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Finding the perfect countertop is easier than you think. Whether you’re looking for affordability, function or style, today’s market is full of options.


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STAINLESS STEEL
ECO-ALERT! Stainless steel is the most recycled material in Canada. Chances are your new countertop is constructed out of recycled steel.

Pros
  • Very durable
  • Hygienic
  • Low maintenance
  • Simple buffing
  • can help keep up appearance
  • Resistant to heat and rust

Cons
  • Vulnerable to dents and marks (especially fingerprints)
  • Can be expensive
  • Can be noisy when working on unless wood is used as reinforcement during installation

Maintenance
  • When washing, wipe with grain
  • Avoid bleach, which stains
  • Mild abrasive powder can be used

Cost (installed)
  • $60+ per square foot
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ICESTONE
ECO-ALERT! Manufactured from 100-percent recycled glass.

Pros
  • Offers more colour-customization options than granite
  • Stronger than marble
  • Resistant to heat and scratches

Cons
  • Can stain if not properly maintained
  • Expensive

Maintenance
  • Wash daily with mild soap and water
  • Avoid ammonia- and bleach-based cleaners

Cost (installed)
  • $120 per square foot
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GRANITE

Pros
  • Wide selection of colours available
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Very durable
  • Resistant to heat, water and stains

Cons
  • Requires regular maintenance
  • Can be expensive

Maintenance
  • Dust twice a week with soft cloth
  • Requires annual resealing
  • Cleaning products containing acid or alkaline can strip stone polish

Cost (installed)
  • $60+ per square foot

10 Comments

  • by
    sandiz
    on 2009-02-21
    Reply to this comment

    The names of the types described and hidden by the photos

  • by
    kathie gosen
    on 2009-02-26
    Reply to this comment

    Want the most resilient countertops available. What do you think of man-made granite-like products?

  • by
    cmaynard
    on 2009-04-08
    Reply to this comment

    please the names are hidden.

  • by
    Kathryn
    on 2009-04-09
    Reply to this comment

    What about concrete countertops? Ever looked into this product?

  • by
    Kathryn
    on 2009-04-09
    Reply to this comment

    What about concrete countertops? Ever looked into this product?

  • by
    Sherry54
    on 2009-08-20
    Reply to this comment

    What about quartz countertops? I've heard that they do not require sealing and they resist stain very well. Is this true?

  • by
    aliceb
    on 2009-11-25
    Reply to this comment

    How come no one acknowledges that granite can emit radon gas? They look lovely but are they safe??

  • by
    KuccinaStones
    on 2010-02-06
    Reply to this comment

    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)

  • by
    KuccinaStones
    on 2010-02-06
    Reply to this comment

    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

  • by
    KuccinaStones
    on 2010-02-06
    Reply to this comment

    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

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