There are many reasons someone might not want a stone countertop, such as overall aesthetic, or the higher maintenance and price tag. Luckily there are many other countertop material options that are not based on stone. There is a countertop out there for everyone, and which one is best for you has more to do with your personality and lifestyle than most people believe.
The Non-Stone Kitchen Countertop Materials:
Wood
Wood countertops are a warm alternative to stone countertop materials. They are made from pieces of hardwood laminated together, producing a strong and organic kitchen surface. They also produce less noise than stone or quartz tops, so you won’t have as big of a racket if you have a busy household.
This countertop material was traditionally made from butcherblock and used as a chopping surface. However, wood countertops have moved on from a practical necessity to a luxury that’s natural to the touch and easy on the eyes. Wood countertops come in a variety of wood types ranging from budget-friendly to exotic and expensive hardwoods.
It can also be revived and refinished if damaged, making it a very forgiving material. However it requires much more maintenance than stone countertops. Unfinished wood tops require monthly oiling to prevent the absorption of liquids… otherwise the wood’s pores will soak liquids up like a sponge. Thus any spills will require quick action to prevent chance of stains. Wood also warps under various conditions, so a wood countertop may move slightly. Thicker wood countertops will be more stable, but are not necessarily impervious to this factor.
This countertop material is strong and soft, so installation is much more straightforward and can be done yourself. Dishes will also be less likely to break if dropped on a wooden countertop. In the past, these countertops were made from rounds of sycamore and were prone to splitting. Then in the early 1900s it was discovered that gluing pieces of maple in a block provided a much more durable and longer lasting surface for kitchen work. Nowadays wood countertops come in three main styles: edge grain, end grain, and face grain.
“Edge Grain” is best for larger surfaces and makes a great choice for larger areas. It is constructed from boards of wood turned on their sides and glued together, exposing the narrow edges of the boards on the surface of the block. Edge grain is best for long kitchen counters or island tops. It’s more stable than other styles of wood countertops and is less prone to warping. It is also more budget-friendly due to its straightforward manufacturing process.
“End Grain” is made up from block of wood turned on their ends to form a grid like pattern on the surface of the countertop. It requires more wood and labor to manufacture, making it 40 percent more expensive on average than edge grain. It is best used as a cutting surface and is easy on knives. It is the least likely to show cutting marks from knife work. However, it’s presently more valued for its checkerboard aesthetic as compared to its functionality.
“Face Grain”, or “Plank Grain” is made from boards laid flat and glued together at the narrow edges. It highlights the grain of the wood but also exposes the softer areas of the wood, making it the most likely to reveal scratches and dents. This style is best left for less busy areas. It’s not as durable as the other two options and is more suited as a piece of eye candy.
Each type of wood countertop can also be given different edge treatments that can fit any look you’re going for. A few examples include roundover, chamfer, large roundover with fillet, and ogee.
They can also be finished in several different ways. Oil offers a matte look and is a food-safe surface for prepping food. An oil-wax blend is made from mineral oil and beeswax or paraffin wax. It adds extra protection and helps bind the oil to the wood. It has a delightful satiny finish. Finally, “clear coat” is the most permanent option. An acrylic, urethane, or resin-based curing oil provides superior water, stain, and wear protection while also creating a fantastic food-safe surface. However, it takes much more effort to refinish; the top would need to be stripped of its old coating and then refinished. Some companies offer propriety finishes that may never need recoating.
Quick Recap: Wood countertops offer a great variety of looks to help you pick the perfect fit for your kitchen. They are easy on kitchen cutlery and offer a warmer, softer look and feel to any kitchen. However, they are prone to warping due to the nature of wood and are somewhat prone to staining. So extra care must be taken to keep a wooden countertop in good shape. Depending on the type of finish you choose, re-oiling of a wooden countertop can be crucial to its longevity in the kitchen. Maintenance is more important on these countertops than most other choices.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops have been around for over 50 years, and have become one of the most common choices for homeowners. Countertop manufactures first began developing solid surface countertops in order to create a homogenous, non-porous material that is resistant to cracking and soaking up liquids. They wanted something that could pass off visually as a natural material, but be unlike stone which is made of many different minerals and contains little pores throughout the stone.
This countertop material has become THE go-to midrange countertop material for many reasons. Solid surface is much more durable and visually pleasing than laminate, so homeowners that want something more natural looking without spending a lot of money tend to gravitate to this option. This material isn’t quite as convincing as quartz when imitating stone, but it is passable and still very visually appealing.
Because solid surface countertops are homogenous, they can be easily repaired by simply sanding down the surface with an orbital sander followed by fine grain sandpaper. Repairs can be done by homeowners with ease, so if the surface becomes scratched, the scratches can be removed by sanding it down.
Unlike stone countertops such as granite and marble, solid surface ones are nearly non-porous. They won’t absorb spills, and can’t be etched by acids. This makes them very sanitary countertops that keep bacteria from settling in. They are also less likely to crack and break thanks to the more flexible materials they are manufactured from.
For example, solid surface countertops are typically either made of acrylic or polyester. Both are composed of 33% binding resins and 67% minerals… but you can generally think of them as made of plastic. Acrylic-based solid surface countertops are higher quality and are more durable than their polyester-based brethren, but polyester can carry more vibrant colors. Both types come in hundreds of different colors and designs. You can choose from solid colored options to more elaborate and natural looking stone mimics.
They are a fairly scratch-resistant countertop material, but not nearly as much as granite or quartz. Solid surface can be scratched by knife blades if used as a cutting surface. It can still be a great surface to prepare food on if you use a cutting board to protect it.
Since these countertops are made primarily from plastic, they are not very resistant to heat. A solid surface countertop will warp, melt, and discolor under very high temperatures, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on using this material near a range or cooktop. Hot pads should always be used to protect a solid surface countertop from warping under a hot pan. This heat sensitivity has an upside however…
Solid surface is great for covering large areas of counter because pieces of solid surface can be easily heated and melted together to create one large slab on site without seams. Solid surface can also be molded into unique shapes, making it perfect for less traditional countertop shapes if you also don’t want to spend a lot of money.
These countertops can range from $35 to $85 per square foot, making it a very affordable material that is also durable and aesthetically pleasing. It requires virtually no maintenance to keep in good condition and only requires work if you want to buff out some scratches.
Quick Recap: Solid surface countertops are an extremely popular midrange material for countertops. They come in a variety of colors, but most designs are manufactured to look like stone. Solid surface is made from resins and minerals and is more resin-based than other materials, making it very prone to warping from heat. It’s also much more prone to scratching than other choices, but the scratches can be easily removed by sanding. This countertop material is a wonderful choice that is medium in cost and quality, but great in the looks department while being very easy to maintain!
Laminate
Laminate is a material made from thin sheets of fused paper and topped with melamine resin. It contains 4 layers: each of which has a specific function. The first layer is the melamine and it is the transparent surface that protects everything else below it. The next layer (known as the wear layer) is below it and is composed of paper. The third layer is the decorative layer with the printed design of the laminate. This can be any color or design, so the possibilities are endless! Finally, the very bottom is constructed of kraft paper and is hardened with resins.
Laminate is a thin sheet that can lay on top of particle board or wood, making it an extremely affordable countertop choice that still resists stains, scratches, and water. It is much less likely to crack compared to quartz and granite, and is very low maintenance.
Thanks to improvements in printing technology, laminate can come in virtually any color and pattern. So if you want something a little more creative than what stone has to offer in terms of looks… laminate can be a great choice! However, it is not very heat resistant and can be permanently damaged by hot surfaces set upon it, so using a hot pad is necessary.
Delamination can also occur when an edge or top can pop loose from the base. It’s an easy fix, but as laminate simply does not have the same durability as quartz, granite, and stone.
The biggest advantage laminate has over other countertop materials is its price. Laminate is amazingly inexpensive while still being resilient. It’s also a doable DIY project if you’re planning on installing laminate counters yourself. However, a professional is recommended to perform installation around a sink or to wrap the edges of the laminate over your counter.
Quick Recap: Laminate is an amazingly cheap and effective choice. It can resist stains, scratches, and bacteria while being easy to install. However, it cannot handle high heat and will become damaged if you set hot pans on it. It also is not as durable as granite or stone, and the edges can peel off with time. Laminate maintenance is simple, but the lifespan of laminate isn’t as long as a solid countertop choice like quartz. Laminate comes in limitless colors and designs, both natural and manmade.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is virtually indestructible in the kitchen and non porous. It doesn’t absorb liquid, and it is heat resistant, making it an excellent choice for a countertop. Bacteria has no way of settling into a stainless steel surface if cleaned regularly, so it’s a great choice in an area that touches a lot of food.
Stainless steel can be the perfect choice if you have young children or have a home that might see more spills than the average family. If anything is spilled on a stainless steel countertop, it can be wiped away with no problem or worry of leaving a stain.
Steel offers a sleek and modern look for your kitchen with amazing benefits. Its reflective surface can make your kitchen look larger than it is by bouncing off light and creating a brighter look in the room. Proper lighting is key to get the most out of the look of a steel countertop and a design specialist is recommended if you want the perfect look.
Hot pans and pots can be set on a stainless steel counter without damaging it. However please keep in mind that the heat will transfer to the countertop! So take care to remember anywhere there was a hot pan recently so that you can avoid touching a hot countertop. It also keeps nicely cool in the summer months if you want a nice cool surface to work on. However, if you’re going for something more warm and cozy looking, stainless steel may not be the best choice.
Despite being practically immune to damage and staining, stainless steel can be scratched. Scratching isn’t necessarily a bad thing on one of these countertops, however. A stainless countertop will patina over time and develop its own unique character. After a few scratches, the blemishes will begin to blend in with each other and develop a nice natural look.
It is important to note that stainless steel can also be dented. Some denting can be avoided if the countertop is installed by a professional… but a proper installation can’t prevent all denting from occurring. If you drop something heavy on it or bump into it with a lot of force, it could still dent. Thicker countertops will be less likely to ding, but thinner ones will are not usually so fortunate.
Stainless steel is a virtually maintenance free material option, but if you want to keep your countertop looking flawless… then frequent cleanings are a must. The shiny surface of a stainless steel countertop will gather fingerprints and smudges easily, and crumbs will be more visible. They won’t damage the surface, but if you’re particular with maintaining cleanliness to a fault, be prepared to wipe down a steel countertop more often that you would any other kind of countertop.
Quick Recap: A stainless steel countertop is pretty much indestructible. It can still scratch and dent, but it will not stain or crack. It can withstand heat and any liquids, so it makes a perfect surface for preparing food. Some people find that the look of stainless steel isn’t very welcoming or warm, but it can fit into any modern kitchen and can even look great in a more traditionally design room. It’s very low maintenance but will require frequent wipe downs if you can’t stand the look of fingerprints, smudges, and crumbs. These will stand out much more on a stainless steel surface. Installation is best left to a professional to reduce the risk of dents.
Glass
Glass is another versatile countertop option. It comes in a variety of colors and can be cut into interesting shapes and virtually any size. Glass can be textured in interesting ways that can’t be done with any other material. Some unique looks can even be achieved by pairing glass with another material. Glass countertops can either be cut from one pane of glass, or crushed and mixed with concrete or acrylic to create an eye-catching mixture.
Crushed glass countertops come in countless designs and can look amazing in a contemporary kitchen. The tops are flashy and eclectic with the glass pieces reflecting the light like little crystals. Crushed glass set in acrylic has the appearance of the glass floating in liquid, while glass set in concrete has a more mosaic, artistic look. Both offer a good amount of durability, but acrylic will be less resistant to heat.
Back-painted glass countertops are a solid color and have a clean look about them. They also come in many colors and go well with a sleek minimalistic look. If you want something a little more flavorful, you can even have a painted design embedded into the glass for the ultimate creative look. Combine the ability to embed paint with any texture you would want and you have the ultimate customizable kitchen countertop.
Glass looks especially gorgeous with LED accent lighting. You can have color changing LEDs embedded in your glass countertop as well, giving you complete control over the color of your lighting. Setting the perfect mood is easy with these extra features available to you with a glass countertop.
Glass is also very spill-resistant, and also heat resistant if tempered. Like stainless steel, it is non-porous and will not warp with heat. These two features make it an excellent option if you do a lot of food prep. It can not stain so spills are nothing to worry about with a glass countertop.
Many glass countertops are now made with recycled materials, so if you’re looking for something that will make you and the environment happy, it can be a wonderful material! It’s also much cheaper than stone and wood options, making it a budget friendly option while still being a beautiful, resilient countertop material.
However, glass is still prone to damage and is not quite as indestructible as stainless steel. It can crack, chip, or dent from sharp or heavy objects. Repairs can be costly and difficult, so if you’re afraid that you might damage your countertop with everyday use, glass may not be the best option for you.
The benefits of glass come at a price. Glass countertops can be especially expensive and start at about $75 per square foot if you want a tempered option, which is definitely the way to go. It’s also difficult to install, so it’s best left to a licensed contractor.
Quick Recap: Glass countertops are incredibly customizable and durable. They can be colored, textured, and lit in an infinite number of ways for the perfect artistic look. Glass is also durable and can be very heat resistant if tempered. Present day glass countertops can also be made from recycled materials, so if you’re looking for an eco friendly kitchen countertop, glass is an excellent choice. It can be scratched and chipped, but does not require any sealing or maintenance to prevent stains or liquid absorption. It can be relatively expensive compared to other material options, especially for more intricate designs.
So Many Options! But Which One Do I Pick???
The examples described above aren’t even all the options available to you to pick from. How do you decide when there are so many choices? A good process to follow is to first determine your budget. If you’re working with a tight budget, keep in mind that countertop material s made from stone are much pricier than other options. Once you have a number in mind, determine how many square feet of countertop you will need. Write that number down and then begin thinking about what kind of look you want for your countertop.
Start looking online for various countertop materials and checking their pricing per square foot. Always keep your budget in mind. To check how closely the materials you’re looking at match to your budget, multiply the per square foot price by the square footage of your countertop, then add on predicted installation costs and other material costs needed to install the countertop. Lastly figure out what the tax would be for the goods and services, and you’ll have an idea of what the whole countertop will cost. Think of what kinds of features you want in your countertop and look up pricing for the ones that fit your needs while also fitting your budget.
If you need your money to go further, try to stick with prefabricated countertops that are already cut to size and shape. Sending a countertop to a fabricator to be custom built will cost much more than buying a premade countertop that’s ready for installation.
If you value the overall quality and aesthetic more than the cost, think of the different things you would need your countertop to do. Do you bake a lot at home? Having a heat resistant countertop material to set hot trays straight out of the oven would be a useful thing to have. Do you have messy eaters or young children? A material that is spill proof would save you a lot of worry and headache. Imagine what you’ll have going on around and on the countertop and think about what you need your countertop to do. Then pick a countertop material that coincides with those needs, and also achieves the look you desire for your new kitchen.
In case you missed it –> Click here to see the first section of this article – Part 1: The Stones
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