Countertop materials: A guide

Engineered stone
This relatively new countertop material is a composite of rock aggregate (which makes up 90 per cent of its mass), resin, and pigments. Engineered stone is sold under brand names including Zodiaq and Silestone. Available in dozens of colours, it is nonporous and scratch-resistant. The most common (and most durable) engineered stone is made from quartz particles. Because these stones do not contain fissures or veins, the strength of a slab may be more consistent throughout than that of a natural stone. That consistency also makes seams easy to match.

• Pros -- Easy to maintain; resistant to stains, heat, scratches, and acid; sealing is generally not required; colour consistent throughout, so scratches are less noticeable than with other materials.

• Cons -- Expensive; less natural-looking than marble or granite.

• Don't clean with chlorine bleach or products containing chlorine bleach, which can mar the colour of the stone.

• Periodic maintenance None

• Repair/restore Any damage must be repaired by a countertop professional; consult an engineered-stone installer for advice.

• How to clean Wipe with a damp cloth and mild dishwashing liquid. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth.

Granite
A popular countertop choice because of its appearance and durability, granite is a siliceous stone made from an extremely hard volcanic rock. It is available in a range of colours and is often flecked with bits of minerals that produce a salt-and-pepper look. There are two types: consistent, which has the same pattern throughout, and variegated, which has veins.

• Pros Heat-resistant; beautifully coloured; luxurious; each slab of granite is unique; good surface for working with pastry dough, since it doesn't conduct heat.

• Cons Expensive; requires regular maintenance, including periodic sealing; stains; can crack; can be tough on dishware and glasses; variegated granite pieces hard to match.

• Do Reapply sealer when drops of water no longer bead on the surface.

• Don't use soap, detergent, all-purpose cleaners, or citrus-based cleaners -- products that are too alkaline or acidic can etch stone. Don't use abrasive powders or dusting sprays, which can damage the surface.

• Periodic maintenance If the polish dulls, it can be revived with a commercial polishing agent (available from stone suppliers), but this should not be done more frequently than every three or four years, and the counter should be resealed afterward.

• Repair/restore If there are deep stains or there's erosion, the stone will have to be rebuffed and resealed by a stone professional.

• How to clean Dust once or twice a week with a soft cloth, and wipe periodically with a cloth dampened in warm water and a bit of pH-neutral cleaner formulated for stone (available from stone suppliers).

Marble
Marble and other stone countertops are beautiful, and they generally outlast all other kitchen surfaces. But because it is a calcareous stone, marble is softer and more porous than granite. Its permeability makes it susceptible to scratches, chips, and stains, and its luster can be dulled if not properly cared for. Many homeowners choose to confine it to an island or baking centre.

• Pros Holds up to heat; beautiful and luxurious; ideal for rolling out dough, since it doesn't conduct heat.

• Cons Expensive; must be sealed to protect it from stains; requires regular maintenance; very soft, so it scratches and etches easily; can be tough on dishware and glasses.

• Do Reapply sealer when drops of water no longer bead on the surface. Protect marble from acidic foods; vinegar, lemon, and tomato will etch it instantly.

• Don't use soap, detergent, all-purpose cleaners, or citrus-based cleaners -- products that are too alkaline or acidic can etch stone. Don't use abrasive powders or dusting sprays, which can damage the surface.

• Periodic maintenance See Periodic Maintenance for granite, above.

• Repair/restore For stains such as rust marks or oil spots, try a poultice treatment. If marble is badly stained or starting to erode, the stone will have to be rebuffed and resealed by a stone professional.

• How to clean Dust once or twice a week with a soft cloth, and wipe periodically with a cloth dampened in warm water and, if necessary, a bit of pH-neutral cleaner formulated for stone (available from stone suppliers).

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Excerpted from Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook by Martha Stewart. Copyright 2006 by Martha Stewart. Excerpted with permission by Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher.