By Edie Humiston
For The Independent

Even granite can't stand up to the onslaught of hot pans, soapy water, cleaners and knife-edges that kitchen countertops have to endure. Available in a variety of materials and variables, consumers have several options to consider before purchasing new countertops.

"Basically customers want to know what is the hardest or what will not scratch," said Leon Djernes, salesman for Builders Warehouse. "Really, everything can scratch. If a person puts his mind to it he can scratch the hardest thing."

The type of countertop you choose depends on your expectations, visual appeal and budget.

"People today, they hear so many different things," Djernes said. "Their neighbor tells them this, they've seen this on TV, and so what you really need to do is to clarify their expectations."

Several questions need answering to help determine the countertop that will meet the individual's needs. How do you want the sink mounted? Do you want a backsplash? What look do you want to achieve natural, industrial? Does the idea of sealing your countertop every four to six months concern you? What is your budget?

"We typically start out with how they want their sink mounted," Djernes said. "If the customer wants the sink undermounted, and they want to have the sink integral or seamless, or the countertop and sink all in one piece, that tends to lead us to the acrylic, like Staron or Corian-type products that are called solid-surface products, because you have more creativity with the shape and sizes."

For a more industrial look, the consumer may consider stainless steel or concrete. If they want something that looks more natural, then granite or quartz may be the answer. If they like change and numerous options, maybe the best choice is laminate.

"We need to have them describe what they want their countertop to look like," Djernes said. "You really need to have the customer tell you what the things are that they must have. It's creating a list. What do I want? What product would deliver my expectations? And, you have to tell them if this product requires you to do this, this and this.

"If they expect to buy a granite countertop and they expect never to seal it, then you need to educate them. You need to say, 'Now you need to seal this about every four to six months, this is your expectation. You're not going to drop your glass on it. It could chip, it's real.' Where if you have an acrylic countertop, it's a repairable surface. Corian, Staron and Swanstone, if you damage it you can physically go in and repolish it, or you could go in and fix the ding.

"Where if you made a cut in laminate, it's done. That cut will be there forever. A quartz countertop is bacterially cleaner because it's not porous, where a wood top you'd have to redo it every so many years, and you'd have to coat it with oil and such."

Consumer Reports also informs buyers of potential problems with countertop materials.

"Many companies claim their concrete countertops require little or no maintenance beyond regular cleaning, while some makers of limestone counters promise super smooth surfaces," the magazine reports. "But our tests found concrete to be fragile and susceptible to scratches, chips and hairline cracks. You'll also need to reseal concrete periodically to resist stains. As for limestone, it might start out smooth, but our wear tests left it scratched, stained and dinged."

While the consumer needs to realize the pros and the cons of the material chosen for their countertop, budget restraints may dictate their choices. Installed costs will vary depending on the size of the countertop and choice of material.

"When they tell me that they don't want to seal it but they want the look of stone, they're pretty much telling me that they want quartz," Djernes said. "That's the time to feel it out what their expectations of the cost is. Because if they're expecting to spend $2,000 and they happen to be talking quartz, which in their kitchen is maybe $6,000, there's a big difference in what their expectations are and what reality is. So what we have to do is understand where their budget is."

There are numerous options to consider when deciding on countertops, and quartz or granite may not be the right decision for your needs. Laminates are affordable and offer a variety of colors and textures.

"Today's consumer has demanded a larger variety of colors and textures," Djernes said. "Texture is the key word. Consumers want laminate that looks and feels like stone or some other type of product. That's why we have the group of colors called high definition color. Or laminates that have the look and feel of shale stone, etchings, which have the little dings and divots that real granite has. They're all excellent products. All the brands are equal and giving the consumer a well-engineered product. The downside is that if you cut it or scratch it, you can't fix it."

With every product comes pros and cons. A countertop that resists moisture, heat and cleaning solvents; will not scratch, chip, or crack; and is impervious to bacteria, stains and nicks isn't available yet. With the different options available, not everyone will come to the same conclusion. The ultimate goal when you've chosen a countertop is satisfaction in your decision.