Consumer Reports

Countertops, Flooring, Appliances Put To The Test

Remodeling your kitchen can be an overwhelming task. There are thousands of products from which to choose. Cabinets, flooring, countertops and appliances. How do you know which ones are right for you?

Consumer Reports put kitchen materials through a series of tests to find out which ones are the most reliable in busy kitchens. 

Countertops:
 
Consumer Reports tested 11 countertop materials, including the ever-popular granite, quartz and laminate.

First, testers evaluated stain resistance. They put twenty different substances on countertops including food coloring, tomato sauce, and mustard.

With certain countertops, sealers are important for stain resistance. but they didn't always help.

"Unfortunately, in one of the instances, we found that Dupont's Kashmir White Sealer actually spread the stains instead of repelling them," said Celia Kuperszmid-Lehrman of Consumer Reports.

Next, the heat test. A pot filled with 400-degree oil is placed on each surface. While most products did well, the varnished butcher block ended up with a large scorch mark.

A third test was aimed at finding out how easily countertops can chip. Testers drop a heavy, blunt weight through a tube and onto the countertop. In this test, quartz and granite did not do very well.

Even so, Consumer Reports found quartz is the best choice for a busy kitchen. It is low maintenance and stain and heat resistant. Quartz is expensive selling at up to 90-dollars a square foot. Laminate is less expensive. It's also excellent at resisting stains and heat damage. 

Cabinets:
 
Cabinets are the generally the most expensive element in a new kitchen, typically eating up half the budget. Consumer Reports says look for dovetail joinery, sturdy, full extension drawer guides, plywood shelves and a furniture grade plywood in the cabinet box.

The good news here is that several low and mid-priced lines come with many of the features of more expensive brands. 

Flooring:

Consumer Reports tested various types of flooring to see how well they held up to scratches, stains and dents.

Plastic laminates are tougher than wood, usually cost a lot less, and they are easier to install.

"You can float them on the surface without the use of fasteners, staples, or glue," said Dan DiClerico of Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports quick pick for pre-finished solid wood? Bruce "Armstrong Dundee Plank."

The quick pick for engineered wood is Mannington Classic Collection Oregon Oak Plank.

In plastic laminates, the testers preferred Armstrong Nature's Gallery American Duet.

For vinyl, Congoleum's Durastone is a favorite, followed by a "best buy," Mannington Adura Essex Oak Plank.

If you decide to hire a contractor, make sure you check that company out. Check out references, check out the company's rating with the Better Business Bureau and try to get at least three bids. Most important of all, get everything in writing.

More Information:  Consumer Reports

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