Solid Surface:

Some people confuse solid surface with Quartz counter tops.  They are not the same.  Solid surface counter tops are totally synthetic.  They are similar in appearance to natural stone but when installed properly are totally seamless including angles and nosing.  Using chemicals to melt the edges of the material, the seams are in fact welded together and disappear.  Common brand names are Gibraltar, Staron, Avonite, and Corian.  The material comes in a variety of colors and finishes.

Sinks can be under-mount, surface mount or molded as a one-piece part of the counter top leaving no areas for the accumulation of dirt or bacteria.  There is no need to protect the material from hot pots.  These materials will scratch so a cutting board is recommended.

Maintenance:  The manufacturers all have their own cleaning products, but in general, liquid detergent and warm water will clean the surface nicely.  Stains and surface scratches can be removed with buffing.

Cost: $90-$150/lin. ft., installed

Quartz:

Quartz counter tops are manufactured by mixing quartz dust with a resin to create a product that is easily molded into any shape and form.  Quartz is one of the hardest materials and hence counter tops are extremely durable, stain and scratch resistance.  Quartz counter tops come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Quartz counter tops lend themselves well to under-mount or surface mount sinks.  Edges can be finished in a variety of shapes.  They are impervious to heat.

Maintenance:   Use a non-abrasive cleaner with warm water and rinse.  Should a scratch appear on the surface it can usually be buffed out.  It is not necessary to seal a Quartz counter top.

Cost: From $110-$250/lin. ft., installed

Stainless Steel:

Impervious to bacteria and heat, stainless steel is the ultimate in counter top surfaces.  Stainless steel has become the “in” product for kitchen counter tops by decorators and is now very popular as a finish for major and small kitchen appliances.  Scratches and marks give the stainless steel the feel of a working kitchen, but does not decrease its aesthetic value.  Stainless steel counter tops have become popular in traditional and contemporary kitchens.

Sinks are generally surface mounted although they can be under-mount.  It is also possible to have the sink pressed into the stainless steel as a one piece unit, although this is a very expensive process.

Maintenance:  Use a specially formulated stainless steel cleaner.  Scratches can be buffed with a fine steel wool or scouring pad.

Cost: $85-$150/sq. ft., installed

Tile:

Designers cannot decide on whether tile counter tops are in or out of style.  The most popular tiles used for counter tops are granite, ceramic, and porcelain.  Other tiles, which are not as common, include glass and natural stone.  Tiled counter tops have the inherent problem of grout.  Grout discolors, stains, and is not easy to clean.  As well, the surface is not flat.  While counter tops made of small tiles seems to be out of fashion, at the moment, counter tops made of larger tiles appear to be “in”.  Most home handymen can install a tile counter top and backsplash.  The nosing is usually created by using a molded tile specifically shaped for that purpose.  Some tile counter tops are made by inlaying the tile into a wood frame and using the wood to provide the nosing and backsplash.

Sinks should be surface mount.

Maintenance:   Granite tiles must be sealed (see section of granite counter tops).  All of the grout should be sealed.  Ceramic, porcelain tile and the grout can be cleaned with liquid detergent and warm water.

Cost: $10-$90/sq. ft., installed

Learn how to build a tile counter top.

Wood:

Hardwood counter tops or butcher block, as they are known in the trade are timeless.  Many species of hardwood make excellent counter tops.  The most common being maple.  Other common materials are oak, cherry, and the very high-density woods such as zebra and wenge.  It is recommended that a professional make the counter top in order that the boards do not eventually come apart or warp.  Besides it’s beauty hardwood has the inherent quality that it can be refinished many times.

Sinks can be surface mount or under-mount.

Maintenance:  Do not use polyurethane finishes on counter tops because they do not stand up to heat or scratches.  Use a mineral oil monthly or specially formulated food grade, finishing product (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).  Burn marks, scratches, and stains can be sanded out.

Cost: $30-$150/sq. ft., installed

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