Kitchen countertops: Pros and cons
Article written By Scott McGillivray posted on
Style At Home magazine
Scott McGillivray weighs the pros and cons of installing kitchen countertops.
There’s no design element more stressful than kitchen countertops. With all the options for material and color, the
choices seem endless. While I believe you can have a great looking kitchen on any budget there are things to take into
consideration, and navigating the selection of countertops requires weighing the pros and cons of each.
Big budget
Nothing screams money in a kitchen quite like natural stone counters, and it’s hands-down the number one request I
get from homeowners on Income Property. Stone looks and feels expensive because it is. The cost is easily the biggest
drawback to this material. Ranging from $65 to $150 per square foot, stone countertops take a big chunk out of your
budget. On the other hand, stone surfaces are unique, durable and heat-resistant. They do need to be sealed
periodically to avoid staining, but they can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Marble scratches and stains more easily, so
it might not be the best option for a home with young children (or clumsy adults!).
Small budget
If you’re working with a smaller budget or stone just isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options out there.
Laminate is fail-safe and has come a long way in recent years. There are lots of laminates to choose from and a custom
laminate counter is a fraction of the cost of stone.
The downside? While laminate is durable and stain-resistant, it isn’t heat-resistant like stone. Another inexpensive
option is ceramic tile, which can cost as little as $10 per square foot. It comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so
it’s adaptable to any kitchen style. It’s just not the best choice for avid cooks or bakers, as it’s prone to chips. Butcher
block also has become more popular in the last few years. People like the natural look and the character it develops
over time, and many big-box stores are now carrying it more inexpensively. That said, butcher block is relatively high
maintenance, requiring frequent disinfecting and oiling to keep it safe and looking great. It’s also prone to burns and
moisture damage, so it’s best to avoid installing it around a sink or a stove.
Related Article
Finding the perfect countertop is easier than you think. Whether you’re looking for affordability, function or style, today’s
market is full of options with a wide range of materials available.
BUTCHER BLOCK
ECO-ALERT! Always look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) symbol, which
certifies that the product comes from a forest managed in an environmentally and socially
responsible manner.
Pros
- Can be moderately priced
- Scratches can be removed by sanding
Cons
- Somewhat resistant to heat and water
- Vulnerable to fire and burns
Maintenance
Cost (installed) $65+ per square foot
Wash with damp cloth and mild dish detergent
Treat regularly with mineral oil
Don’t varnish and avoid vegetable oil, which leaves a sticky residue
SOAPSTONE
Pros
Cons
- Visually rich-looking
- Smooth touch and finish
- Highly resistant to heat and stains
- High maintenance
- Vulnerable to cracks, which can’t be fixed
- Can be expensive
Kitchen countertops: Pros and cons
Article written By Scott McGillivray posted on
Style At Home magazine
Maintenance
Cost (installed) $100–$200 per square foot
Coat with mineral oil once a month to preserve color
Wash with damp cloth and mild dish detergent
Small scratches can be removed through sanding
LAMINATE
Pros
- Variety of colors and styles
- Affordable
- Easy to maintain
Maintenance
Cons
- Vulnerable to heat and stains
- Burns and scratches
- End sides may delaminate
Cost (installed) $30–$45 per square foot
Wash with damp cotton cloth and mild dish detergent
Use trivets to avoid heat damage
CONCRETE
Pros
- Color-customization available
- Very durable Heavy
- Resistant to heat
Maintenance
Cons
- Requires annual re-sealing
- Vulnerable to stains
- Expensive
- Can crack
Cost (installed) $70+ per square foot
Wash with damp cloth and mild dish detergent
Clean up spills
Immediately to avoid staining
SOLID SURFACING (Corian)
Pros
- Huge selection of colors and styles
- Durable
- Low maintenance
Maintenance
Gently sponge using a mild abrasive liquid cleaner
Wash with damp cloth; towel dry
Cons
- Any abrasions require professional care
- Can be expensive
- Not resistant to heat, stains and dents
Cost (installed) $75–$125 per square foot
Kitchen countertops: Pros and cons
Article written By Scott McGillivray posted on
Style At Home magazine
CERAMIC TILE
Pros
- Large variety of colors and styles
- Highly resistant to heat and moisture
- Affordable
Cons
- Vulnerable to cracks and chips
- Tiles take time to install and set
- Grout can accumulate dir
Maintenance
Cost (installed) $20–
$70 per square foot
Wash with damp cloth and mild dish detergent
Use epoxy on grout to prevent staining
MARBLE
Pros
- Attractive look
- Highly resistant to heat and water
- Expensive
Maintenance
Cons
- Requires semi-annual resealing
- Vulnerable to scratches and stains
- Vulnerable to acids such lemon juice, vinegar
Cost (installed) $ 70+ per square foot
Wash with lukewarm water
For polished finish, use marble polish semi-annually to maintain shine
To create honed finish, apply a clear silicone-based sealer
Quartz - ENGINEERED STONE (Zodiaq, Silestone, Caesarstone, Hanstone)
Pros
- Smooth finish
- Hygienic
- Low maintenance
- Durable
Maintenance
Cons
- Doesn’t look as rich as marble or granite
- Abrasions need professional care
- It is be expensive
- No sealants or waxes required
- Resistant to stains, heat and bacteria
Cost (installed) $60–$100 per square foot
Wash with damp cloth and, if necessary, non-bleach, non-abrasive cleanser
Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining
Kitchen countertops: Pros and cons
Article written By Scott McGillivray posted on
Style At Home magazine
GRANITE
Pros
- Wide selection of colors available
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Very durable
- Resistant to heat, water and stains
Cons
- Requires regular maintenance
- Can be expensive
- Extremely heavy
- Can be noisy when working on
Cost (installed) $60+ per square foot
Maintenance
Dust twice a week with soft cloth
Requires annual resealing
Cleaning products containing acid or alkaline can strip stone polish
STAINLESS STEEL
ECO-ALERT! Stainless steel is the most recycled material in Canada. Chances are your
new countertop is constructed out of recycled steel.
Pros
- Very durable
- Hygienic
- Low maintenance
- Simple buffing can help keep up appearance
- Resistant to heat and rust
Maintenance
When washing, wipe with grain
Avoid bleach, which stains
Mild abrasive powder can be used
Cons
- Vulnerable to dents and marks
(especially fingerprints)
- Can be expensive
Cost (installed) Start @ $60+ per square foot