Countertop Options

Granite, Quartz, Quartzite, Laminate, Butcherblock, Marble, Concrete, Glass, Recycled glass, Recycled cement, Soapstone, Corian, Stainless Steel, Travertine, Slate, or Porcelain Ceramic countertops.

Of these I recommend Quartzite, Porcelain Ceramic or Slate.

I believe porcelain ceramic countertops are going to be the next trend.

Here are the reasons porcelain countertops are a great choice. (per countertopguides.com)

Many colors are available
Patterns are available
Several finishes are available: Matte and polished surfaces for the finish. Edges can be mitered in several styles to enhance the appearance.
Large slab sizes are offered: Slabs up to 10’ x 5’ are possible, much larger than natural stone slabs, so you can cover kitchen islands with a single piece. Larger slabs mean fewer seams/grout joints to break up the run of the countertop. In turn, this speeds up installation, reduces the potential for seam issues and ultimately reduces cost.
Porcelain is 30% stronger than granite: This fact raises eyebrows, but it is true! The surface strength of porcelain is achieved in the firing process, so the countertops resist chipping, scratches, cracks, wear and tear.
Durability is outstanding: Due to the high strength of the material, these countertops last a long time. While the porcelain countertop price is higher than laminated counters or ceramic tile – though less than granite and other natural stones – the investment is balanced by the longevity.
Slabs are lightweight: The first generation of porcelain countertops featured slabs 3/4" thick, and they were heavy. The countertops now available are typically just 3/16” (5mm) thick, though other thicknesses are available. If old countertops are not being covered, then plywood is usually installed over the cabinets before the porcelain countertop is added.
Thin slabs offer versatility: Because the slabs are so thin and lightweight, they work well as backsplashes and other wall panels, panels for the sides of cabinetry or kitchen islands and as decorative accents throughout the home.
Porcelain countertops can be installed over existing countertops: While this isn’t done in every situation, it is an option that reduces the cost and hassle of tearing out the old material before installing the new product. This is just one of the many reasons they’re a great choice for bathroom, laundry room, workspace and kitchen renovation projects.
No sealing is required: That’s right! Unlike natural stone that needs to be sealed after installation and resealed every few years to prevent several potential problems, porcelain doesn’t ever have to be sealed. The fired glazing acts as an effective barrier to moisture and provides outstanding stain resistance.
Cleanup is easy: The glaze on the porcelain produces a waterproof surface that is very easy to clean. Warm-water cleanup or wiping with a damp cloth is all that is usually required to maintain a clean, hygienic surface. If you do use harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach, they likely won’t cause problems. On the other hand, natural stone, especially when the sealer is breaking down with wear, has pores that can collect water, bacteria, oil and other substances that make it unsanitary and can cause staining and discoloration.
Porcelain is heat resistant: The countertops are fired at more than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, so the finished product is perfect for installation where hot pots, pans or hair tools are in use. Porcelain won’t burn, smoke or emit harmful substances when subjected to heat.
The material can be recycled: This is a pretty green product to begin with since it is made with a natural clay material. When it comes time to switch out these countertops, they can be recycled for use in other products.

Porcelain countertops disadvantages

They can chip and crack, but it takes more force and weight to chip or crack than with natural stone countertops. The price, discussed next, will turn some homeowners off, but if the cost of granite, marble, quartz or other premium materials doesn’t make you flinch, porcelain will certainly be within your budget.

Porcelain countertops price

The installed cost of slab porcelain countertops will be from $60 to $100 per square foot based on the specific material, thickness, the type of edge you have beveled into it (if any) and the complexity of the fabrication and installation. The more corners, cutouts and seams you have, the higher the cost per square foot.

It is very important to find an experienced porcelain ceramic countertop contractor

Because porcelain is new to the US market, make sure you find a qualified professional with experience in fabrication and installation of porcelain slabs to fabricate and install your countertops. I always recommend(no matter what project) to get at least three estimates from contractors in your area.

Ask what their experience with porcelain slab countertop installations is. Ask to look at their work in person or a portfolio and/or speak to their references before selecting them for the job.

Here are the reasons quartzite is a great countertop option

It is more scratch and acid resistant than other stones. It can take direct heat. Once sealed quartzite repels moisture and microbes.

Quartzite countertops disadvantages

It must be sealed annually. It is more costly. Before purchase you must do a scratch test with glass (and a lemon juice/etching test, if possible) to make sure you’re getting the real deal (and not a dolomite marble).

Here are the reasons slate countertops are a great choice. (per countertopguides.com)

The final countertop I recommend considering is slate, it is very handsome. The subtle shifting in coloration is less bold than in marble or granite, but this also makes it much easier to produce countertops for your home that have a more uniform appearance. Lovely shades of black, charcoal, gray, pewter, brown and even those with highlights of green, blue or red can be found. While the differences in slate slabs is not as distinct as you find in granite or marble, each countertop is still unique.

Unlike granite, marble and concrete, slate is non-porous. This means that it cleans up very easily and does not have a tendency to harbor bacteria. It won’t absorb liquids, so you won’t get any staining from juice, tomato products, oil, cleaners, etc., since they can’t penetrate the surface.

The hardness and durability of slate is also very appealing in the kitchen or bathroom. It won’t easily chip or scratch, and it stands up very well to heat. Hot pans or hair tools won’t mar the surface.

Finally, slate countertops are quite a bit more affordable than their pricier cousins like granite and marble. They cost less than most concrete, quartz or crushed glass countertops too. Slate countertop prices are $50-$65 per square foot.

Slate countertops disadvantages

Of all the countertops we review, slate has the least downsides. Corners can be sharp and slightly brittle. Many professional installers recommend having the corners rounded off to avoid cracks or injuries. Stylistically, slate is more subdued than many other options, but if you’re using a lot of color at other points in your design scheme, you might prefer countertops that complement rather than grab the spotlight of your design scheme.

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