Kitchen Counter Choices - Summary

A compilation of all of your kitchen countertop options, from the most expensive (granite) to the cheapest (tile and laminate), and all other counter materials in between.

Counter Material	Pros	Cons
Ceramic Tile	Inexpensive(as low as $5 per square foot), DIY install possible. Multitude of design choices.	Tile seams interfere with food preparation. Tile viewed as "lower grade."
Laminate	Laminate (Formica, Wilsonart brands, etc.) is inexpensive. Many design options.	Material no longer fashionable. Cannot be installed by yourself.
Solid Surface	Many designs, medium prices, scratches can be sanded out. Corian is a brand name.	Never confused for materials (i.e., stone) it is trying to simulate.
Natural Stone	Granite (marble is too porous). Lovely texture. Prices are dropping. Tiles, rather than slab, can be installed and are cheaper.	Can crack and stain. High prices.
Stainless Steel	Beautiful surface. Impervious to heat.	Hard to fabricate. Expensive. Easily scratches.
Wood	Attractive surface can be shaped in a myriad of ways.	Difficult to keep sanitary. Hot pans will singe wood countertops.
Concrete	Infinite variety of colors	Trendy, expensive, porous, hard to install. Not a DIY project