Stone...a "natural" choice for counters

Stone is a traditional yet high-end choice for countertops. The natural look of stone can be unique and work beautifully into an interior design. The material can have many colors and variations depending on how it was formed in the earth.

Granite is the most well-known stone used for counters. It is very hard (scratch resistant) and can stand up to heat from hot pans. However, since it is a natural stone, it is porous and can stain (extent varies by the specific type). Some stones can even be etched by acidic foods or cleaners. A sealer must be re-applied at least once per year (depending on wear). Mild detergent and water is the recommended cleaning agent. Harsh or abrasive cleaners may damage the sealer and stone underneath. Repairs can be difficult to do and require a costly stone finishing professional.

Cost is about $80-120 per square foot for fabrication and installation. Many local stone fabricators have preferred suppliers who can offer warehouse viewings of slab materials.

View some photos of kitchen counters in our online gallery. Contact our office for recommended stone fabricators in the South Bay Area, or to talk about a project you are considering.

"Solid Surface" Counter Tops

“Solid surface” materials, with their many colors and pattern choices, are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. The material is a hard type of plastic that is formed into slabs of varying thicknesses. Their soft smoothness is appealing to the touch and the eye. This material can mimic the look of other choices such as stone, cement and quartz. Seamless joints and integrated sinks are also another plus.

The most popular solid surface is Corian, manufactured by DuPont. It is an acrylic polymer and comes in over 100 color/pattern options, with several product lines. The material color and pattern run throughout the thickness, making it possible to create any edge treatment that you desire. This also helps with maintenance and repair. The material is soft, so cuts and dents may happen. Light damage can be removed with a “scotch-brite” pad and abrasive cleaner. If any significant damage is done, like a burn from a hot pan, a plug can be cut out, replaced with new material, glued and sanded. A seamless surface is once again seen. The surface is non-porous, meaning stains do not penetrate and can resist bacteria growth with proper cleaning. No sealers are needed.

Corian is said to generally be about 30% lower in cost than stone countertops, around $60-90 per square foot for fabrication and installation. Price will depend on type of application, edge treatment and color/pattern choice.

The DuPont Corian lines and the glue used to install it also offer qualification as “low-emitting material” and “recycled content” for U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program( Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design).
See the various choices of DuPont Corian here.