Laminate Countertops
In terms of sheer number of kitchen countertops installed, no product comes close to laminate.  While it is the most affordable option, price is only one of the reasons laminate has been so popular for decades.  It is heat and scratch resistant. However, hot pans placed directly on the surface will damage it and cutting directly on the surface is also not advised.  Once damaged, laminate is very difficult to repair.  Its appearance can be enhanced with a wide variety of edge treatments.  Laminate is available in literally thousands of solid colors, patterns and textures.  Laminate’s latest development is the option of installing an under-mount solid surface sink with laminate, thus eliminating the unpopular “ridge”, characteristic of laminate countertops in the past.

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Solid Surface Countertops
Introduced in the 60’s, solid surface is hugely popular with today’s homeowners.  Because solid surface counters are just as their name implies, solid, scratches, chips or stains can be sanded out & repaired.  While moderately expensive when first introduced, solid surface countertops are now more and more affordable.  The latest development in the world of solid surfaces is the availability of a new 1-1/4” thick material that, while sturdier than past products, is actually less expensive.  In its favor, solid surface is non-porous, which translates into easy cleaning & less opportunity for bacterial growth.  When installed professionally, solid surface countertops can appear seamless and can be fabricated with a variety of edge options.  If you’re the type of cook who “lets fly” while in the kitchen, the fact that solid surface countertops are stain resistant may be appealing to you.  Solid surfaces are offered by a number of manufacturers and come in a variety of sheens, colors and patterns.

Engineered Quartz Countertops
After gaining popularity in Europe for the past decade, engineered quartz has now burst on the scene of American kitchens.  In 2004 sales in the U.S. increased 60%. It’s not too surprising.  For some homeowners engineered quartz offers the best of all worlds.  If you love the look of granite, but feel concerned about the drawbacks, quartz may be your dream come true.  While other natural stones can become permanently stained by grease or oils, or etched by common household products such as hairspray, engineered quartz is close to indestructible.  It offers the beauty & benefits of granite but very few of its more troublesome traits. For example, natural stone is subject to variations in color or pattern between slabs. As a result, seam matching can be very difficult.  Engineered quartz, however, provides uniform texture, pattern and color. Because engineered quartz is a natural product that undergoes a manufacturing process, it can be offered in an array of colors not usually associated with natural stone. Seams are not invisible, but are minimal when compared to other surfaces such as granite. Edging options are available.  Quartz can be used on larger vertical surfaces like backsplashes and even shower enclosures because it is more flexible to work with and is held in place using glue and epoxy instead of screws.  Fans of engineered quartz love the fact that it does not require the annual sealing needed by other stone surfaces.

Granite Countertops
Granite is the countertop of choice if there are no other mundane concerns, like a budget. It is true that granite continues to define elegance & prestige in a kitchen.  Its beauty elevates even the most modest kitchen. Advocates of granite will tell you that there’s no replacement for the ethereal, 3D appearance of natural stone. Because it’s harder than steel, knives are no threat. Go ahead and cut right on it. Granite will not scratch and is stain resistant.  It also will not burn, blister or scar from hot pans so you can work right on the surface without any worries.  Like marble, it offers a cool polished surface that’s great for rolling out pastry dough.  While granite may need to be sealed on a yearly basis, there’s minimal maintenance after that.  Be aware that because granite is 100% natural stone, there will be color variations as well as tiny pits and fissures in it.  Also, granite will have visible seams. If a seamless & consistent surface appearance is important to you, granite may not be your best choice.

Soapstone Countertops
Traditionally used in historic homes, soapstone has recently been embraced by modern homeowners.  While it doesn’t offer the color choices of other countertop options, soapstone exudes a warmth and character just right for some homes. It’s stain resistant and durable.  Maintenance consists of applying mineral oil & occasional buffing or polishing to remove light scratches.  Costs are similar to marble or granite.

Marble Countertops
Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is generally not seen in whole kitchens.  Homeowners are using it as a touch of luxury, installing it on an island or as an inset in a baking center.  Marble’s porous surface requires constant maintenance to prevent staining.  It’s waterproof, heatproof and beautiful.

Wood Countertops
Professional kitchens have long embraced butcher-block counters. In homes they offer warmth unlike other surface options.  Butcher-block is easy on knives, takes on a certain personality once nicked and scratched, makes great baking center inserts and can easily be refreshed with sanding and a little oil.  Because butcher-block can be prone to staining, damage by standing water or scorching by hot pans, it may not be practical as a surface for the entire kitchen.  Many homeowners are using butcher-block as a countertop inset or as an island surface. Exotic woods such as teak or mahogany are being used in some higher-end kitchens, but homeowners should know that these woods don’t provide any extra resistance to cuts, scratches, stains or scorching.  Costs will vary depending on the thickness & type of wood you choose.  Exotic woods can be quite expensive.

Stainless Steel Countertops
For the homeowner seeking a contemporary look, stainless steel is a good choice.  Because nothing sticks to the surface, cleaning and maintenance are done in a snap. Scratches and fingerprints are a constant threat, however, so if you’re picturing a unmarred shiny surface, you may need to readjust that image. Other than that, stainless steel is maintenance free. Seamless installations are possible.  Stainless steel is a fairly expensive choice.