Countertops
High quality countertops are an emphasis of an On Cape Kitchen installation.
Below are some of the different type of countertops that we have available. Click on your choice for information and pros and cons.
Granite Countertops
Solid Surface Countertops
Quartz Surface Countertops
Marble Countertops
Tile Countertops
Soapstone Countertops
Butcher Block Countertops
In conjunction with the choice of countertop material it is important to co-ordinate the back splash type and style. The countertop and bachsplash can be combined with your choice of sink and faucet to achieve a personally distinctive look.
Backsplash considerations
Sinks and Faucets
Granite
Pros: Granite's beautiful mottling and the host of colors and patterns found in nature make each piece one of a kind. It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, heat and other wear and tear.Cons: Like most stone, granite must be sealed every so often to avoid stains. And its heaviness means you'll need very sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight.
Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed.
Solid Surface Countertops
Made primarily from acrylic and polyester, solid surface countertop material was first sold under the brand name Corian, which is often (erroneously) used as a generic term for it. Today, it's made by a host of manufacturers and has enjoyed steady popularity over the years.Pros: Because solid surface products are nonporous, it's virtually maintenance free , no sealing or special cleaning required. Although it can be susceptible to scratches and burns, those are easy to sand out. Color and pattern options are extensive, and because you're not trying for the look of a natural material, you can experiment with vibrant hues such as turquoise or tomato red. Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris.
Cons: Solid surface products can have a patently artificial look and feel, yet can approach the price of natural stone. As mentioned above, it doesn't stand up to hot pans or sharp knives as well as other materials.
Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed
Quartz Surface Countertops
Crafted of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz countertop material (also called engineered quartz or engineered stone) is a good compromise between the beauty of stone and the easy care of solid surface products.Pros: Quartz products have the same advantages as solid surface products with regard to maintenance. As an engineered product, it's available in a far greater range of colors and patterns than natural stone.
Cons: This material doesn't have the natural variegation of granite, so it may be evident that it's an engineered product. It's relatively pricey, although its durability can make it a worthwhile investment.
Cost: $40 to $90 per square foot, installed.
Marble Countertops
Is there anything that looks and feels more glamorous than a marble countertop? Peerless in terms of its luminescence and distinctive veining, it's an ultratraditional choice.Pros: Nothing beats marble for sheer elegance. It stands up to heat well, and because it remains perennially cool, it's a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations (read: Dough won't get too soft).
Cons: Marble is very susceptible to stains, even with sealing. For that reason, it's not often used throughout an entire kitchen — most homeowners limit it to one or two small areas. It can also scratch and chip.
Cost: $40 to $100 per square foot, installed.
Tile Countertops
Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colors and designs. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to majestic Old World.Pros: It holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they're fairly easy to replace.
Cons: Tile's uneven surface can make it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie crust. Unsealed grout is prone to staining; standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth.
Cost: $10 to $80 per square foot, installed.
Soapstone Countertops
Although it's in no danger of overtaking granite, soapstone has come into its own as a countertop material. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble.Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time. (Most people enjoy the acquired patina, but you may consider this a con.)
Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape. It can crack over time, and it can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as some other types of stone. The natural roughness of its surface can scuff glassware and china.
Cost: $70 to $100 per square foot, installed.
Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It's especially fitting for , country and cottage-style kitchens.Pros: Many homeowners like butcher block's warm, natural appearance and variegated wood tones. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops — after all, it's what chopping blocks have been made of for years. But you can also sand scratches down with ease.
Cons: Wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block is no exception. It harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface.
Cost: $35 to $70 per square foot, installed.