Granite
Granite is a strikingly beautiful natural stone that is available in a wide selection of colors. It is extremely durable and is not easily chipped or damaged by heat. Granite adds tremendous overall value your home, is easy to maintain and like all natural stone has a very distinctive and ultra-high quality look.
Marble
A very popular choice known for its beautiful veining and many color variations that add to its aesthetic appeal. Marble is available in a wide selection of colors, is easy to maintain and clean. It is an affordable way to add to the overall value to your home.
Soapstone
Soapstone is an affordable all natural material. It is a very durable surface that is unaffected by acids and is stain and heat resistant. No special cleaners are required for maintenance. Soapstone is actually the most heat resistant of all the surfaces listed here.
Quartz
Quartz (Cambria®, Zodiac®, and Silestone®) is a beautiful surface that performs very well in a wide range of applications. It is scratch, heat, stain, mold and mildew resistant. The surface is easily maintained and is available in a wide range of colors. While the look of the surface is random, it still has an overall consistency throughout.
Corian
Corian® surfaces come in more than one hundred colors and patterns and can be custom cut and installed for limitless design possibilities. The surface is extremely durable and very easy to maintain.
Concrete
Concrete surfaces with a few precautions can be one of the most durable countertop materials. Concrete itself is not guaranteed stain, heat or scratch resistant, it must be sealed. The good news is there are varieties of new high tech sealers on the market that accomplish this requirement. Cutting on concrete countertops will not hurt the concrete, but can damage the sealer leading to staining and water damage. It is available in a wide range of colors and designs.
Green Surfaces
Green surfaces have a tendency to perform like Quartz, but are made up of recycled materials. Usually consisting of glass, porcelain and stone scraps. Green Surfacing is very easy to maintain, has a consistent and edgier look to it, and is a great way to help protect the environment.
Wood Surfaces
Wood is an excellent choice for countertops because of its resistance to water, heat, stains and scratches. It is exceptionally sanitary and food safe, with inherent properties that prevent bacteria build up. Available in a vast array of colors, grains and finishes. Wood offers long lasting beauty and value, imparting timeless quality to your kitchen.
Laminate
Laminate (Formica® and Wilsonart®) countertops are very budget friendly and a beautiful way to finish your new kitchen project. New designs and materials are available that actually mimic solid finishes in over 250 color and style options. Laminate countertops are durable, moisture and stain resistant. Clean up very easily with mild soap and water, but are less heat-resistant than solid materials.
Cultured Marble
Cultured Marble (Vanity Tops) have a non-porous, seamless surface that is bacteria, mold and stain resistant. This makes them a perfect complement to your bath and powder rooms designs. The surface should be cleaned with a quality nonabrasive household cleaner, avoid products containing bleach or ammonia.
Submitted by: Heather Knecht, Blue Mountain Woodworking, Inc.