Laminate
What it is: Layers of paper topped with a thin coating of plastic, then glued to plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Pros: Laminate resists stains and comes in a slew of colors and fun patterns, such as zebrawood.
Cons: If you slice through the top layer, you’ll need to replace the entire countertop. Laminate can buckle under high heat, and seams are visible where pieces meet.
Cost: $10 to $30 a square foot.*
*Price ranges include installation.
Solid surface
What it is: Molded resin.
Pros: Often referred to by the brand name Corian, it is stain-resistant and nonporous and ranges in color from bright blue to earthy beige. “Some shades mimic the look of smooth concrete,” says Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend, design and brand for Lowe’s.
Cons: Scratches can be gently sanded out, but the material may be scorched by hot pots and marred by knives.
Cost: $35 to $80 a square foot.
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Marble
What it is: Crystallized limestone, typically with gray or beige veining.
Pros: It’s classic. “Like the Parthenon, marble gets better with age,” says Matt Aanensen. It is heat-resistant and features a cool-to-the-touch surface that’s ideal for rolling dough.
Cons: It’s prone to chipping, and acidic foods, like lemons and tomatoes, can cause stains and deep scratches. It should be sealed annually. You’ll have to apply a poultice to suck stains out.
Cost: $40 to $100 a square foot.
Tip: Marble and granite vary from slab to slab, so if you’re particular, visit a stone yard to pick out your own piece.
Stainless steel
What it is: Sheets of metal.
Pros: Stainless-steel surfaces are heat-resistant and nonporous, so they will stay bacteria-free. “There’s not much you can do to hurt it, and the look never goes out of style,” says Tracey Overbeck Stead, an interior designer in Austin, Texas.
Cons: It’s generally a fingerprint magnet. However, smudges are not as noticeable on a brushed or matte finish. Stainless steel can also scratch easily.
Cost: $70 to $120 a square foot.
Concrete
What it is: Cement, water, sand, stone and pigment formed into a slab.
Pros: “The surface is incredibly smooth,” says Paula Flanagan, an interior designer in Chicago. And it’s customizable. Tint it to match a paint color, embed it with shells, and choose any thickness.
Cons: It may crack when exposed to extreme temperature changes. It also needs to be sealed annually and waxed every couple of months.
Cost: $80 to $120 a square foot.
Engineered Stone
What it is: This material is 93% quartz particles mixed with various resins and pigments. Brands include CaesarStone and Zodiaq.
Pros: It’s as tough as nails. There’s minimal variation from slab to slab, and it comes in bright colors, such as race-car red and aqua blue. It won’t scratch or scorch, and it never needs to be sealed.
Cons: Seams are visible, and the edges may chip.
Cost: $45 to $90 a square foot.
Why isn't tile an option any more? They only need sealed once a year (like many of the products mentioned) but if you damage one, you only need to have one tile repaired.
