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Bamboo finishes last. Bamboo is available in several styles. Consumer Reports tested one that had long, horizontal strips and another that used end grains to produce a parquet effect. They looked wonderful when they were new but were easily stained, sliced, scraped, and dented, despite the several coats of beeswax testers applied, as the manufacturer recommends. And our hot pot left an unsightly and permanent scorch mark.
A glass counter cracked. Take shards of recycled glass, turn them into a countertop, and the result is an infusion of color and style. If the glass is finely ground, the counters resemble solid surfacing. Most of the recycled-glass counters we tested resisted cuts, heat, and abrasion very well. One brand, Cosentino’s Eco line, also withstood cuts and scratches but cracked when we placed a hot pot on it. The crack ran from under the pot to the counter’s edge, where the split was the widest. As the surface cooled, the crack was barely visible but remained.
How to choose Get a glimpse of the future by visiting friends and noting how their countertops have held up. Then think about your tolerance for stains and other signs of wear and tear. Are you a perfectionist? If so, over time you probably won’t get past marble’s stains and nicks to notice the patina. Consider upkeep and these tips:
Think big. Those tiny samples don’t make it easy, so try online design tools from manufacturers such as DuPont and Formica. DuPont also has a free mySurface app for swatches of its quartz and solid-surface counters. Natural stone’s color and veining can vary considerably by slab and even within a slab, so a visit to the stone yard is a must.
Whatever you’re considering, pay attention to seams. They should be virtually invisible in solid surfacing and stainless-steel counters. For other materials, 1/16 inch or less is standard. Fat joints indicate sloppy work.
