While researching counter tops for a clients’ outdoor kitchen I thought it would be a great time to summarize the types of counters that are readily available for today’s kitchens. A variety of textures, costs and appearances can change the look and feel of the heart of your home.
Soapstone. The first photo of the contemporary kitchen features the sleekness of soapstone. It’s durability has made this material a top choice for hundreds of years. It’s density makes it stain and bacteria resistant and is not discolored by heat. Cleans simply with soap and water. Develops a dark patina and can scratch or chip over over time. While many people love the charm the counter top assumes over time, others prefer to sand the soapstone to keep it looking new. Average cost $75 -$95 a foot.
Concrete is one of the greenest, most environmentally friendly materials on Earth. They are available in a variety of colors and can be textured as well. Average cost $65 – $135 a foot.
Lava stone is impervious to heat, stains, cold and is virtually maintenance free. Quite possibly the Holy Grail of countertops. Average cost is $225 a foot. Which does put it on the high end of building materials.
Recycled Glass Counter tops are another another green building material that is becoming increasing popular because it’s easy to clean and can come in a myriad of colors. Average cost $75 – $125 a square foot.
Quartz/Cesarstone/Silestone whatever name the manufactured stone carries this engineered material is made of crushed stone bound together by a polymer resin. Engineered stone counter tops are nonporous and resistant to stains and scratches, and the only maintenance they require is a wipe-down with mild soap and water. Average cost per square foot $90 – $150.
Marble maybe the costliest material you consider. Dramatic and lustrous there is a reason it’s been used in sculptures for centuries. Marble counter tops are heat resistant and elegant to look at but that’s where the kitchen designers and installers stop there. The general consensus is that marble makes a good surface for locations in the home that do not receive heavy use….which is not the kitchen.
Average cost per square foot $150 – $250.
Additional choices for your counter tops:
Tile Average Cost per square foot $10 – $90.
Butcher Block Average Cost per square foot $25 – $75.
Laminate Average Cost per square foot $25 – $50.