Countertop FAQs
1. Which kind of countertop should I choose for my kitchen?
There are many forms of countertops from which to choose that offer endless color choices and a number of textures. When making a decision, you should think about factors such as the way you intend to use your countertop, what expectations you have for the durability and maintenance of the countertop, and your budget.
2. What factors determine the cost of a countertop?
Quality and kind of material
Difficulty of installation
Edge treatment material and design
Backsplash material and design
3. What is the range of countertop prices?
Countertops are usually priced by the square foot. Prices can range between $5 per square foot for a few laminates and $300 per square foot for top level of the line granite countertops.
4. How long may i expect my countertops to last?
The duration of a countertop material varies predicated on several factors. Some surfaces such as laminate can scratch, other surfaces such as granite need periodic resealing, and many surfaces could be damaged by heat.
5. What manufacturers produce countertops?
A few of the manufacturers involved with producing countertops are Avonite, Cambria Quartz, DuPont Corian, DuPont Zodiaq, Formica, Nevamar, Silestone, Swanstone, Wilsonart, and many more.
6. Which forms of countertop products may i find in the marketplace?
The forms of countertops available include laminate, solid surface, engineered stone, granite, marble, soapstone, concrete, and many more.
1. Why choose Laminate?
Laminate is a low priced option that is easy to clean and requires little maintenance. Laminate can be offered in an endless quantity of colors and designs.
2. Why choose Solid Surface?
Solid surface countertops have a clean and uniform appearance. These surfaces are very durable and most scratches could be sanded out. Solid surfaces can even be custom fit to a distinctive countertop shape.
3. Why choose Engineered Stone?
Engineered stone countertops have gained much popularity in recent years due to its strength, selection of choices, and exceptionally low maintenance needs. These are the most durable surfaces, are resistant to stains and heat damage, and also have no need for sealing.
4. Why choose Granite?
Granite is really a beautiful stone that has a unique look and feel. Granite countertops are durable and heat resistant, and are obtainable in almost 200 variations.
5. Why choose Marble?
Marble is an elegant natural stone with a warm and soft appearance. Marble is ideal for low-traffic countertops and contains unique veining patterns.
6. Why choose Soapstone?
Soapstone has a original feel, within rich and deep colors. These countertops require little maintenance and are naturally heat resistant.
7. Why choose Concrete?
Concrete countertops are strong, heat and scratch resistant, and uniquely textured. These countertops are perfect for unusually shaped countertops because they can be worked right into a variety of shapes.
8. How can I put in a personal touch to my countertop product?
Several countertop products could be designed and decorated to meet up your individual style. Tiles, shells, along with other objects can be set into concrete surfaces. Solid surfaces could be formed into nontraditional shapes. Laminate is offered in an endless level of colors and natural stone such as granite and marble are unique because no two pieces are the same.
9. Which countertop product requires the least amount of maintenance?
Engineered stone happens to be in the lead for needing the least level of maintenance. These surfaces will be the most durable surface material, are resistant to stains and acid damage, heat resistant, and do not need sealing or resealing. Engineered stone is composed by a majority of quartz that is the fourth hardest material behind diamond, topaz and sapphire.
10. What can I really do if I as an expensive countertop material, but can't spend the money for price tag?
There are plenty of options to overcome this problem. Several less expensive surface materials can be created to imitate more costly options such as for example granite and marble. For example, laminate can replicate the appearance of granite and solid surface while natural stone surfaces are available in less expensive forms that are less thick or are softer minerals.
1. What products are produced by Avonite Surfaces and what benefits do they provide?
Avonite Surfaces produces solid surface products. These products are hygienic and non-porous, and scratches can simply be repaired with sand paper. Avonite's pattern allows for complete design flexibility and has a ten-year limited warranty.
2. How should I care for Avonite Surfaces?
When working with these countertops, it is best to work with a hot pad or trivet and a cutting board, because like all solid surfaces they can expand with heat and become scratched. If needed, Avonite could be buffed back again to its original shine with a higher gloss countertop.
3. What is Cambria?
Cambria is really a natural quartz surface product. It is one of the hardest countertop surfaces, will not absorb stains, and requires hardly any maintenance. Cambria can be utilized for a variety of surfaces including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, desk tops and fireplace surrounds. Cambria offers a 10-year limited warranty on its products.
4. What is Corian� and should I protect and keep maintaining my Corian� countertops?
Corian� is Interior Design Sherborne for a solid surfacing material created by DuPont(TM). Corian� offers a wide variety of looks because it can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted or bent. Corian� is stain and heat resistant rather than requires sealing. These surfaces could be cleaned with soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner for day-to-day care.
5. What are DuPont(TM) Zodiaq� quartz surfaces?
These surfaces are created from 93% quartz and come in more than 30 colors. Zodiaq� surfaces have become durable, nonporous and chemical-resistant. They don't require sealants or waxes and can be easily cleaned with a nonabrasive cleaner.
6. Can Zodiaq� and Corian� be used together?
Yes. Both materials could be inlaid in to the other, either across the edges or on the surfaces. They are able to each be combined with other materials as well, such as chrome, stainless steal, glass or brass.
7. What products does Formica offer?