Quartz
Quartz countertops require little or no maintenance. They are extremely smooth and durable and offer heat, scratch, and stain resistance. Quartz is impervious and does not need to be sealed. Stone
Stone countertops, like granite, travertine, and marble, are very smooth and durable. Stone countertops have varying degrees of porosity and should be sealed. Uses for natural stone depend on the stone's hardness, as some are more resistant to scratching and stains than others. Since stone varies from quarry to quarry, an Eheart designer will assist you in hand-selecting a slab to ensure the color and variation matches the other finishes in your room. Solid surface
Solid surface countertops including Corian® and Mysteria® are smooth and durable. Marks and scratches can be removed, restoring counters to their original condition. Solid surface countertops are heat and stain resistant and are available in a variety of colors. Solid tops do not need to be sealed. Every few years, you should have a professional remove small surface abrasions to restore the original appearance of the surface. Porcelain and ceramic tile
Porcelain and ceramic tile countertops are durable and heat resistant. The wide spectrum of colors offers design flexibility. Various effects are created through the glazing and firing process to create a variety of looks and textures. Sizes vary from small mosaics to 24-inch tiles. Laminate
The least expensive of countertop choices, laminate is durable and offers a wide variety of colors and styles. Although edges and seams are usually somewhat noticeable, the new finishes make them less obvious. Laminate is very easy to clean. Butcher block
Butcher block countertops introduce the warm, natural appearance of hardwood. They are ideal for chopping and cutting and are relatively simple to install and repair. Butcher block surfaces are not recommended for use over dishwashers and near sinks. Treat periodically with mineral oil. Stainless steel
Stainless steel countertops give a high-tech look to your room. They are impervious to high temperatures and stains. Stainless steel must have a solid, firm underlayment or it will dent. The look captures attention and gives a contemporary and industrial flavor to your design. >> Download a printable countertop buying guide |  | Style
Countertops can be the focal point of your room or help support a focal point in relation to color, texture, form, and material. Consider your flooring and cabinets when choosing a countertop. Do you want your countertops to contrast or match the look of these elements? What overall look do you desire – elegance, contemporary, minimalist? The edges on your countertops can help contribute to the design of your room. | | | Usage
Take into account how you cook and what purpose your countertops serve. If you are a baker, think about using a very smooth surface without grout lines or too much texture. Need a countertop that requires little maintenance, but resists stains and heat? Consider solid surface countertops. Whatever you decide, make sure that the countertops you choose give you the functionality you need. | | | Budget
When selecting your new countertops, your budget will play an important role. The price of countertops depends on the material used. Slabs of natural stone will be much more expensive than laminate. Stone tiles are less expensive than slabs. Decorative trim tiles can help add an extra splash. Balancing your budget is never easy, yet can be done by mixing materials and design features. | | | Mixing
You are not limited to only one material for your countertops. Consider mixing materials to make a statement and increase functionality. Mixing offers a great compromise between tight budgets and desired looks. |
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