Use our counter intelligence to find materials that last

Consumer Reports News: May 02, 2012 03:38 PM

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Countertops

When it comes to making a large purchase like countertops—something that you'll live with for years—there's a fear of making the wrong choice. All the materials look great in the showroom but may not stand up to punishment in your kitchen or bathroom. That's where Consumer Reports' tests of 14 countertop materials can help.

Traditionally, higher-end countertop materials have been used in the kitchen. But more and more materials such as concrete, granite, limestone, marble—and yes, even stainless steel—are migrating to the bathroom. While your bathroom countertop may suffer less wear and tear than its kitchen cousin, you still want one that can withstand a hot curling iron or a dropped bottle of perfume.

Using separate tests for kitchen and bathroom counters, we stained, sliced, scratched, scorched, and nicked materials from leading brands. From classics like granite and marble to newer surfaces like recycled glass and bamboo, we found huge differences in materials and, except for recycled glass, little variation between brands. That's why our Ratings are by material.

Use our separate Ratings of kitchen and bathroom countertops to find a material that works with your lifestyle and budget. And if you're updating your bathroom, see our bathroom remodeling guide in which we discuss trends and costs as well as details that make a difference.

—Kimberly Janeway