Plastic laminate, slate and soapstone - Buying Guides - Kitchen & Bath

Plastic laminate
The most common -- and usually most affordable -- countertop choice, laminates are made of multiple sheets of kraft paper, like that used for grocery bags, and plastic resins. Brand names include Formica and Wilsonart. The layered paper creates dark edges, which are visible where two pieces of laminate meet. More expensive plastic laminates -- known as colour-through laminates -- retain the surface colour throughout the layers, so nicks and scratches are less noticeable, and there are no dark seams. Laminate countertops are available in granular, matte, or glossy finishes and sold premolded with rounded edges or in sheets, which are glued onto a plywood form on-site.

• Pros Inexpensive; sturdy; resists scratches, scuffs, burns, and other normal wear and tear; available in many colours and patterns; easy to clean.

• Cons Not stain- or scratch-proof; can be impossible to repair if damaged by burn marks and deep scratches; seams show; potentially costly end finishing and edge choices.

• Do Rinse laminate surfaces after cleaning; even a small amount of detergent residue can cause damage -- any moisture the residue comes into contact with can reactivate it, and result in etching.

• Don't allow water to pool -- if it seeps into seams, it can cause swelling.

• Periodic maintenance None

• Repair/restore Repair superficial scratches and small chips with laminate-repair paste, available at home-supply stores in a variety of colours (or you can mix the paste to match your countertop). If the laminate has begun lifting off the substrate below, reattach it with contact cement.

• How to clean Wipe with a clean, soft cloth and a mild dishwashing liquid and water, then wipe away streaks with a clean, damp cloth. Treat stains with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water; do not rub, as doing so could mar the surface. Wipe away paste with a clean, damp, soft cotton cloth, and then rinse with clean water. (Some stains, such as food dyes or coffee and tea stains, will not disappear right away, but may with repeated cleanings.)

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Slate
Traditionally used to make durable rooftops and walkways, slate can be formed into kitchen counters that are at once classic and modern. It comes in deep greens, blues, greys, and purples, and has a matte surface and a distinctive cleft pattern. Although it is less porous than granite or marble, and less prone to staining, most stone professionals recommend sealing slate to be on the safe side.

• Pros Heat-resistant; timeless; natural style; luxurious.

• Cons Expensive; brittle; scratches and chips easily; tough on dishware and glasses.

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

• Don't clean with abrasive cleaners or dusting sprays, which can damage slate (and other natural stones).

• Periodic maintenance Aside from sealing, none.

• Repair/restore Slate is less susceptible to etching from acidic cleaners and foods than other stones. It does scratch easily, however. Small scratches can be sanded away with fine sandpaper. If your slate countertop cracks, the entire countertop will have to be replaced. Consult a general contractor for advice on how to deal with the damage.

• 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).

Soapstone
Named for its smooth, soapy touch, soapstone is composed of mineral talc, quartz, and other minerals. It starts out light grey in colour but darkens significantly as it ages. (Frequent applications of mineral oil hasten the darkening process.) It is used for science laboratory counters because of its resistance to acids and alkalis, which means that chemicals or cleansers won't cause it to deteriorate. Soapstone is both softer and less porous than granite.

• Pros Rich, deep colour; smooth feel; doesn't stain easily; very resistant to heat.

• Cons Expensive; requires regular maintenance; may crack and darken over time; scratches and chips easily; hard on dishware and glasses.

• Don't apply any type of sealer to soapstone.

• Periodic maintenance After the initial installation, you will need to apply mineral oil over the entire surface often. Apply weekly to monthly until the counter stops darkening, which can take a year or more. After that, reapply mineral oil about every six months.

• Repair/restore Remove small scratches with fine sandpaper or try rubbing them out with mineral oil. If the stone cracks, the entire countertop will need to be replaced. Consult a general contractor to assess the situation.

• How to clean Wipe with a cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid.

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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.