Counters
Pros: Engineered quartz has many bragging rights. Thanks to the quartz content, it's tough like granite, and the resin makes the material malleable and impact resistant. Both materials offer stout durability. Engineered quartz is also nonporous, making it resistant to stains and scratches. And this material has a leg up on natural stone when it comes to large installations: Because it can flex, engineered quartz can be fabricated in larger pieces and with fewer joints. Cons: The resin content isn't heat tolerant, so keep your trivets nearby. contemporary bathroom countertops by Caesarstone CaesarstoneSave to IdeabookEmail Photo Ocean Palace Supremo Caesarstone Ecofriendliness: Quartz countertops are great for indoor air quality, as they emit few VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and are nontoxic and nonallergenic for humans. For these reasons, many quartz countertop products are certified by the GreenGuard Environmental Institute, an independent agency that verifies claims of low chemical emissions. Quartz gets the green thumbs-up too for being a durable counter that can last a lifetime, and because several manufacturers offer products with recycled content.
The basics: Engineered quartz is a man-made product formed from roughly 90 to 95 percent ground quartz and 5 to 10 percent resins and pigments. Commonly found brands include Caesarstone, Silestone, Zodiaq, Cambria, Technistone, HanStone and Q. Several manufacturers have upward of 40 options, like colors from bright red to earthy linen and patterns from crocodile to concrete. Cost: $95 to $105 per square foot installed.
red quartz is the style chameleon of countertops. Whether you love modern or traditional, apple green or ecru, honed or polished, flecked or patterned, quartz’s myriad options will have you covered. Engineered quartz is also easy to maintain, nontoxic and nonallergenic — there’s not much to dislike about this stunning man-made material.
Recycled glass. Recycled glass is another green building material that’s becoming increasingly common. Woodmeister Master Builders checked in with the homeowners whose kitchen is pictured here, and they gave it a glowing review: “These counters are very easy to clean. I use a light Scotch-Brite sponge and soapy water, or Method all-purpose cleaner and a sponge or paper towel,” says the homeowner. “Nothing — including oil, coffee, juice, etc. — has stained these counters.”
The basics: Plastic laminate countertops consist of a wafer-thin finish adhered to a plywood or particleboard substrate. That thin finish is a high-pressure laminate (HPL); it's made of three layers of material bonded together by high heat and pressure: a clear melamine top for protection, a decorative layer and a backing made of phenolic resin-coated kraft paper. Well-known laminate manufacturers include Formica, Wilsonart and Nevamar. Costs: $8 to $20 per square foot, including installation.
The basics: Soapstone is a natural stone composed largely of mineral talc, which lends the material the smooth feel of soap. Slab colors are typically medium gray and can have a greenish cast. Over time, the soapstone will darken to a deep charcoal. Slabs may contain pronounced veining, which is produced by quartz in the stone. Cost: $80 to $100 per square foot, installed
Soapstone. Soapstone’s durability has made this material a top choice for hundreds of years. Its density makes it resistant to stains and bacteria, and it’s unaffected by heat. To clean it, simply wipe it down with mild soap and water. On the flip side, soapstone develops a darker patina over time and can scratch or chip. While some people feel this gives their countertops character, others prefer to sand soapstone regularly to keep it looking like new.
Engineered stone. Sold under brand names including Ceasarstone and Silestone and often referred to simply as quartz, this countertop material is made of crushed stone bound together by a polymer resin. Engineered stone countertops are nonporous and resistant to stains and scratches, and the only maintenance they require is a wipe-down with mild soap and water.
Special considerations: Honed finishes, especially dark colors, show more fingerprints. Maintenance: The surface requires no sealants or waxes (either initially or for ongoing upkeep). Routine cleanup is a breeze with soap and water.
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