What Can I Cover My Kitchen Countertop With?

Statistical Information

• According to a 2008 survey conducted by Modern Masters Countertop Transformations, granite is the top countertop choice of remodelers, with 32 percent of the votes. Quartz and engineered stone were in second place with 19 percent of the votes. When asked about replacing their current countertop material, 57 percent of laminate owners, 8 percent of granite owners and 7 percent of both ceramic tile and solid surface owners said they would like to replace their kitchen countertops with something else.

Granite

• Apart from being popular choice with homeowners, granite is durable and easy to clean. It's also stain resistant and waterproof, and it prevents the growth of bacteria. If that's not enough, it is heat resistant, which means that hot pots and pans will not burn its durable surface. Slab granite is expensive, but thinly cut slabs or granite tiles are a less costly option. However, they don't offer the durability of regular slab granite.

Quartz

• A quartz countertop looks similar to granite, but you don't have to seal or polish it like granite. It is indestructible -- nearly as scratch resistant as glass -- and resists the growth of bacteria. Quartz is comparable in price to granite. Homeowners sometimes choose quartz when they want to avoid the trendiness of granite countertops.

Marble

• Marble is another luxurious -- and expensive -- countertop material, but it is not a common choice because it requires regular maintenance to resist stains and scratches. On the other hand, don't forget that marble statues created thousands of years ago are still well preserved today, so a marble countertop should last for a very long time.

Ceramic Tile

• Ceramic tile is a cost-savings alternative to the expense of granite, quartz and marble. This durable material comes in a variety of textures that are easy to maintain and clean. In addition, placing hot pots and pans on the tile will not damage the surface. However, the grout between the tiles tends to stain and is virtually impossible to clean.

Other Options

• Stainless steel countertops add a sleek and industrial look. They are expensive but durable, easy to clean and resistant to heat. With mid-range prices, hardwoods like maple and oak make up butcher-block countertops. You can renew these beautiful surfaces through sanding, but they are susceptible to water and other stains and they absorb food odors. Glass countertops, which are available in a variety of textures and colors, are a distinctive option for those seeking individuality. Depending on the style, they can be expensive. Glass countertops are sturdy but can break or crack if you drop a heavy object on them.