Soapstone

Butcher Block and Stainless Steel

As luxury kitchens have become more mainstream, high-quality countertops have become the norm. No longer hidden away from the rest of the house, the kitchen is central to the dining and entertainment needs of most families. Consequently, countertops in all their different variety have become one of the most important aspects of a kitchen design. We recently polled our design department to find out what their favorite countertop materials are and why.

Engineered Stone

Honed Granite

Recycled Glass

Plastic Laminate

Design Director Stewart Davis prefers the new engineered stones like Caesarstone and Silestone because they require minimal maintenance. Made of crushed quartz in a resin substrate, the material is dense and doesn’t require sealing. Aside from that, the “stone” has a high cool factor, available in many rich and bright colors. There are also concrete-like choices, for the look of concrete without the price.

Senior Project Architect Marsha Topham favors honed granite countertops. They are relatively scratch resistant, heat resistant, and stain resistant. While they do require a sealant, the unpolished/textured treatment brings out the rich colors of the stone. Depending on usage, a regular maintenance schedule includes periodic resealing. Granite is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes.

Project Designer Hope Hudson is drawn to Texas limestone. It is local and has an ageless quality. It can be left in a natural state or tinted. Although it does scratch and is absorptive unless sealed, its patina becomes part of its warm character over time. As with granite, many variations of edge profiles are available.

Senior Designer Mark Lind says that lately he has enjoyed working with recycled glass countertops. These eco-friendly countertops are made using recycled glass fillers in a cement or epoxy substrate. An infinite variety of colors, materials, and shapes can be made to order. This new material has a hip and funky vibe that fits well with more modern projects.

Senior Project Architect Gregory Thomas has a number of favorite countertop materials. He is drawn to mesquite for its rich color and warmth, to concrete for its character and mottled look, and to soapstone for its soft feel and charcoal-grey matte finish. Mesquite is a good choice as a countertop surface because its high density has antimicrobial properties. To preserve its beauty, wood countertops are not generally used as a cutting surface; a separate cutting board is used instead.

Project Designer Mark Evans is also drawn to a variety of materials, and mentions laminate as an inexpensive and durable choice for countertops. While most often installed in utility rooms and bathrooms, laminate is a good choice for kitchens because it is durable, easy to install and comes in a huge selection.

With all the countertop materials available to homeowners, it’s important to make informed choices when renovating your home. The chart below compares our design team’s favorite materials and others we didn’t have room to mention!

Although many of the surfaces have a high heat, stain, and scratch resistance, care should be used on all countertops to ensure that the sealant or grout is not damaged. Here’s what the experts recommend: wipe up spills immediately, don’t cut directly on the surface, use trivets for hot pots, and use non-abrasive cleaning products.