Best-value countertop

Q: What’s the best value in a new countertop? We want to replace our well-used twelve year-old Formica kitchen counter and need unbiased direction on how to get the most for our dollar.

A: I've worked in a few kitchen cabinet shops over the last 20 years, and I've seen just about every countertop option at the construction stage. I've also followed up with homeowners to see how they like their choices. From what I've seen, there's no doubt that the best practical value in a countertop is delivered by the kind of Formica top you already have. That's actually a trade name gone generic. The proper term is plastic laminate, and it refers to all brands in the category. Plastic laminate countertops deliver good durability at a reasonable cost. They look especially good with hardwood edging. That said, there’s a large and growing number of high-end countertop alternatives, including solid surface materials like Corian, butcher-block maple countertops, natural and cultured stone, and even some stunning countertops made of polished concrete. Although fancy and sometimes quite durable, these alternatives do cost substantially more than plastic laminates.