Countertops: Prices, Care and Durability
DuPont's Zodiaq quartz countertop surface is up to 93 percent quartz crystal, which results in a unique aesthetic and durability. The quartz sample shown here is available at Carmel Kitchen Specialist in Carmel, Indiana. (Photo by Frank Espich)
Whether you want style or functionality (or both), countertops serve as the centerpiece of most kitchens. Smooth over your questions about countertop options with these facts.
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Cost: $70 to $175 on average, per square foot, installed
Pro: Adds to home resale value; somewhat scratch- and stain-resistant; lasting color and texture.
Con: Susceptible to stains without using a sealant; can't change once installed.
Clean It: Wipe and rinse with warm, soapy water; avoid abrasive cleaners.
Varieties: Hundreds of colors of patterns.
Cost: $75 to $185 on average, per square foot, installed
Pro: Durable; non-porous; resistant to stains, scratches, and heat; uniform color.
Con: Difficult to match seams when connecting more than one piece; discoloration from direct sunlight.
Clean It: Wipe with mild dish soap and water.
Varieties: Hundreds of colors of patterns.
Cost: $125 to $225 on average, per square foot, installed
Pro: Durable; unique beauty in its grains; adds to home resale value.
Con: Porous and soft, so it can stain and scratch more easily than others; can't change once installed.
Clean It: Wipe with damp soft cloth, then dry with clean cloth to prevent streaking.
Varieties: White and gray slabs are most popular.
Cost: $90 to $130 on average, per square foot, installed
Pro: Variety of design options; can replace tiles easily and affordably; scratch- and heat-resistant.
Con: More susceptible to stains and etching; tiles can chip and crack easily; needs to be sealed.
Clean It: Use a non-abrasive multipurpose cleaner.
Varieties: Ceramic, natural stone, recycled glass, hand-made porcelain.
Cost: $40 to $65 on average, per square foot, installed
Pro: Can sand away scorch marks, burns and scratches; ages well and is more forgiving than granite.
Con: Requires regular maintenance via wax or oil treatments; no recourse if heavy object dents the wood.
Clean It: Spray dedicated wood cleaner onto a sponge.
Varieties: Walnut, red oak, black walnut, black cherry, teak, ash, Lyptus, tigerwood.
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Search NowStainless Steel
Cost: $100 to $200 per square foot, installed
Pro: Can have stamps and texture, and repolishing can hide damage.
Con: Scratches, but homeowner can repolish the material.
Glass
Cost: $50 to $127 per square foot, installed
Pro: Can withstand heat, is stain-resistant; countertops can yield unique reflections.
Con: Chips easily, especially along the edges, and can be difficult to fix.