Work tables or kitchen countertops face heavy use and abuse. As such, they must be able to withstand wear and tear for as long as possible. Modern countertop materials abound, whether you want a metallic finish or something more ornamental. And, each material can offer less or more when it comes to durability. Have a look.
Ceramic
Ceramic tile is very affordable even for consumers who are on a tight budget. There are also some higher priced varieties. Best of all, they also double perfectly as backsplashes so you can have a matching set of essentials.
What can be a bit of a problem with ceramic tile is dirt buildup in the grout. It can look unsightly and keeping it spotless means regular cleaning. However, maintenance is minimal, or at least not very effort-intensive, so even cleaning-averse users will have no problem maintaining it.
The cost of ceramic tile can be as low as $10 per square foot, affordable even for consumers on very tight budgets.
laminate
The laminate is made of paper treated with resin and melted at a high temperature. It is similar to the laminates used in flooring. It’s modern, highly customizable with a wide range of colors and patterns, able to withstand daily wear and tear, and is easy and inexpensive to replace.
Laminate countertops also mimic natural stone, although of course not to the same standard. Still, if ceramics aren’t your cup of tea, think about it the next time you shop for a workbench.
The disadvantage is that they cannot be cleaned with abrasive materials since they are not as hard as tiles. They also do not resist heat and scratches well.
Laminate costs around $40 per square foot, much more than ceramic.
wood
Wood was the material of choice for centuries and still is for some people. Butcher block countertops or thinner wood tops can be built to your specifications. Wood is warm, elegant and durable as long as it is treated and coated with a sealer. Cleaning up spills and letting the wood dry will prevent the water from further damaging it.
Lumber can cost anywhere from $35 to more than $100 per square foot.
recycled glass
Glass is often recycled to produce countertops. Unlike other options, it can be very decorative, so if you have an understated kitchen design that needs a bit of zing, this is the one for you.
Glass itself is quite strong, and recycled or crushed glass is even more so. It doesn’t chip easily and the non-porous surface means water doesn’t go dormant. However, as strong as it is, glass cannot withstand very heavy weights, and acidic spills can leave some stains.
The cost of a square foot of crushed glass plate ranges from $50 to $100.
natural stone
Natural stone is the best option for countertops, but it is expensive, whether you choose granite, slate, or marble. The only downside to it is porosity, which means regular sealing is necessary. Options like granite have natural antibacterial properties, so sanitation isn’t an issue. And since natural stone is formed by pressure and heat, it can withstand the heat of a pan quite well, at least for short periods.
Natural stone costs around $100 to more than $200 per square foot.
stainless steel
Stainless steel has good hygienic properties because it is very easy to clean. It also looks great when combined with wood, tile, or laminate.
Contrary to popular belief, stainless steel does stain and corrode, although at a much slower rate than other metals. Its cost is the same as natural stone.