A discussion of different counter tops usually has our designers clamoring for a glass of water afterwards, as there is an overabundance of choices and qualities currently available. We always like to point out the strengths and weaknesses of the different counter surfaces, but don't be discouraged by the weaknesses too much. We point them out so you can understand the products we provide before you purchase them instead of finding out afterwards about their unique properties. Here's a brief overview of their relative costs and their characteristics: We show most of these surfaces in our showroom. Come pay us a visit!

Plastic Laminates (Arborite, Formica, Nevamar, Pionite, Wilsonart…)
For years, plastic laminates were the number one choice for counter tops. Very low cost, a multitude of colours, moldable for custom edges and backsplashes, and relatively durable, they are still used with great frequency in the kitchen and bathroom. Plastic laminates are known to scratch and chip, are susceptible to heat damage, and are quite difficult to repair. Abrasive cleaners must never be used on these surfaces. All in all they are a great value choice.

Granite
Granite is an office favorite for its natural look and feel - it is simply rock carved from a mountain somewhere in the world. Usually sold with a high gloss sheen, it commands your attention from afar. Honed finishes seem to be the interior designer's choice, but they tend to absorb and display oily fingerprints much more than the high gloss granite. It is very resistant to scratching and heat damage and most staining. A relatively expensive material, granite is still does scratch, can be damaged by heat and - although is has a sealer applied - can be stained with anything oily or greasy like butter. Water permeates unsealed granite with ease. Also there is usually no warranty on the granite material (often a 1 year labour warranty is offered), so if it decides to crack because your house settled…your counter has just gained some character.

Solid surfaces (Corian, Avonite, Hi-Macs, Karadon)
In our opinion, solid surface counter tops are the most low maintenance surfaces available on the market. Cost-wise running a little more expensive than granite tops, they are designed to undergo fairly high abuse and still look and function as if they were just installed. A non-porous product, it's inability to harbour bacterial growth makes it one of the few products allowed used in commercial kitchens. Often comprised of acrylics and sometimes polyester resins, solid surfaces can range in colours from plain white to textured granites - usually increasing in price on the same scale. While the materials do scratch, you can take abrasive cleansers or even sandpaper to the surface to make it look like new. Most solid surface companies provide some sort of 10 year warranty on their products as well. We recommend solid surfaces be installed with a matte finish, although gloss is available (gloss tends to emphasize scratches and imperfections in the material and must be buffed out by an expert). Solid surfaces tend to try and emulate granite to some degree, but always have a man-made appearance. A very popular choice for our clients.

Butcher Block
Usually made with maple or cherry, butcher-block wood counters have been gaining in popularity in recent years. A beautiful and natural product, it is susceptible to damage from knives, water, etc. but when sanded and finished with a Tung or Mystery oil, will rebuff most of the abuse inflicted upon it. The wood does have a tendency to warp and does require refinishing over time.

Soapstone (Green Mountain…)
Similar to granite, soapstone is mined from mountains. To be called soapstone, it must contain a minimum of 50% talc. The composition of soapstone makes it soft (it does scratch fairly easily) but almost completely inert and non-porous. It is one of the few materials allowed in laboratories and commercial kitchens. If the counter does scratch, an application of food safe oil or even a light sanding with a sanding sponge will eliminate it. Warranty concerns are the same as with granite, and oiling of the soapstone should be done every 4-6 weeks.

Quartz surfacing (Silestone, Zodiaq, Caesarstone)
A composite product like solid surface, quartz surfaces use ground up quartz crystals and bonding agents to produce a high gloss granite-like appearance with a minimal level of porosity approaching that of solid surface. Quartz surfaces have combined most of the benefits of granite and solid surface (shiny, non-porous, heat resistant, etc.) but are more expensive than both and still don't really have the nature-made look of granite.

Concrete
Not for the faint of heart. A unique surface for the counter that is relatively durable when a high quality sealer is applied. The main drawbacks are cracking and reparability. As concrete cures (which takes years and years) the material shrinks and cracks. Those cracks are repairable, but I have yet to see a nice concrete repair. You'll probably impress your friends, though.

Stainless Steel [see it on display in our showroom]
For those looking for a contemporary, transitional, or commercial feel, stainless is a reasonably good choice. Allowed for use in labs and commercial kitchens because of its anti-bacterial properties, it is a very bright (sometimes sterile) look. Stainless does scratch easily and will show fingerprints instantaneously, and must be cleaned with special cleaners, as regular household items won't do much.

Tile
Good old tile is no where near as popular as it once was. Most people can't stand the grout lines with traditional ceramics. Pros: high heat and damage resistance, gives a nice textured look and feel to the counter top. Cons: difficult to keep clean, grout always tends to chip. More commonly our clients will use granite tiles with tight miniscule seams to emulate a granite top. Tumbled marble tile tops give an 'Old World' feel as well.

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