This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in August
2009 Consumer Reports magazine.
Quartz
Best for busy kitchens and baths. It's stain- and heat-resistant and low-
maintenance. It doesn't need sealing and is available in vibrant colors and
in styles that mimic natural stone.
But edges and corners can chip. Rounded edges help. Stone finishes can
appear more uniform than natural.
Price $50 to $100 per sq. ft.
Granite
Best for a natural stone look. It can withstand heavy use in a kitchen or
bath. It resists stains when it's properly sealed and it also resists heat
and scratches. But it needs resealing to protect it from stains. Color and
grain can differ from samples, so it's best to choose at the
stone yard.
Price $45 to $200 per sq. ft.
Tile
Best for use near stoves because it's heat-resistant. It comes in many
colors, patterns, and prices.
But it chips. Grout between tiles stains and is prone to mildew, even when
sealed. Poor installation can increase those problems. Thinner grout lines
and darker grout might help.
Price $10 to $30 per sq. ft.
Laminate
Best for a wide variety of colors and patterns at a budget-friendly price.
It's excellent at resisting stains and heat damage and is simple to install.
But it's easily scratched by kitchen knives and isn't repairable. Most have
visible seams, though post-formed (seamless) options are available.
Price $10 to $30 per sq. ft.
Solid surfacing
Best for seamless installations, especially in baths. Many colors and styles
are available, including those that mimic concrete, stone, and quartz. It's
stain-resistant, and small nicks and scratches can be repaired. But it's
easily scratched. Stone finishes can look more uniform than natural.
Price $35 to $100 per sq. ft.
Stainless steel
Best for a modern kitchen. It repels stains and heat and doesn't rust or
discolor. The countertop can be made with anintegral sink for a seamless
look. But it can look cold in a bath. It shows fingerprints and dents and
scratches easily. Matte or grain finishes hide damage better.
Price $100 to $150 per sq. ft.
Concrete
Best for customizing. It can be dyed or textured. But it can develop cracks.
Its durability depends on the fabricator's skill and the sealers used.
Topical sealers, which resist stains but not heat, are best for bathrooms.
Penetrating sealers resist heat but stain and must be reapplied.
Price $80 to $120 per sq. ft.
Limestone
Best for a natural stone look without heavy veining or graining in a guest
bath, powder room, or low-traffic kitchen. It withstands heat very well. But
it's a very soft stone that is easily sliced, nicked, and scratched. It's
also porous, so it stains easily even when properly sealed.
Price $60 to $100 per sq. ft.
Butcher block
Best for a country kitchen and for cutting produce. It's easy to install and
repair.
But it might need periodic sealing or refinishing to remove cuts, dings, and
scratches. Its finish affects performance. Varnish improves stain
resistance and penetrating oils decrease it.
Price $30 to $65 per sq. ft.
Marble
Best for a classic stone look in low-traffic areas, like a baking zone or
guest bath. It's available in a wide range of natural colors. But it's more
porous than granite, so it's not as stain-resistant. It also scratches
easily, isn't very heat-resistant, and needs periodic sealing.
Price $50 to $140 per sq. ft.
