Kitchen Countertops: Which One Is Best in an A&C Home?

Lets face it: original Arts & Crafts kitchens were not the most charming aspect of the home.

Compared to kitchens today, they were small, Spartan, featured few appliances, were not intended to have an eating area and were designed with an emphasis on being sanitary, as evidenced by the abundance of white, undecorated ceramic tile.

Most of these original kitchens have long since been remodeled or remuddled, but when it comes time for you to either remodel, restore or to design your own Arts & Crafts kitchen, one question will quickly pop up: what type of countertop material is best suited for an Arts & Crafts kitchen?

For an answer, we have posed the question to a panel of our interior design experts:

Sandra Vitzhum (http://www.sandravitzthum.com) - "I often recommend soapstone or slate. I don't mind importing the materials, but it's particularly nice when it's from a local source. The homeowner should be attracted to patina (read: stains) and not mind some periodic maintenance with an oil or sealer. These are warmer and more 'human' than modern metals like stainless steel. There are some Corian products that do a good job imitating slate, and there are also laboratory counter manufacturers. But these aren't the real thing, and that is the real focus of the Arts & Crafts movement: expressing the true nature of humble materials."

Michelle Nelson (http://www.CraftsmanHome.com) - "When asked for suggestions on kitchen counter surfaces, I almost always reply that solid surfaces are the best.

From a historic viewpoint, tile counter tops did not come into vogue until sometime in the 1920's. From a practicality standpoint, these tile counter tops did not wear well. The grout did not and does not hold up to the test of time, as it degrades and discolors from the variety of acidic and other organic materials that come into contact with it. The tile itself was often distressed by the variety of heavy pans, knives and other objects that were dragged across or dropped onto it.

Solid surfaces such as hardwood counters, soapstone, marble, or even free standing enameled metal top pieces seem to be in many cases (with some TLC and maintenance) more forgiving and longer lasting. For a contemporary home, I am most inclined to use soapstone and marble. There are baking tables, wash basins and work surfaces made of each of these materials that are over a hundred years old - and I love the feel of them as they age and patinate. There is a tactile friendliness to them as opposed to many other popular surfaces which can seem cold, shiny and unwelcoming, qualities not expected in an Arts and Crafts home.

They are both anti-microbial, impervious to heat and wonderful to work on. They do demand a modicum of care, but in the case of soapstone (which is also non-absorbent), a scratch in the surface can be easily erased with a bit of oil and some steel wool.

In regard to marble, which can be stained by acidic foods or wine, it is possible to remove many stains by applying a salt poultice. The ease of rolling out dough on the cool surfaces, quickly setting down a hot roaster just out of the oven, setting a boiling saucepan directly onto the counter without fear of leaving a mark, or just preparing a meal right on the counter without being concerned for absorption of juices, fluids or germs from uncooked foodstuffs, is a delight."

Michael FitzSimmons (www.fitzdecarts.com) - "The trick in remodeling an old kitchen or designing a new one in the Arts & Crafts style is to provide for modern usage and amenities, but make it all look correct to the period.

For countertops I have used a variety of materials, from maple butcher block to granite, soapstone, concrete or one of the manufactured quartz products like Silestone. With wood, which I like to use on islands or prep centers, there are minor ongoing care issues. You need to be dedicated in keeping it clean, and some foods, like tomato sauce or red wine, can stain it. The nice thing is that you can always resand and seal it if things get too messy. Weekly oiling with a product made for butcher blocks is about all you need to keep it looking good, and it does get a nice, rich patina with age. I don't like it near water, however, and usually when I incorporate it into a kitchen, I also use a stone product as well for the main countertops.

As for stones, be it any of the four mentioned above, I always use a honed rather than polished surface. I feel it has a more period look, and the honed material has a nice, 'soft' quality. Soapstone also needs oiling for the first year or so, but, once you're past that, it is pretty much maintenance free. The nice thing about honed granite is that it comes in a wide range of colors.

I've only used cement once, and liked it a lot. It is important to use someone who specializes in cement countertops, however, as the manufacture and installation can be tricky.

As for the manufactured materials, they cut, shape and install just like natural stone, but are more uniform in look, which is sometimes appropriate. Supposedly they are more sanitary and anti-microbial than stone as well. There are fewer colors to choose from, but most of the ones that would be appropriate for an Arts & Crafts kitchen are available in either Silestone or CaesarStone.

So, there you have it: suggestions from three experienced designers who know their way around an Arts & Crafts kitchen.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of them through their websites.

Good Luck!

Michael FitzSimmons (www.fitzdecarts.com)

Michelle Nelson (designmnd@gmail.com)

Sandra Vitzhum (http://www.sandravitzthum.com)