Kitchen countertops

If you are thinking of renovating your kitchen or simply updating your countertops, you may want to look into some of the pros and cons of the different materials available.

Wood or butcher block

PROS: easy to clean, smooth surface, can be sanded and resealed as needed.

CONS: expensive, price varies depending on the type of wood, maintenance required, can be damaged by water and stains over time, scratches must be oiled or sealed

Stainless steel

PROS: takes hot pans , easy to clean, will not rust or stain, modern sleek appearance

CONS: more expensive than many other countertops, may dent, a cutting board will be needed as you cannot cut directly and its noisy

Soapstone

PROS: rich deep color, smooth, somewhat stain resistant, easy to clean, scratches can be sanded or oiled away

CONS: requires regular maintenance, may crack and darken over time, more expensive than most granite

Corian

PROS: comes in different colors, stain resistant, non porous, mildew, mold and bacteria resistant

CONS: scratches easily, will easily get damaged by hot pots, expensive but less than granite

Granite

PROS: holds up well to heat, lasts a life time, easy to clean

CONS: can crack if stressed or improperly installed, expensive, some stones can stain if not sealed

Engineered stone

PROS: non porous surface, resists scratches, easy to clean and maintain

CONS: expensive but cheaper than medium grade granite, not heat proof

Ceramic tiles

PROS: durable and easy to clean, takes hot pans well, inexpensive

CONS: can chip or crack, grout lines become stained over time

Laminates

PROS: inexpensive, easy to clean, large selection of colors and styles

CONS: scratches and chips easily, not heat proof

Are you happy with your current kitchen countertops? Share with us your pros and cons.