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 |