Surfaces. They play the biggest role in establishing the mood of our home decor. Hardwood flooring, subway tile, natural stone—each and every one of those items sets the home in a particular time and place and on track towards a particular interior style. Surfaces are especially important in the kitchen. They not only give the heart of our homes mood and emotion, they dictate how we function in and around them.
Butcher block counters can encourage you to expand your work area across the bounds of your kitchen. Granite counters can give you the freedom to place hot pots on top of them without worry of making indelible burns. But what are all the choices out there for counters? What are the pros and cons of each one? We have a roundup of information that tells you all you want to know.
When I walk into a kitchen I think the countertop surface and color is the first thing I notice. It really does make that much of a visual impact. Marble counters give a hint of luxury, butcher block often provides warmth and approachability, while stone has the versatility to take on the mood of its color. If you're looking to update your kitchen look, or are in the middle of a remodel yourself, you likely have some of these choices up for consideration.
• 1. All About: Granite Countertops
• 2. All About: Concrete Countertops
• 3. All About: Butcher Block Countertops
• 4. All About: Soapstone Countertops
• 5. All About: Quartz Countertops
• 6. Marble Countertop Pros and Cons
• 7. All About: Lava Stone Countertops
• 8. All About: Synthetic Solid Surface Countertops
• 9. All About: Paper Composite Countertops
• 10. All About: Stainless Steel Countertops
• 11. All About: Ceremic Tile Countertops
What kitchen counter surface do you have? Would you get it all over again?
Related: Kitchen Design: A Look at Countertop Edge Profiles
(Images: Chris Perez)
How To Make Perfect Bacon in the Oven
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Straw Mat from The ...
Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Two
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
_ All About: Synthetic Solid Surface Countertops_ links to Quartz. Splendid posting!
Thanks! We've fixed it.
I picked granite because it was the most cost effective outside of butcher block, which we were hesitant about because it isn't as durable as granite. I really, really like the ability to set something hot on the counter, even though I try not to. And because we were expanding our kitchen, it was important that the counter surfaces were resistent to moisture because I would be able to do a lot more baking. Now, I can roll out dough right onto the counter without worrying about it staining or gumming up butcher block.
We have had our soapstone for about 3 months and looove it. Our house is a 105 year old craftsman and the soft scratches and patina it is already slowly developing actually fit right in. Oiling isn't too much of a pain, and I am very pleased we can set hot pans or pots on it without worry.
I have a silestone/zodiac countertop. Though it is not real but it looks and feel real. I've had it for 7 years and it is in good shape. I would recommend it for people who wants the look and feel of granite but could not/would not pay the $$$.
I have wwhite quartz countertops. I just love how it reflects my under cabinet lighting and makes everything so much brighter in my tiny kitchen!
We've always had laminate counters (33 yrs.) until we remodeled in June of 2012. We now have granite and love it.