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MATERIAL	WHERE IT'S USED	MAINTENANCE	COST RANGE	IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?
Acrylic	Bathroom sinks and tubs	Use nonabrasive cleaners; wipe down after use with a dry, soft cloth. Apply a non-grit paste wax occasionally	Medium to high	Top-of-the-line choice for large two-person tubs and whirlpools
Ceramic Tile	Floors, counters and backsplashes	Use a mild, nonabrasive household cleaner, or soap and water	Low medium to high	Virtually limitless colors and sizes provide maximum design freedom; durable but hard - and sometimes slippery - underfoot
Composites	Counters and sinks	Clean with mild, nonabrasive household cleaners, or mild detergent (or baking soda) and water	High	Lightweight, durable, easy to maintain; available in some colors
Conversion Varnish	Cabinet finish for wood and veneer	Wipe clean with a damp sponge	Medium to high	Toughest factory-applied finish used on wood and wood veneer
Cultured Stone	Bathroom sinks, tubs and counters	Use nonabrasive cleaners; wipe down after use with a dry, soft cloth	Medium	Quick solution for one-piece vanity top/sink; available at home centers
Enameled Cast Iron	Kitchen Sinks, bathroom fixtures	Use a nonabrasive cleaner; abrasives can pit the surface	High	Traditional luxury choice for standard-size tubs; offers unmatched depth of color and gloss in sinks and tubs
Enameled Steel	Bathtubs, bathroom and kitchen sinks	Use a nonabrasive cleaner; surface chips easily	Low	The low cost is its primary benefit; not as durable as more expensive options
Fiberglass/ABS	Bathroom fixtures	Use nonabrasive cleaners; wipe down after use with a dry, soft cloth	Low to medium	A good economy choice for tubs and one-piece shower units
Foil	Cabinets	Use a mild, nonabrasive household cleaner, or soap and water	Medium	Offers a low-maintenance surface; can be formed over angles and curves
Lacquer	Cabinet finish for wood and veneer	Clean with a soft, damp cloth	Medium	Wide variety of colors; reasonable price compared with polyester
Laminate	Cabinets, counters and floors	Use a mild, nonabrasive household cleaner, or soap and water	Low to medium	Great durability-to-price ratio; staggering array of colors and patterns. High-pressure more durable than low-pressure
Polyester	Cabinet finish for wood, veneer and MDF	Clean with water and dry with a soft cloth; do not use wax	High	Hard to beat for sleek, sophisticated styling in high-gloss cabinets; very high-maintenance
Rubber	Floors	Vacuum, or mop with household cleaners or soap and water	Low to medium	Easy-on-the-feet choice for flooring with a high-tech look; better for baths than kitchens
Solid Surfacing	Sinks, counters and showers	Use soap and water or a mild ammonia-based cleaner; buff out stubborn stains with a polishing compound	High	Extraordinarily durable; can be worked like wood to create molded shapes
Stainless Steel	Sinks and kitchen counters	Abrasives won't hurt stainless steel	Low to high	Traditional kitchen sink choice; comes in many bowl configurations. An interesting - but costly - countertop option
Stone	Counters and floors	Use mild household cleaners or soap and water; seal to protect porous stones against stains	High	Timeless look in scores of natural colors/patterns; will outlast your house, though marble can stain
Vinyl	Floors	Use a damp sponge on cabinets; vacuum floors and mop with a mild household cleaner	Low to medium	Easy on the feet and to maintain; you can save money by installing tiles yourself
Vitreous China	Fixtures	Use soap and water; avoid abrasives that can scratch the glaze	Low to high	Basic white toilets and sinks represent good value; colors up the ante, and hand-painting is strictly a splurge
Wood	Kitchen counters, cabinets and floors	Use a damp cloth on counters and cabinets; for floors, use products made specifically for polyurethane-treated wood	Cabinets: Medium to high; floors: Medium to high; counters: Medium to high	Natural warmth of wood tone and grain patterns; can take abuse
Wood Veneer	Cabinets	Use a damp cloth and dry thoroughly	Low to high (for exotic species)	Can be just as well-made as solid wood cabinets; superior dimensional stability

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