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"   Counter Material Pros Cons Cost*   Natural Stone \u2022 Durable \u2022 Heat-resistant \u2022 Many color options \u2022 May stain unless sealed \u2022 Edge treatments can be costly \u2022 Can&amp;#039;t be fabricated or modified on site \u2022 $50 and up   Engineered Stone \u2022 Durable \u2022 Heat-resistant \u2022 Won&amp;#039;t stain \u2022 Many color and pattern options \u2022 Can&amp;#039;t be fabricated or modified on site \u2022 $50 and up   Plastic Laminate \u2022 Durable \u2022 Non-staining \u2022 Can be scratched \u2022 Can be damaged by high heat \u2022 Can&amp;#039;t be repaired \u2022 $15 and up   Solid Surface \u2022 Color all the way through \u2022 Minor damage can be repaired \u2022 Non-staining \u2022 Integral sinks an option \u2022 Many color and texture options \u2022 Doesn&amp;#039;t like high heat \u2022 Sharp knives a problem \u2022 $50 and up   Tile \u2022 Great design flexibility \u2022 Heat- and stain-resistant \u2022 Damaged tiles can be replaced \u2022 Grout may stain \u2022 Countertop surface may be uneven  \u2022 $15 and up   Concrete \u2022 Can be dyed and cast in virtually any shape \u2022 Heat-resistant and durable \u2022 May show hairline cracks \u2022 Will stain unless sealed \u2022 $60 to $100   Wood \u2022 Can be used as cutting surface \u2022 Resists moderate heat \u2022 Surface can be repaired \u2022 May stain or decay with exposure to water \u2022 Open-pored woods may collect food and grime \u2022 $20 and up   Stainless Steel \u2022 Extremely durable \u2022 High heat resistance \u2022 Non-absorptive surface \u2022 Integral sinks and backsplash possible \u2022 May dent \u2022 Commercial look won&amp;#039;t suit every home \u2022 $80 to $90   Recycled Materials \u2022 Variety of materials available \u2022 Appropriate in green-built homes \u2022 Some must be sealed to prevent stains \u2022 $25 to $150   *Prices are per square foot installed. Prices are approximate and will vary considerably by region.    More Articles from the Countertop Guide \u2022 Creative Uses for Countertop Materials \u2022 Kitchen and Bath Counters that Inspire \u2022 Materials We Love \u2022 Surface Appeal: Kitchen Countertops "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.elledecor.com/shopping/furniture/a2493/countertop-buying-guide-a-63892/>