CARPENTER & THE ARTIST: countertops 101

kitchen. countertops. overwhelmed.

that's maybe you.. it's for sure me. Today I decided it was time to dip my toe into the countertop materials world. I didn't drown. I did manage to float around on my little inner tube peeking at all sorts of materials. I only needed sun glasses for a few... ;)

I'm obviously no expert.. I'm a consumer even though I'm married to a carpenter type. I looked at a ton of articles on what's trending. The info below is a consensus of what I found.
I will run this by the carpenter before posting... there is a ton of info out there.. but it's not all accurate.

~ The Artist

Granite. The reigning king until recently. The sheer variety of granite in terms of colors, patterns, or grains is almost endless. It is becoming more affordable. (yes the Carpenter agrees!) Granite is durable resistant to chemicals, water resistant, and is low maintenance. "Whether you want to give a natural look to your granite countertop or prefer the polished and elegant appeal, granite is still a great option. When used in its unfinished form, the countertop can add an earthy appeal. On the other hand, its polished version can lend your kitchen the class and grace that a contemporary look requires." http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/granite-countertops-pros-and-cons-5842.html Honed granite is becoming popular- basically the shine is toned down. Disadvantages- routine sealing, can crack if hit with heavy object, and needs good structure to support it's weight.

Quartz composite. Gaining on granite in popularity. "Boasting the best qualities of laminate and stone. Great color selection, quieter patterns then granite, durable, non-porous and low maintenance. Almost bullet proof. Polished or honed. "Although some quartz countertops are actually made of quarried slabs of the natural stone, the new engineered material is actually created through a manufacturing process that mixes approximately 95 percent ground natural quartz with 5 percent polymer resins. The result is a super-hard, low-maintenance, natural stone-look countertop available in a dazzling array of colors. And for many of the homeowners choosing quartz, those virtually unlimited color options are what sold them." http://www.hgtv.com/kitchens/quartz-the-new-countertop-contender/index.html

Concrete. "It's versatile- precast in molds fit to the customers' specifications, comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, durable- like stone counters and resistant to heat and scratches. It's green. Disadvantages: must be properly finished and sealed in order to resist stains and water damage, and regular waxing (every one-to-three months) is recommended to protect the sealer. You can not cut on concrete.. will dull your knife! Concrete countertops tend to be comparable in price to a natural stone counter, and are more expensive than a laminate such as Corian." http://www.homedoctor.net/kitchen-bath/kitchen-countertops/concrete-countertops

Stainless Steel. "Industrialization of our domestic kitchens has brought stainless into the home. They coordinate perfectly with stainless appliances, they suit the popular minimalist decor of today's homes. Advantages- nonporous material; if clean, germs can not grab hold and stay. Because of this, stainless is odor-free. Stainless counter tops will not chip and the edges will not peel away from a base. These counter tops are usually constructed of one piece of metal. Stainless reflects light, making it a desirable surface for dark kitchens and when clean it sparkles. Disadvantages- can scratch and dent, conduct heat and mostly is expensive. http://www.ehow.com/info_8774781_advantages-disadvantages-stainless-steel-countertops.html Suggestion- choose a patina to counteract any scratches, rather than in a polished or satin finish. Stainless is great if you want a thinner counter than 1 ¼” thick. A beautiful companion if used with wood floors in a more modern style kitchen.

Soapstone. "Completely non-porous and impenetrable making it naturally stain and bacteria resistant. Unlike many other surfaces, soapstone does not require special coating or sealing to maintain its durability.The soft properties of soapstone make it less likely to chip and break. Scratches are easily repaired using sandpaper and mineral oil. Many scratches gradually wear away with everyday use. Lifetime maintenance of soapstone is inexpensive, requiring only sandpaper and mineral oil. Disadvantages- Soapstone is only available in blue, green and gray tones. All colors eventually darken to a charcoal gray color and gradually change in appearance over time." http://www.sophisticatededge.com/soapstone-countertops-pros-and-cons.html

photo source: Applewood Builders

Wood. Maple, oak, cherry, birch and teak are the most common types of wood used for wood countertops. It obviously has a warm natural appearance. Looks more beautiful with age and use. Stains and finishes can create a wider range of design choices. (For example, a checkerboard pattern can be chosen for a butcher block countertop). Cons- requires periodic maintenance with mineral oil or other wood treatment. Can be damaged by standing water if not properly maintained. http://carpenters.networx.com/info/wood-countertops/

Marble. Is the Queen of elegant and can last a lifetime. It's durable, cuts well for installation. Disadvantages- marble is easily scratched, especially when it is struck by an acidic liquid like fruit or wine. Stick with black, grey, or even the brown marble to hide stains. Annual sealing is suggested to resist stains. It's a bit pricey. But not all marble countertops need to be quarried slab marble; there are cultured marble countertops that are more within the affordable range.