Countertops

There are many choices for countertop materials, which vary by price, practical qualities, and environmental impact.

Quartz

Quartz, or engineered stone, has many of the qualities of natural stone, but is nonporous, making for a cleaner surface and eliminating the need for the periodic resealing. This material is highly rated by consumer magazines as one of the most maintenance-free countertops available. Made of ground-up natural quartz and a binding resin, it is more homogenous in color and pattern than natural stone. Brands include Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and Zodiac; Cambria is made in the U.S. Prices can start at $85 per square foot, including templating and installation. Among the brands you can find at BBR are Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone.

Natural stone

Natural stone is certainly not new, but has enjoyed a resurgent popularity over the past decade. Stone countertops are most commonly available in granite, but also in soapstone and marble. They come in a number of different colors, and each piece is unique. Because individual slabs come in different sizes, larger tops may require seams. Granite should be resealed every one to two years. Stone (and quartz) countertops offer numerous edge details—but the more complex the detail, the greater the cost. Because stone is so hard, it has no resiliency; if you drop a glass on it, the glass will break. This same quality makes it scratch-resistant and able to tolerate extreme temperature variations. Stone countertops vary greatly in price, from as low as $60 to $150 per square foot including templating and installation.

While we think of stone as a material that will last forever, it does require some attention. Most stone is porous and needs to be sealed on a regular basis. Highly acidic foods and cleaners will react with the stone and discolor it. Each installer will provide a fact sheet on how to care for the stone.

Butcher block

Butcher block is another classic countertop material with environmental qualities that give it a renewed appeal. It is usually made of laminated strips of hard maple; most come with an oil finish that is easily renewed as it wears. They need to be resealed periodically and maintained with mineral oil. There are standard sizes available, so seams may be necessary on large or irregular shapes. Butcher block is a good surface for cutting and is fairly heat-resistant, but is often not recommended near sinks because water will stain it unless a permanent finish is applied. Butcher block countertops can begin to run anywhere from $60 to $90 per square foot. Brands to choose from at BBR are John Boos and The Southside Woodshop.

Laminate

Plastic laminate countertops are the most economical option. This material is made of layers of paper laminated with glue and finished with a top coat that has color, design, and texture. Brands include Formica, Nevamar, Pionite, and Wilsonart. Plastic laminate offers the most color choices. It is fairly durable, but will scratch and burn. Once the surface of a laminate countertop is marred, it cannot be repaired. Several edge options are also available with laminates, including postform, a factory-molded top with an integral backsplash. One disadvantage of laminates is that they cannot be used with an under-mount sink. Custom plastic laminate countertops are made to order, so they will fit any size or configuration. Prices vary from $24 to $30 per linear foot for stock choices. Among the brands found at BBR are Formica and Wilsonart.

Solid surface

Solid-surface countertops are made of man-made composite materials. Like quartz and granite, and in contrast to laminates, the color or pattern runs throughout the material. Solid-surface countertops will scratch and burn, but damage can be sanded out. Brand names include Corian, Fountainhead, Gibraltar, and Swanstone. Solid-surface countertops include color choices that look and feel like stone (but are softer and warmer in temperature) and offer unlimited options for edge details. A major advantage is the capacity to hide seams. Solid-surface countertops run from $80 to $95 per square foot and must be manufactured and installed by a licensed fabricator. BBR carries Corian tops.