| Quartz |
Silestone ($50 to $75 per sq.ft.); Zodiaq ($75 to $100 per sq.ft.) |
Our favorite. This material took the heat and still looked brand-new. |
You love the look of granite, but want a surface that is easy to maintain. |
| Laminate |
Formica ($5 to $30 per sq.ft. depending on style) |
Burn, scratch and stain easily-and once they are damaged, surfaces can't be repaired. |
You're on tight budget, want a wide variety of color and pattern choices. |
| Solid Surface |
Corian ($35 to $85 per sq. ft.) |
Not totally stain-or heat- proof. The high-gloss finishes are prone to scratching. |
You want durability with a polished look and options like a built-in sink and special edges. |
| Butcher block |
Solid maple ($26 to $30 per sq.ft.) |
Fell short in heat, scratch and stain tests. Wood can warp and split; stains are somewhat tough to remove. |
You love the warm look of wood and you're truly cautious in kitchen. |
| Naturals |
Granite and marble ($55 to $95 per sq.ft.) |
Lemon juice can etch marble. Granite is better at resisting scratches, stains, and heat damage. |
You love a custom look (each piece is unique). |
