Buzz
Porous materials not only come at a higher initial cost but also demand frequent resealing—up to twice a year. Explore more home design images. iStockphoto/ThinkstockSix years ago, my family moved into a model home complete with all the expected luxuries, including marble countertops in the master bath. To this day, I still feel like I’ve never cleaned them properly (aside from the occasional Mr. Bubble foam parties in the tub). Though these surfaces weren't designed to require little maintenance, I’ve unintentionally made them so.
Carol Courter, owner of Techline Furniture, Cabinets and Closets in Fort Worth, Texas, says my marble countertops are due for some care. “Porous materials like granite, marble, and concrete need regular sealing, about every six months,” Courter explains. Porous materials have tiny surface openings that allow liquids to seep in, causing stains and eventually damaging or cracking the surface.
The fact that my home's marble isn’t in the kitchen was probably a stroke of luck. After all, I’m not likely to spill tomato sauce or red wine in the bathroom. These substances can easily penetrate porous surfaces and cause stains. "Porous countertops require extra care when exposed to acidic substances like vinegar and lemon juice, as they can deteriorate the sealant faster," Courter explains.
So, what should you choose for areas prone to such spills? Many homeowners select low-maintenance, stain-resistant nonporous countertops for the kitchen and bathroom, such as stainless steel, quartz, and laminate. "Stainless steel countertops can withstand the toughest conditions," says Mark E. Wille, a sustainable materials consultant from Chicago. Like quartz and laminate, stainless steel is nonporous. However, it can be quite costly, ranging from $75 to $200 per square foot (0.09 square meters) as of 2012 [source: Cost Helper].
Alena Capra, a certified kitchen and bath designer with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, mentions that quartz is probably the most popular low-maintenance countertop. Sold under brands like Silestone, Caesarstone, Compaq, or Hanstone, quartz countertops in 2012 ranged from $50 to $150 per square foot. This manmade material closely mimics the look of natural stone. "Quartz requires no maintenance; it’s heat-resistant and will not stain, even in the lightest colors," Capra explains.
Laminate countertops, such as Formica, are affordable ($15 to $25 per square foot, installed, as of 2012) and made from plastic. However, laminate is vulnerable to heat damage. If heat damage occurs, the plastic can lift, separate, and discolor, often requiring the entire countertop to be replaced [source: Consumer Search].
Wille advises using only soap and water to clean countertops. "Porous and nonporous countertop surfaces often react badly to chemicals. The best cleaner is simply soap, water, and a bit of elbow grease."
