|
Materials
|
Can I
cut on it?
|
Can I
roll dough
on it?
|
Can I
place a hot
pot on it?
|
Is it
virtually
stain-proof?
|
Main
advantage?
|
Main
disadvantage?
|
Expect to pay per sq. ft.
|
Natural
Stone |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Durable.
Wide color
selection.
High gloss
Polished |
Requires
resealing
&
visible seams |
$50 & up |
Quartz
Surfacing |
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Very durable
High gloss
Polish |
Visible seams |
$65 & up |
Solid
Surface |
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Can form
integral sink |
Not good for hot
pots and pans.
Easily scratched |
$70 & up |
Stainless
Steel |
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Can form integral sink |
Shows scratches
and fingerprints |
$85 & up |
| Concrete |
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Textured look. Can embed other materials |
Requires sealing. Uniform coloring
Will show stains |
$85 & up |
| Laminate |
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Low cost |
Sharp corners Laminate can separate
from underlayment |
$10 & up |
| Tile |
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes, But Grout is Not Stain-Proof |
Wide variety of colors and shapes |
Not a smooth
surface. Grout
can discolor and
chip out |
$5 & up |
| Hardwood |
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Good for cutting and chopping |
Requires resealing. shouldn't be near
liquids |
$55 & up |
