Countertop Installers

Replace countertops for a fresh look

Thinking about replacing your countertops? After many years of laminates and tile, new materials and techniques are available to replace existing counters. The following table describes a few of the new materials, and some of the more traditional materials. Also included are advantages, disadvantages, and approximate costs of the various options.

Material & Approx. Cost	Advantages	Disadvantages
Laminate $10-20 a linear ft.	Wide ranges of colors and patterns Inexpensive Durable	If cut or burned, will need replacement. May crack or separate from its backing.
Tile $35-80 linear foot depending on tile selection	Infinite number of colors, textures, and designs Tile available in stone, glass, ceramic, and metal. Durable, scorchproof, easily cleaned	Grout may deteriorate or discolor Tiles may crack
Marble $40-70 sq. ft.	Beautiful Traditionally used for pastry tables Durable	Expensive Easily stained Porous Acid foods may etch and discolor stone Requires periodic resealing
Granite $60+ sq. ft.	Many different colors and patterns of stone Heat resistant Durable Beautiful	Expensive Susceptible to grease stains High maintenance; periodic resealing needed
Synthethic stone $60+ sq. ft.	Aesthetic Similar in look to granite, but many additional colors are available Easy to maintain Stain and acid resistant	Expensive
Solid surfacing (i.e., Corian) $100-150 linear ft.	Nonporus, seamless Cleans easily Good for custom applications Low maintenance Range of colors and textures including stone and wood	Expensive Often requires professional installation Can be scorched or stained
Concrete $200-300 linear ft.	Versatile Material relatively inexpensive	Professional installation can be very expensive Susceptible to cracking Needs periodic resealing Heavy Susceptible to staining
Stainless steel Cost depends on fabrication and edge finish. Custom fabrication is $300-500 per linear foot.	Sleek modern appearance Easy care Patterns etched into finish available for custom look Water and scorchproof	Can be noisy May dent Custom fabrication is expensive