Counter Culture & UD
February 2026
Counters can be a variety of materials: granite, quartz, quartzite, marble, Corian, butcher block, soapstone, concrete, stainless steel, porcelain, and the list goes on. So many options.
In this blog, we will use Universal Design features for evaluating the most common counter options.
UD Checklist for Optimal Counters
Flexible: can work for hot, cold, light & dark objects.
Easy to Use: to clean and to keep clean.
Intuitive: people unfamiliar with the counter product can use it correctly (heat, burns etc).
Safe: you can’t burn it, scratch it, does it get germy, is it antimicrobial, and no sharp edges.
Minimal Effort to use: kids and older adults can manage it. Those with vision issues can see the counter, there is enough contrast., lighting is appropriate.
Esthetically pleasing: pick what you love!
Use your design sense to select something that not only has universal design but makes you happy!
Counters are either workspaces or storage spaces. They need to work for everyone. Recently, I visited a friend in her 80’s. The counter In her bathroom had everything on it. The counter was for storage of what should be in the lower cabinet. She was unable to safely reach down to use the lower cabinets! That’s why counters are workspaces or storage spaces.
I can’t tell you how many people as they age use the kitchen counter as a cabinet. Again, they no longer can reach the upper cabinets. Instead they place frequently used items on the counter. We need to plan for these aging scenarios. How? There are 3 options: more counter space, use pull out drawers for bottom shelves and pull down upper shelves. More on those in a later blog.
Pull out work spaces are another option we could employ in the counter designs. Think of chopping boards that pulled out, Desks that recess into a cabinet.
Normally, all counters are 36-40” from the floor. If you are shorter/taller you can adjust the counter to suit you. If your needing a work space, keep a portion of the counter all one level. If you have a variety of ages in the home, you might consider adjusting counters to meet that need or use a variety of chairs to accommodate young and old at the counter. Children will grow so think long term rather than just what is needed for now.
Easy to use matte finish quartz.
The deal with counters, make sure you can see what is on the counter. The matte finish helps in this case. Quartz can be difficult to repair.
Dark Granite with lots of variation. Good lighting will benefit a dark counter. Granite is durable & easy to use.
Marble makes it easy to see what is on the counter.
Softer stones like marble and limestone can chip or crack but can often be buffed out.
Marble is porous, needing to be sealed when installed. Requires regular maintenance and resealing for longevity and safety. Prone to marring or staining.
Typically the most expensive countertop option.
Wow look at this Stainless Steel counter! The sharp edges of the counter can be quite problematic.
Antibacterial, stain and heat-resistant.
Highly durable, making it ideal for food prep.
Copper, stainless steel, pewter, and zinc are susceptible to scratches and dents.
Can be expensive but very edgy looking!
Lighter granite with an overall pattern, but could you find a lego or a pill on it??? Visually its important to see what is on your counter! Heat resistant material.
Cream Quartz with a little darker veining. Offers contrast to most items on the counter.
Heat-stain-and scratch-resistant.
Easy to clean.
Easy to see objects on counter.
Does not require sealing or special care.
Not as natural looking as solid stone countertops.
Heat exposure over time can cause damage.
Costs almost as much as real stone.
Dramatic granite with lots of movement, makes a statement.
Things sometimes get lost on it like contacts! Think about what you will be doing at this counter.
Durable and heat-resistant but requires maintenance due to it’s porosity and susceptibility to stains. Difficult to repair.
Solid Surface Acrylic.
Good old white Corian!
Can’t go wrong with this color.
Heat-stain-and moisture-resistant.
Doesn't fade or age with time.
Easy to clean.
Can be repaired.
Can be scorched. Deep cuts or scratches might require special care. Available in a variety of shapes. Warm to touch. Depending on the color selection, it can be easy to see objects.
Butcher block counter.
Vulnerable to moisture, heat, acid, corrosive chemicals, and stains.
Shrinks or expands with extreme dryness or moisture.
Requires food-friendly sealing and routine maintenance.
Withstands cutting and chopping without dulling knives.
Wears with use for a charming patina.
Acrylic Solid surface Counter top. Could get burn marks but hygienic.
Concrete Countertop
Heat- and stain-resistant.
Durable.
Cracks can be repaired.
Must be sealed and regularly maintained to resist stains and water.
Susceptible to damage from highly acidic liquids.
Can be extremely heavy and require extra care.
What about Eco-friendly Counters including Bamboo and Recycled Glass?
Bamboo is easy to clean and less expensive than other eco-friendly countertop materials. It also has antibacterial properties. Bamboo countertops need to be sealed and routinely treated. They're susceptible to scratches and burning.
Recycled glass countertops are durable, heat & stain resistant and easy to clean.
Recycled glass can chip, scratch, or break with heavy impacts.
The great news is that new counter materials are always being introduced—have fun experimenting with design while keeping Universal Design in mind.
Ready to learn more?
