Material

Pros

Cons

Maintenance

Stainless Steel

• Heatproof
• Stain proof
• Can be made with integral sink, drain boards
• Won't fade, rust, chip.
• Fresh modern look

• Can scratch, but minor scratches can be removed
• Shows watermarks, if not towel dried
• Noisy but can be ordered as soundproofed.

• Clean with mild cleaners or slightly abrasive one to remove scratches. Towel dry after each use. Do not use steel wool. A 3M Scotchbrite works well.

Copper

• Can be made with integral sink.
• Develops rich patina with age or can be polished.

• Not scratch resistant, so trivet and cutting boards should be used.

• Clean with mild cleansers. Do not spot polish.

Bronze

• New and innovative
• Can be made with integral sink.
• Develops rich patina with age or can be polished.

• Not scratch resistant, so trivet and cutting boards should be used.

• Clean with mild cleansers. Do not spot polish.

Zinc

• Develops a blue-gray patina with age or can be polished to original lustre.

• Not scratch resistant, so use trivet and cutting boards.

• Clean with mild cleansers.
• Do not spot polish.

Pewter

• Comes with a hi sheen polish
• Old world bar top look

• Very soft material
• Not scratch resistant, so use trivet and cutting boards.

• Clean with mild cleansers.
• Do not spot polish.

Exotic Woods Premium Wide Plank Butcher Block

• The "Classic" of Wood Tops
• Wide variety of hardwoods available.
• Hand selected boards
• Artisan Crafted and finished
• Warm appearance and renewable surface.
• Can be used as cutting surface, but may scratch with time.
• Undermount sinks work well.
• Tough Waterproof "Marine oil finish" ^TM

• Not heatproof, so use a trivet at the stove.

• Clean with warm, soapy water
• Oil occasionally, depending on use.
• Can be scrubbed with a 3M Scotchbrite pad and re- oiled.

Various Woods
Standard Plank
Butcher Block

• Wide variety of hardwoods available.
• Warm appearance and renewable surface.
• Can be used as cutting surface, but may scratch with time.
• Undermount sinks work well.
• Good Waterlox finish

• Not heatproof, so use a trivet at the stove.
• Boards are thinner and random and may not be pleasing in pattern and color.
• Needs a recoat every year or so.

• Clean with warm, soapy water
• Oil occasionally, depending on use.
• Can be scrubbed with a 3M Scotchbrite pad and re- oiled.

End Grain Maple
Butcher Block
Chopping Block

• Traditional 3 inch up to 12 inches thick.
• Unique with lots of charm.
• Made to be used as cutting surface
• Unique look not often seen.

• Not heatproof so use trivet at the stove.
• Shows wear over time.
• May change counter height due to thickness
• Will split if not maintained with oil.
• Must be oiled often.

• Clean with warm, soapy water.
• Oil monthly, depending on use.
• Needs regular attention with oil.

Edge Grain Production Thin Plank Wood Countertop

• Good "Budget" Material
• Old Favorite we all grew up with.
• Can be used as cutting surface, but may scratch with time.

• Too Easily recognized as "Budget" material.
• Not heatproof so use a trivet at the stove
• Thinly finished must be oiled often to prevent damage.
• May look shabby in one or two years. 

• Clean with warm, soapy water.
• Oil often.
• Can be sanded back to a clean wood surface.

Granite

• Heatproof
• Waterproof
• Somewhat stain resistant
• Can be used with under mount sinks

• Hard, cold, noisy.
• Tough on breakables
• May Stain
• look can be monolithic

• Blot spills quickly
• Use mild cleaners
• Wipe with penetrating
• sealer periodically

Marble

• Heatproof
• Waterproof
• Can be used
• with under mount
• sinks

• More prone to etching and staining from acids and juices in foods.
• Can scratch if used as cutting surface.
• May Stain

• Use mild cleaners without vinegar, lemon or citric acid, which can etch it.
• Wipe with penetrating sealer periodically.

Limestone

• Waterproof
• Organic, textured look.

• Varies in hardness depending on variety.
• Reactive with acidic foods
• Hot pots and dishes can leave rings

• Blot spill quickly
• Use mild cleaners
• Wipe with penetrating sealer periodically

Soapstone

• Resistant to stains and low heat
• Very smooth

• Darkens with time
• More likely to crack or chip than harder stones.
• Use a trivet.

• Blot spills quickly.
• Use mild cleaners
• Wipe with mineral oil
• periodically

Concrete

• Can be made with under mount sink and drain boards.
• Huge color selection range.
• Texture and look are unique.
• Great finishes are now available to seal and protect.

• Good experienced fabricators are scarce
• While heat resistant, sealers can be damaged by hot pots, so use trivet
• While scratch resistant, use a cutting board

• Stainproof if finished  properly.
• Clean with mild detergents and water.
• Abrasive cleaners can damage finish.
• Apply paste wax periodically

Solid Surface: Corian, Fountainhead, Surell

• Can be made with integral sink and drain boards
• Sanitary work surface
• Choice of colors and textures

• Looks too sterile
• Been around, not a natural look.
• While scratch resistant, use a cutting board and trivet

• Clean with mild detergents and water
• Abrasive cleaners can damage finish
• Scotchbrite pad periodically

Glass

• Heatproof
• Stain proof
• Can be made with under mount sink, drain boards
• Colored Backers.
• New Cutting Edge style

• Can scratch
• Use trivets
• Shows watermarks, if not towel dried

• Clean with mild cleaners for glass
• Towel dry after each use
• Do not use abrasives