Learn Your Countertop Options - Part I

When renovating your kitchen or bathroom you have many choices for new countertops.  I’ve chosen the 12 most popular options and will share the pros and cons to help you make your decision.  Here are the first 6 options.

Laminate

Formica

Laminate countertops are often referred to as Formica, but there are other popular brands such as Wilsonart and Nevamar.  The most common type of laminate tops are called ‘Post-form counters’ which are a plastic laminated synthetics which is shaped and bonded to a particle board core. 

PROS:

  • Easy to maintain
  • Low cost
  • Many designs available
  • DIY installation is possible

CONS:

  • Visible seams
  • Not heat resistant
  • Can be considered too ‘cheap’
  • Scratches cannot be repaired

Tile

HGTV

Tile countertops offer so much creativity for design and layout, or the selection to keep it simple as the photo above.

PROS:

  • Easy to clean
  • Inexpensive
  • Possible to DIY
  • Unlimited design choices
  • Heat resistant

CONS:

  • Grout can stain and be difficult to maintain
  • Tile can crack or break
  • Surface can end up uneven
  • Is not as valued as solid stone

Acrylic

Corian

Acrylic countertops (also referred to as solid surface) have been around for about 50 years. They are composed of acrylic and other resins that are pressed into sheets and other shapes. The most popular brands are Corian, Avonite and Swanstone.

PROS:

  • Invisible seams
  • Easy to repair
  • Integrated sinks are available
  • Stain resistant
  • Many patterns possible

CONS:

  • Easily scratched
  • Not heat resistant
  • Moderately expensive
  • Must be professionally installed

Granite

Sky-marble

Granite slabs are slices of natural stone cut from the earth, so each piece is unique.  If you are looking to have a statement countertop, granite is an excellent choice.  As there are so many different designs, there is a broad range in price for granite slabs.

PROS:

  • Heat resistant
  • Adds value to home
  • Very strong and durable
  • Thousands of natural designs

CONS:

  • Requires sealing to resist staining
  • Professional installation only
  • More expensive
  • Can have natural imperfections

Marble

Aria Stone Gallery

Marble is a timeless and beautiful material and may be what you visualize when you picture a new kitchen or bathroom in your home.  But marble is not the easiest surface to live with.

PROS:

  • Beautiful veining
  • Adds value to home
  • Heat resistant

CONS:

  • Easily scratched
  • Easily stained
  • Expensive
  • Must be professionally installed

Quartz

Cambria

Quartz countertops are comprised of up to 93% natural stone, the remainder being the colouring and resins that are proprietary to each manufacturer.  Popular brands include Cambria, Caesarstone, Hanstone (Canadian), and Silestone.  Quartz bridges the gap between natural stones and consumer wishes – the look of natural stone without the natural imperfections.

PROS:

  • Easy to maintain
  • Stain resistant
  • Adds value to home
  • Consistent and excellent patterning

CONS:

  • Must be professionally installed
  • Expensive