Counter Intelligence

You don’t need the skill set of a spy to select a countertop for your cabinet project, you just need some good old fashioned countertop intelligence.  Lately around our showroom, clients have been asking about counter tops, we don’t fabricate or sell tops ourselves, however we do work hand-in-hand with the client or decorator to help select them.  Some days it feels as though there are as many countertop materials on the market, as fish in the seas.  There is granite (the heavy hitter), solid surfacing (think Corian), quartz (man-made stone), marble, tile, laminate (I wish this trend was over), soapstone (more like, soft-stone), stainless steel, concrete (super durable), butcher block or wood, paper composite, lava stone, and glass (recycled and solid LED lit).  I would preface this post by saying, that there are many many more options for countertops out there then what are discussed here.

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This is Super White Granite

Granite countertops may need resealing to combat staining, however they are very resilient and stand up well to heat, knife knicks, and water spotting.

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This is a 2 3/4″ thick white Corian.

Corian and all other solid surface countertops are made primarily from acrylic and polyester.  It is nonporous, seamless, requires no sealing or special cleaning, and comes in a variety of colors, like bright turquoise or vibrant red.  Although it can look a bit artificial and may scratch and burn depending on use, especially near heat sources, such as a cooktop or range.

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This is White Quartz from the semi-precious stone collection Concetto Collection by Ceasarstone.

Man-made quartz countertop companies like; Ceasarstone, Cambria, or Silestone have created a countertop material that is incredibly strong due to the fact it is made from around 93% quartz, one of nature’s hardest minerals.  There are also about a million choices in terms of colors and patterns, however because it is manufactured and not natural stone it can look a bit too consistent in comparison to Granite.

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This top is made of Calcutta Gold Marble.

Nothing beats the elegance and glamour of a marble countertop, they truly capture a feeling of utter opulence and simplicity simultaneously.  Marble tops stand up to heat, stay cool making them a great choice for bakers, but they are an absolute pain to keep looking pristine, regular sealings are required to protect the material from staining.

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The tile countertop featured here is Solistone in cream/beige.

Tile is an inexpensive alternative to stone countertops, its relatively durable and if damaged is pretty easy to replace.  Although sometimes it can be uneven, it can be an attractive countertop when used in the proper style application.

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It may be hard to believe, but this is a laminate top by Formica in Dolce Vita with a Bullnose Ideal Edge.

Laminate countertops come in a variety of finishes, metal, opaques, stone and wood-look.  They are made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board.  This type of top has been popular in kitchens for decades, although only in recent years has become a bit more stylish, its low cost, but it scratches, burns, and stains.  So budget should not always be a consideration if you use your kitchen countertops a lot.

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Here we see a soapstone countertop in Honed Beleza.

Soapstone certainly has a more rustic and humble feel in comparison to Marble or Granite with its natural softness it pairs well with cottage-style homes, as it tends to patina with time.  The biggest drawback of soapstone is that it needs regular polishing with mineral oil to keep it sealed and can crack over time, as well as scuff glassware and delicate china.

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The highly commercial Stainless Steel top.

Typically in high traffic areas of restaurants, prized for its durability, being nearly indestructible, as it resists bacteria and heat.  It does show fingerprints and can dent and regular use of harsh chemical cleaner can cause unwanted etching and discoloration.  It is also on the expensive side, as it needs to be custom fabricated.

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The top shown above is a custom blue color blend countertop.

New, slightly edgier, industrial look.  Concrete can be cast in nearly any shape and tinted to almost any shade you wish.  Unique accents like; rocks, shells, glass fragments, or tiles can be added the top.  These tops are incredibly durable and stand up well to heavy use, although less heat resistant than other surfaces.  Its heavy and needs lot of support and porous, so it will stain if not sealed and cracks can develop over time.  It can also be pricey because of the cost of custom fabrication.

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This is a thick maple end grain butcher block top.

Warm and classic with a classic appeal that always looks fresh in the kitchen.  Butcher block patinas and scratches as it’s used, a major reason it is favored by cooking enthusiasts.  It can swell when introduced to water, can harbor bacteria and needs to frequently disinfected.  It also should be oiled to fill scratches and protect the wood surface.

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The countertop above is called Paperstone in the gunmetal finish.

Paperstone is a sustainable composite material made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, with petroleum free phenolic resins and is naturally pigmented.  Even though it’s made of paper, it is surprisingly durable able to withstand heat and water and is also lighter than concrete or stone surfaces.  It scratches and can be damaged with chemicals in cleaning products. This eco-friendly alternative seems like it would be a less expensive option, but alas it is not, unless you self-install.

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This countertop is made of lava stone by the PyroLave Company in glossy azure finish.

Lava stone from PyroLave is extracted from a crater mined from the French region of Auvergne’s dormant volcanoes.  This material is exceptionally dense and resistant to heat, the stone is cut into slabs, processed, and then glazed and fired at more than 1000°C.  It is a non-porous material that is nearly impervious to acid from cleaners or food, bacteria, will not fade and and very kid-friendly.  The biggest downside to lava stone is the enormous price tag, $200-350 a square foot in addition to high shipping costs.  Unless you live in France, that is.  

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Our final category is featured in the photo above, it is a thick glass countertop.

Glass countertops are strong, available in a variety of textures and colors, and is sleek and contemporary.  They are also non-porous, which means bacteria and smells will not permeate the surface, and are easy to clean and maintain.  Glass counters can get chipped, scratched, or etched by acid, water spots and fingerprints may also be visible.

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This photo shows a recycled glass countertop in Blue Chrome finish from Curava.

Recycled glass countertops are economically friendly and made from 65% recycled glass and a resin base that combine to create a versatile and durable countertop material in vivid colors and patterns.  It is unlikely because of its external strength that recycled countertops with chip or crack, but they can be repaired if necessary.  They are a bit price, but less so than granite, quartz, marble, or soapstone.

If you’ve made it this far, congrats!  You are now the 007 of countertops.