Countertop Materials

Laminates, inexpensive and durable, are made in hundreds of colors and patterns. They can be scorched by hot utensils and they show scratches; they're not suitable as cutting surfaces.

Laminate countertops are made from a thin surface of high-pressure laminate that is applied to a base of particleboard or plywood.

Ceramic tile (shown above right) is available in practically any color and is extremely durable, easy to clean and scorch-proof. Tiles are applied with mastic or-better-with mortar to a plywood or tile backerboard base.

Solid surfacing, a relatively newer countertop material, is quite durable and offers seamless, easy-care surfaces that often imitate the look of natural stone such as marble, granite or slate. Though these materials can be machined with standard woodworking tools, installation requires a professional.

Woods such as maple, oak and other hardwoods applied in butcherblock fashion, make handsome and durable countertops in some situations. Wood requires a finish to maintain its original patina. It can warp, scorch and allow bacterial growth.

Natural stone such as granite and marble are considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. Stone, however, is very expensive and requires some care: grease will stain granite and acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of marble.

--Don Vandervort
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