Replacing a scratched, burnt, stained, or just plain unappealing countertops can transform any kitchen area. Gladly, there are lots of choices in a large range of rates. A brand-new laminate countertop can cost just $5 per square foot. Or you might easily spend 10 times that on quartz, granite, or recycled glass.
Customer Reports tested more than a dozen popular kinds of countertops to see how well they resisted discolorations, heat damage, cuts, abrasion, and effect and found 7 that made the cut. Here is the information.
In our countertop tests, efficiency differed from one product to the next however there was little difference among contending brands of each type, so be sure to shop around for the very best deal on your countertop material of choice. The rates below are per square foot. For the pros and cons of each type, see the numbered entries listed below.
Countertop Intelligence
1.Quartz
Pros: It mimics the look of stone yet needs less upkeep. Hot pots, serrated knives, abrasive pads, and most spots were no match for quartz, which is a mix of mineral, color, and resin. It comes in dynamic colors in addition to patterns that appear like granite and marble.
Cons: Edges and corners can chip, and you’ll need a professional to fix them. Rounded edges help.
2.Granite
Pros: Each slab of this natural material is unique; rare colors and veining expense more. Heat, cuts, and scratches didn’t harm granite in our tests. Refined and matte finishes resisted most spots when correctly sealed, so select the appearance you prefer.
Cons: Routine resealing is required to fend off spots. Like quartz, edges and corners can chip and needs to be expertly repaired.
3.Soapstone, Limestone, and Marble
Pros: Soapstone isn’t as typical as granite, and it’s outstanding at withstanding heat damage. Little scratches can be repaired by sanding finely and using mineral oil. Limestone (imagined) and marble are classic products. Limestone also has a natural-stone appearance without heavy veining or graining, and it withstands heat.
Cons: Soapstone nicks, cuts, and scratches easily, and some discolorations are too difficult to be removed. Limestone and marble likewise have those downsides, and heat damaged our marble.
4.Laminate
Pros: Low-cost, simple to install, and so much better-looking than you most likely keep in mind, thanks to brand-new printing technology and ornamental edges. Spots and heat didn’t harm the laminates we checked.
Cons: Cutting straight on it easily and permanently harms laminate, so use a cutting board.
5.Solid Surfacing
Pros: Offered in a variety of colors and patterns, it can be used for the counters, sink, and backsplash, developing a smooth appearance since joints are practically unnoticeable. And like quartz, its color will not differ much from the shop sample. Solid surfacing is resistant to a lot of stains, and little nicks and scratches can be fixed.
Cons: It scratches and cuts easily, so a cutting board is a must.
6.Recycled Glass
Pros: Big shards offer it an enjoyable, contemporary look; finely ground glass makes it less busy. A lot of glass counters we tested resisted discolorations, cuts, scratches, and heat.
Cons: It’s the only product for which we found a distinction amongst brands. Cosentino’s Eco counters were the only ones that established a thin fracture during our heat tests.
7.Butcher Block
Pros: It includes heat and is easy to set up and repair, but the finish makes a distinction. Varnish improved stain resistance; however permeating oils diminished it.
Cons: Nicks and scratches can easily happen, though they can be sanded out.