Materials Selection 01 – Types of Kitchen Counter Top

Materials Selection 01 – Types of Kitchen Counter Top

 

Be it remodeling your kitchen or constructing a new one from the beginning, counter top is central part of the overall appearance. There are many different types of counter top surfaces which range from common “butcher block” to less common material such as glass. The below is a table of comparison for some of the popular counter top:

Material Characteristics Pros Cons Estimated Cost
Butcher Block A product of assembled wood (either Walnut, Sugar Maple or Teak) commonly used as chopping boards / table tops. Its classical appearance suits traditional and cottage-style kitchens.
  • Has a warm appearance and scratches could easily be removed by sanding.
  • As it is made from wood, it contracts with moisture exposure.
  • Oiling must be done to protect the surface.
  • It harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting.
 (35 to 70) SGD per sq ft.
Granite Igneous rock with 20% Quartz.
  • Beautiful natural colours and patterns.
  • Durable against knife nicks and heat.
  • Needs to be sealed to avoid stains.
  • Heavy and requires strong support.
 (35 to 100) SGD per sq ft.
Solid Surfacing Commonly made from Polyester and Acrylic.
  • No sealing or special cleaning required.
  • Scratches can be easily sand out.
  • Extensive colours and designs.
  • Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris.
  • Does not withstand hot pans or knives.
 (35 to 100) SGD per sq ft.
Quartz Surfacing Made from Resin and Quartz chips painted with colour. Quartz surfacing (also called Engineered Quartz or Engineered Stone) has the beauty of stone and it is easily maintained like solid surfacing.
  • Easy maintenance.
  • Available in different colours and designs.
  • Expensive but durable.
 (40 to 90) SGD per sq ft.
Marble Hard Crystalline Metamorphic form of Limestone, commonly Dolomite or Calcite. 
  • Elegant and withstand heat well. A good choice for baking stations.
  • Easily stained and may chip.
 (40 to 100) SGD per sq ft.
Tile Commonly Ceramic and Porcelain tiles. Flexible to colours and designs.
  • Withstand heat and sharp objects.
  • Stain resistant.
  • Uneven surface.
  • Unsealed grout may be open to bacterial growth.
 (10 to 80) SGD per sq ft.
Laminate Paper blended with Resins then fused to particle board. Ability to be customised to different designs.
  • Affordable to low maintenance required.
  • Prone to scratches and burns.
  • Layers may peel with moisture contractions.
  • Because of the raw particle board core, you can’t use laminate with under mount sinks, and it’s also difficult to repair if it gets damaged.
 (10 to 30) SGD per sq ft.
Soapstone A type of Metamorphic Rock which is largely composed of Mineral Talc and rich in Magnesium. It has a natural softness.
  • Highly resistant to many elements.
  • Does not stain.
  • Non-porous and also heat resistant.
  • Requires polishing with oil for maintenance.
  • Prone to scratches.
 (70 to 100) SGD per sq ft.
Stainless Steel Commonly used in commercial kitchens. Guaranteed tailored appearance.
  • Extremely durable and resistant to heat and bacteria.
  • Has a distinctive appearance.
  • May be dented.
  • High in costing.
  • Chemicals can affect its color and cause unwanted etching.
 (65 to 125) SGD per sq ft.
Concrete It has an industrial chic and may be fit to traditional space.
  • Feasible for heavy usage.
  • May be customised according to owners’ preferences. You easily can add unique inlays, such as glass fragments, rocks and shells.
  • Because it’s porous, concrete will stain without frequent sealing
  • Cracks may develop over time.
  • Requires strong support.
  • High in costing.
 (75 to 125) SGD per sq ft.
Paper Composite Paper fibers mixed with Resin, it is “Environmental-Friendly” and durable.
  • Ability to withstand heat and moisture.
  • Lighter than natural stone or concrete.
  • May be scratched and requires oiling and sanding.
  • High in costing.
 (85 to 125) SGD per sq ft.
By |2017-10-24T12:57:13+08:00August 26th, 2013|Materials Selection|Comments Off on Materials Selection 01 – Types of Kitchen Counter Top

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