To a greater extent than any room in the home, function plays a huge role in the elements that go into upscale kitchen design. These elements not only have to look good and jibe with the kitchen's overall theme, but in some cases they also have to meet the often-rigorous culinary demands of residential chefs.

As the largest horizontal design element apart from the floor and ceiling, the kitchen countertop has a major impact in this regard. These days, when it comes to countertop material in upscale kitchens, the choice often boils down to solid surface or granite countertops. Addressing the demands of form and function, which is right for you?

Advantages of Granite

Granite is a hard, natural stone with an elegant look. It is available in colors ranging from white to black and contains a mixture of colored particles. A tan stone may have white and brown particles, for example.

Most granite has a shiny, polished finish, but it also can be honed to create a more rustic look.

Disadvantages of Granite

Granite is more difficult to chip or scratch, but most minor damage can be fixed. The worst thing that can happen is to have granite crack. This usually occurs from having a house settle or because it was installed over cabinetry that can't support it.

Granite also is porous and should be sealed periodically. Some people have voiced concerns about sanitary issues because of the opened fissures that naturally run through it, but if you clean it well enough, this rarely becomes an issue.

Also, if you drop a glass on granite, it's likely to break.

Advantages of Solid-Surface Materials

Solid surface materials – often referred to by one brand name, Corian – are man-made in a variety of solid colors or multi-colored designs, some which mimic the look of granite. These countertops often are made with an integral sink, which eliminates the potential for food particles becoming trapped between the two.

One major selling point of solid surfaces over laminated products – and, to some extent granite – is the ability to sand and repair the material to remove scratches, dents and holes.

With a deep scratch, a fabricator can drill a hole around it, make a cut-out and then make a duplicate hole to put back in. That's something you can't do with laminates. Also, minor scratches can be sanded with an abrasive pad and most household cleansers. You can do a lot of things to it – you can spill grape juice on it and get it out.

Disadvantages of Solid-Surface Materials

Solid surfaces do not have as much resistance to heat as granite does. A hot pot placed on a solid surface countertop will leave a white ring or begin to burn the surface. That same pot can be placed on granite without damaging it. The material also is not as rich and natural looking as granite.

What to Consider?

• Price – granite often is more expensive, but it depends on the stone.
• Style of kitchen – granite works better with older homes and "aged" kitchen designs.
• Color – solid surfaces can be made in a wider vareity of colors than what comes naturally from the earth.

Color Considerations for Granite and Solid Surface
Overall, light browns and tans are the most popular colors in both materials. Many people use those colors with light wood cabinets, such as maple. Also consider solid-surface countertops with large chunks of colored particles, as they mimic the look of granite.

Dark-colored countertops add a nice contrast with light cabinets, but can be problematic, as they show dirt, scratches and imperfections more easily than light-colored countertops.

The Finish

Solid surface materials are sold in matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes. Most installers recommend avoiding high gloss in kitchens or other high traffic areas. A countertop with a high-gloss finish should be buffed and waxed or it will lose its shine. Are you willing to shine and buff your kitchen countertops?

Also, that finish will show any repair attempts. If you have a gloss finish and you sand it to repair a scratch, you'll have an unsightly dull area amidst the glossy shine.

Cost Comparisons

Granite often is more expensive than solid-surface material, starting at $85 to $200 a linear foot, installed. The price depends upon the quality of the stone and its place of origin. There are construction grades that have more flaws, and are priced lower than those slabs that are almost flawless and where the color is more even.

Extra touches, such as inlays in different colors and varied edge treatments, will add to the cost, as it requires more labor.

Solid surface countertops are priced from $65 to $175 per linear foot, installed, depending upon the color, edge treatment and other factors.