Choosing a countertop material
- Quartz (engineered stone) is made from crushed quartz and resin. It's nonporous, doesn't need sealing, resists stains and comes in many colors. It can be damaged by very hot pans set directly on it and by prolonged strong sunlight on some products, so check the manufacturer's guidance.
- Granite and other natural stone are durable and heat resistant, and each slab is unique. Most need periodic sealing to resist stains.
- Marble is beautiful but softer and more prone to etching from acids such as lemon juice and vinegar. Many people accept its patina; others prefer a marble-look quartz.
- Solid surface is a seamless, repairable acrylic material that can include integrated sinks. It's less heat resistant than stone.
- Laminate is the most affordable, with many designs. Seams and edges are vulnerable to water if not sealed, and it can't take hot pans.
- Butcher block is warm and repairable, and needs regular oiling and care around sinks.
- Porcelain slabs and tile are heat and stain resistant. Tile countertops have grout lines that need maintenance.
- Concrete can be custom-shaped and colored, and needs sealing.
Templating and fabrication
For stone, quartz and solid surface, a fabricator templates the countertops after the base cabinets are installed, then cuts the slabs to fit. Before templating, the sink, faucet and cooktop should be chosen, because the fabricator needs their exact dimensions and cutouts. Ask whether you can view and approve your slab, and where seams will fall.
Seams
Large kitchens and L-shaped or U-shaped layouts usually need seams. A good fabricator places seams where they're least visible and strongest, and fills and color-matches them. Ask to see the seam plan.
Sinks and faucets
Undermount sinks look clean and are easy to wipe into, but need a solid-surface or stone countertop. Drop-in sinks work with any countertop. Farmhouse sinks need cabinets designed for them. Choose the faucet before templating so the holes are drilled correctly, including holes for a soap dispenser, filtered water tap or air gap if needed.
Backsplashes
A backsplash protects the wall behind the counter. It can be a short piece of the countertop material, a full-height slab, or tile. Behind the range, choose materials that handle heat and are easy to clean.
Installation
Countertops are heavy. Cabinets must be level and strong enough to support them; some islands with large overhangs need steel supports. Ask how the installer will support overhangs for seating and how they'll protect floors and cabinets during installation.
Care
Follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Use cutting boards and trivets. Seal natural stone as recommended. Wipe up acidic spills quickly on marble and some stones.
Questions to ask
- Can I view and approve my slab?
- Where will the seams be?
- When do you need the sink, faucet and cooktop for templating?
- How will overhangs be supported?
- Is removal and disposal of the old countertop included?
- What warranty covers fabrication and installation?
Edge profiles and thickness
Edge profiles range from simple eased and beveled edges to bullnose and ogee shapes. Simpler edges chip less and are easier to clean. Countertop thickness affects appearance and, for stone and quartz, whether a built-up edge is needed. Ask to see edge samples before choosing.
Seams and overhangs
Ask to see where seams will fall before fabrication, and how seating overhangs will be supported, since unsupported stone and quartz overhangs can crack.