Natural or man-made? Will it stain? Scratch? Does it come in a range of colors? Use this reference to find the right counters for your kitchen. Scroll down!
Natural
What It Is: Straight cuts of wood glued together to form slabs.
Price Range: $–$$
Hardiness Factor: Medium. Not heat- or stain-resistant. Periodic sanding and food-safe oiling is recommended to prevent cracking and dullness.
Why We Like It: Adds instant warmth, and natural give makes it well-suited to table-style island dining.
Natural
What It Is: Natural quarried stone.
Price Range: $$
Hardiness Factor: Medium. Resistant to scratches and heat, but can stain. Sealing recommended.
Why We Like It: Rich shades of green, charcoal gray and black are right on-trend. Honed finishes soften the overall look.
Natural
What It Is: Natural quarried stone.
Price Range: $$–$$$$
Hardiness Factor: Low. Can scratch and stain, but is heat-resistant. Sealing recommended.
Why We Like It: Timeless character and singular patterning. Works in a vast array of kitchen styles, from traditional to contemporary. Will show wear over time (a pro or con, depending on your point of view).
Natural
What It Is: Natural quarried stone.
Price Range: $$–$$$
Hardiness Factor: High. Wears like man-made stone (see quartz and porcelain).
Why We Like It: Unique veining and variation give it personality with the practicality of man-made products. Light gray slabs are a great stand-in for Carrara marble.
Natural
What It Is: Natural quarried stone.
Price Range: $$$
Hardiness Factor: Medium. Heat- and stain-resistant, but prone to scratches and nicks. Regular mineral oiling recommended to maintain an even appearance.
Why We Like It: The soft, almost leather-like finish of some varieties adds instant antiqued character and visual depth.
Man-made
What It Is: A mix of aggregate stone, sand, fly ash, cement binder and water.
Price Range: $$$
Hardiness Factor: Medium. Can stain, and heat can cause discoloration. Sealing recommended.
Why We Like It: Creates a monumental, architectural feel. Surfaces can be poured on site to eliminate seams for a fully custom result.
Man-made
What It Is: Nonporous clay that is fired to form large ceramic slabs.
Price Range: $$–$$$
Hardiness Factor: High. Resistant to stains, scratches and heat.
Why We Like It: Lighter than some other materials, so a great choice for large wall and backsplash installations.
Man-made
What It Is: Mineral quartz ground and combined with resins.
Price Range: $$
Hardiness Factor: High. Resistant to stains, scratches and heat.
Why We Like It: Versatility. The latest quartz counter installation has more texture and visual interest, mimicking the look and texture of natural stone and concrete without the maintenance.
Man-made
What It Is: A mix of polymer resins, minerals and colorants.
Price Range: $
Hardiness Factor: Medium. Scratch- and stain-resistant, but not heat-resistant.
Why We Like It: Range of applications. Can be customized for cabinet fronts, shelves or backsplashes to create a unified, continuous look.
Man-made
What It Is: Steel manufactured in sheets at different gauges. (The higher the gauge, the stronger the steel.)
Price Range: $$–$$$
Hardiness Factor: High. Industrial kitchens favor it for its ultra heat- and stain-resistant properties, though it can scratch. Fingerprints are also a factor.
Why We Like It: Combines durability and easy maintenance with a sleek, even appearance.
