Advertisement

BUTCHER BLOCK
ECO-ALERT! Always look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) symbol, which certifies that the product comes from a forest managed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Pros
- Can be moderately priced
- Scratches can be removed by sanding
Cons
- Somewhat resistant to heat and water
- Vulnerable to fire and burns
Maintenance
- Wash with damp cloth and mild dish detergent
- Treat regularly with mineral oil
- Don’t varnish and avoid vegetable oil, which leaves a sticky residue
Cost (installed)
- $65+ per square foot

SOAPSTONE
Pros
- Visually rich-looking
- Smooth touch and finish
- Highly resistant to heat and stains
Cons
- High maintenance
- Vulnerable to cracks, which can’t be fixed
- Can be expensive
Maintenance
- Coat with mineral oil once a month to preserve colour
- Wash with damp cloth and mild dish detergent
- Small scratches can be removed through sanding
Cost (installed)
- $60–$100 per square foot

LAMINATE
Pros
- Variety of colours and styles
- DIY option
- Affordable
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Vulnerable to heat and stains as well as burns and scratches
Maintenance
- Wash with damp cotton cloth and mild dish detergent
- Use trivets to avoid heat damage
Cost (installed)
- $15–$30 per square foot

10 Comments
The names of the types described and hidden by the photos
Want the most resilient countertops available. What do you think of man-made granite-like products?
please the names are hidden.
What about concrete countertops? Ever looked into this product?
What about concrete countertops? Ever looked into this product?
What about quartz countertops? I've heard that they do not require sealing and they resist stain very well. Is this true?
How come no one acknowledges that granite can emit radon gas? They look lovely but are they safe??
Radon is a Natural element, present in Nature as a gas and is emitted by Rocks all over the world. In a thin layer of 1 1/4 inch granite, the amount of Radon is so negligible and is depleted quite fast in Nature while being cut in Quarries, long before the countertop gets to your kitchen cabinets counter. There are no official (government) guidelines regarding this aspect, hence most arguments are brought up by the alternative countertop industry (Quartz and other artificially/ man-made countertop material)
For all questions related to the Granite, Quartz, Travertin and Marble, please call Kuccina Stones, Kitchen Quartz or Granite countertops Manufacturers/Importers in the Montreal, Laval area. We'll try to answer, as neutrally as possible, most of your questions. (514)335-667 or (514)992-6482
For all questions related to the Granite, Quartz, Travertin and Marble, please call Kuccina Stones, Kitchen Quartz or Granite countertops Manufacturers/Importers in the Montreal, Laval area. We'll try to answer, as neutrally as possible, most of your questions. (514)335-667 or (514)992-6482