The Best Kitchen Countertops All
Have Advantages and Disadvantages

Natural Stone Countertops

You can choose among many natural stone surfaces such as granite, slate, marble, soapstone, or limestone to name some of the most sought after choices.

Granite is the most popular of the natural stones and has beauty that provides an unmistakable elegance to your kitchen, as do other natural surfaces.

Natural stone is mined from mountains all around the world and provides one of the most unique surfaces seeing how no two countertops are alike. Because of this versatility you can hand select stone countertops that will coordinate with your kitchen interior design.

Advantages:

• Granite, one of the most popular of the natural stones is a dense material; only diamonds, topaz, ruby, and sapphire are harder (other stone surfaces are not as dense).
• One-of-a-kind appearance available in an array of colors and grain patterns (Soapstone, however, is available in only limited number of colors)
• Will stand up to high heat allowing you to place hot pots and pans right on the surface
• Gives a high-end substantial and sophisticated look adding value to your home
• Will last for decades with proper maintenance
• Can often be repaired if chipped or cracked
• Provide a cool surface great for baking preparation

• One of your most expensive options being viewed as one of the best kitchen countertops
• Certain stone such as soapstone, limestone, and marble can scratch easier then granite
• Some natural stone surfaces such as marble and limestone can etch if acidic liquids are left to stand on them
• Can be porous and susceptible to staining and requires regular sealing or oiling
• Requires a plywood subsurface to support the weight in most cases increasing your cost
• While granite is very hard, other stones such as soapstone and limestone are softer and require additional care
• Can chip or crack
• Visible seams where slabs are joined together
• Possible radon gas emissions

Quartz Countertops

Quartz forms in clusters and cannot be cut into slabs. It is mined and crushed into particles of different sizes to use for these tops.

Even though the individuality of these countertop is not the same as found in natural stone, they offer a beautiful surface available in more then 60 colors by manufactures like Silestone.

There are other engineered stone products using materials other then quartz, however, quartz countertops make up the majority of those that are available.

Advantages:

• Require little maintenance
• Available in more then 60 colors and finishes by some makers
• They are available in colors that can't be found in natural stone (solid colors for instance)
• Some of the surfaces provide the look of real stone
• Resistant to staining and scratching
• Resists bacteria, mold, and mildew
• Requires no sealing
• Can be cleaned with household cleaners

Disadvantages:

• Expensive in that it can cost as much as most natural stone kitchen counter tops
• Doesn't have the individuality found in real stone

Solid Surface Countertops

This inventive material is an engineered surface that comes in more then 130 colors and patterns.

They have a color uniformity that is solid all of the way through giving them their name. Because they are solid, they are one of the best kitchen countertops to make repairs to if they get damaged.

If you want a durable surface that is easy to clean and gives you a lot of choices, solid surface may be worth looking at.

Advantages:

• Mimics the look of stone and other natural materials depending on the grade
• Available in many colors and patterns
• Nonporous and very stain resistant
• Scratches can be buffed and/or sanded out
• Resists bacteria, mold, and mildew
• Integrated cove backsplash with no joint
• Sinks can be integrated into the top for a seamless appearance
• Virtually invisible seams where tops are joined together for a great look and feel
• Many edge profiles to choose from
• Costs less then natural stone

• Not as heat resistant as natural stone or quartz - can scorch or melt
• Easier to scratch then most natural stone materials
• Priced on the high side compared to some of the other best kitchen countertops

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