Deciding On The Type Of Material To Use For Your Countertops And Backsplashes Can Seem Overwhelming

Here Is A Simple Breakdown To Help You Decide.

Believe it or not, but before we ever even opened ONE WEEK KITCHENS®™, I sat down with my designer Pat Costantino and spent hundreds of hours researching all the different types of products and materials on the market today. You see, I realized that the sheer scope of products on the market was overwhelming and that not all products were created equal. I wanted to make it easy.

In short, we looked at everything – the good and the bad. Then we made a short list of those products that we would want installed in our own homes. Here is that list.

Granite

By far, granite is the most popular countertop material when budgets are not an issue. It is the epitome of elegance – and thankfully, due to its gaining widespread use, the prices are coming down.

• PROS: heavy heat resistance, comes in an overwhelming amount of styles and colors – at last count over 3,000. It gives a kitchen the appereance of permanence and heft. With proper maintenance and care it can last a lifetime. Has a large appeal to homebuyers and adds value to the home.
• CONS: one of the most expensive countertop choices, requires maintenance, can chip and crack, and if not sealed properly it can stain. Note: granite will crack if not installed properly.

Corian

Corian is the namebrand given to Dupont’s invention of a solid surface “engineered” material. Once the patent expired other competitors rushed into the market place – but nothing compares to the original. As it’s name implies it is solid. In other words, it is non-porus and if you cut it in a cross-section you will note that the top is the same as the middle which is the same as the bottom. If you did the same to granite you would see a myriad of particles making up the slab – easy avenues for cracking, staining and breaking.

• PROS: Seamless, stain resistant, true “solid-surface,” comes in a multitude of colors and styles. Can be easily repaired. Scratches can be “buffed-out” relatively easily. Completley non-porus. More affordable than granite. Corian offers introductory prices on select colors which makes them even more affordable.
• CONS: moderately expensive, vulnerable to heat which can potentially damage the surface, will scratch, should not be used to cut on.

Quartz

Relatively new to the market place, Quartz countertops have yet to gain the popularity of granite – but they’re gaining ground quickly and for good reason. Quartz rates higher on the hardness scale (Mohs Hardness Scale) than granite and it resists cracking and chipping better.

• PROS: comes in a variety of colors and patterns, which are more consistant than granite, is non-porus so is effective at repelling stains and bacteria. Easy to clean. Little to no maintenance.
• CONS: Prices can vary wildly – as can quality. Make sure to buy from a reputable dealer. Can still chip and crack. Difficult to install, not something a DIY (do-it-yourselfer) can accomplish as specialty tools are needed – as are years of experience.

Laminate

Laminate is by far the most affordable of countertops and today’s modern technology has made them beautiful and durable. Gone are the days of cheap looking and easily damaged laminate counter tops. Older, cheaper made laminates are usually made of polysester or fiberglass-based solid surfaces. Today’s best laminates are 100% acryclic.

• PROS: modern colors and styles mimic natural stone look, exceptionally affordable, easy to install, easy to clean and non-porus surface. Come in a multitude of styles and colors.
• CONS: seams show easily, difficult if not impossible to repair, finishing touches and edge choices can be expensive, easily damaged by high heat items.

Custom Tile

We do not recommend tile for countertops. We do however think they make for beautiful backsplashes and we can custom build your backsplash using the tile of your choice.