be placed directly on the surface.
-Durable
-Natural product
-Wide selection of colors
-Beauty, beauty, beauty |
-Requires proper sealing to prevent staining (easily done every six months to one year) |
|
Tile |
-Durable
-Non-staining and scratch resistant
-Endless colors, shapes and designs.
-Heat resistant |
-Chips easily
-Grout can be a problem
-Slightly more expensive than laminates. |
|
Wood (Butcher Block) |
-Durable if cared for
-Cleans easily
-Scratches can be removed by sanding |
-Can Warp
-Turns black if exposed to large quantities of water
-Requires sealing
-Expensive |
|
Acrylic and/or Polyester Plastics (i.e. Corian, etc.) |
-Non-porous and stain resistant
-Abrasive cleaners can be used on unpolished finishes
-Easy to clean and refinish
-Many colors available
-Seamless
-Scratches can be repaired |
-Scratches easily
-Hot Pots will melt finish
-Expensive
-Plastic unnatural appearance |
|
Laminates |
-Inexpensive and fairly durable
-Available in endless patterns and colors
-Resists staining
-Easy to clean |
-Abrasive cleaners can scratch and dull the finish
-Sharp knives will produce scratches and hot pots will melt the finish
-Warping of the surface can occur with prolonged wetting or flooding
-Laminates usually cannot be repaired once damaged
-Seams are easy to see
Some materials will fade with time |
