When choosing countertops currently in vogue, five different surfaces make the list.
Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen entails a string of decisions that factor in your lifestyle, the style of your home and your budget. If the countertop is too taste-specific, you risk turning off future buyers, but if you plan on staying put for years, selecting a material and color that makes your heart sing makes more sense. Real estate agents caution against overspending for your neighborhood, but if money is not a top concern, choose a surface based upon your cooking needs and aesthetic sense. Does this Spark an idea?
Going Green: Eco-Friendly Options
Finding an environmentally-friendly countertop option in a big box store once proved difficult, but ECO by Cosentino is now widely available. ECO rivals natural stone in durability and consists of 75 percent recycled content. The low-maintenance glass, mirror and stone mixture resists stains, scratches and scorching. At $70 per square foot, as of April 2011, the price is comparable to granite and 10 designer-inspired colors reflect current trends. Though less common, concrete and bamboo are other environmentally-friendly surfaces that appeal directly to buyers searching for green homes.
The Economical Option: Laminate
With the surge in demand for more durable surfaces, laminate has waned in popularity since 1999, yet it continues to appeal to homeowners on a budget. Because of its low cost -- below $20 a square foot -- consumers can afford to change their countertop on a whim. The style choices are nearly endless, and some options mimic natural stone, marble or wood. If a tight budget trumps your concern for resilience, laminate wins.
Tried-and-True Granite
When properly sealed, granite resists heat, scratches and stains.
Once a very exclusive material, granite is a substantial upgrade from laminate. This rock-like surface gained status with homeowners because of its high-end look but has fallen in price with increased competition. With installation, granite costs from $60 to $200 per square foot, depending upon your color and edge choice. Some manufacturers pretreat and seal the surface for lower maintenance, though most granite counters require periodic sealing.
The New(er) Kid on the Block: Quartz
Requiring less maintenance than most granite surfaces, quartz comes in dozens of color options. This durable surface costs about the same as granite and resists scorching, stains and scratches. Silestone is one brand of quartz that is widely available across the country. Choosing between quartz and granite is simply a matter of taste.
Designers' Love: Solid Surface
Because of its color consistency and seamless appearance, a solid surface countertop wins kudos with designers. Though stain resistant and moderately heat resistant, man-made solid surface countertops can be scratched. A light sanding removes marks. At $37 to $60 per square foot, solid surface tops are moderately priced.
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