Options are many! Often underrated, laminates (aka “Formica”) have been around since the 1930s and last for decades with proper care. Solid-surface materials (e.g., Corian) offer a nearly seamless, nonporous countertop. Wood and butcher block won’t dull knives, though wood is less durable around water. Quartz is an engineered stone made of ground natural quartz plus polymer resins and pigments. It’s uniform and rock-hard. Natural stones such as marble, soapstone, slate, quartzite, sedimentary stones, and granites cover every color, pattern, and price point. Many are durable and immune to heat, though granite and marble need periodic sealing. Lighter marbles and limestones stain and etch.
With so many choices, consider a second countertop material for the island, especially if it is a feature different from perimeter cabinets. You might splurge on a…
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Old House Journal (Digital) - 1 Issue, Renovation Lookbook 2024