Countertop FAQs
1. What type of countertop should I choose for my kitchen?
There are many types of countertops from which to choose that offer endless color choices and a number of textures. When making a decision, you should consider factors such as the method that you plan 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 type 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 of the line granite countertops.
4. How long may i expect my countertops to last?
The lifetime 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 can be damaged by heat.
5. What manufacturers produce countertops?
A number 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 types of countertop products may i find that you can buy?
The types 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 an easy task to clean and requires little maintenance. Laminate can be offered in an endless level of colors and designs.
2. Why choose Solid Surface?
Solid surface countertops have a clean and uniform appearance. These surfaces have become durable and most scratches can be sanded out. Solid surfaces may also be custom fit to a unique countertop shape.
3. Why choose Engineered Stone?
Engineered stone countertops have gained much popularity in recent years because of its strength, selection of choices, and exceptionally zero-maintenance needs. These are probably 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 appear and feel. Granite countertops are durable and heat resistant, and are available in almost 200 variations.
5. Why choose Marble?
Marble can be 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?
Visit this page has a one of a kind feel, within rich and deep colors. These countertops require little maintenance and so 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 since 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 can 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 emerges in an endless amount of colors and natural stone such as granite and marble are unique because no two pieces will be the same.
9. Which countertop product requires the least amount of maintenance?
Engineered stone happens to be in the lead for needing the least quantity of maintenance. These surfaces will be the most durable surface material, are resistant to stains and acid damage, heat resistant, and don't need sealing or resealing. Engineered stone is composed by a most quartz that is the fourth hardest material behind diamond, topaz and sapphire.
10. What can I do if I like an expensive countertop material, but can't spend the money for price tag?
There are plenty of options to overcome this problem. Several less costly surface materials can be created to imitate more expensive options such as granite and marble. For instance, laminate can replicate the appearance of granite and solid surface while natural stone surfaces can be found in less expensive forms which are less thick or are softer minerals.
1. What products are produced by Avonite Surfaces and what benefits do they offer?
Avonite Surfaces produces solid surface products. The products are hygienic and non-porous, and scratches can easily be repaired with sand paper. Avonite's pattern permits complete design flexibility and has a ten-year limited warranty.
2. How should I look after Avonite Surfaces?
When using these countertops, you should always use a hot pad or trivet and a cutting board, because like all solid surfaces they are able to expand with heat and be scratched. If needed, Avonite could be buffed back to its original shine with a high gloss countertop.
3. What is Cambria?
Cambria is really a natural quartz surface product. It really is among the hardest countertop surfaces, will not absorb stains, and requires very little maintenance. Cambria can be used for a variety of surfaces including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, desk tops and fireplace surrounds. Cambria supplies a 10-year limited warranty on its products.
4. What is Corian� and should I protect and keep maintaining my Corian� countertops?
Corian� is a brand name for a solid surfacing material developed by DuPont(TM). Corian� offers a wide selection of looks because it can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted or bent. Corian� is stain and heat resistant and never 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 constructed with 93% quartz and come in a lot more than 30 colors. Zodiaq� surfaces are very durable, nonporous and chemical-resistant. They do not require sealants or waxes and may be easily cleaned with a nonabrasive cleaner.
6. Can Zodiaq� and Corian� be utilized together?
Yes. The two materials can be inlaid in to the other, either along the edges or on the surfaces. They can each be combined with other materials as well, such as chrome, stainless steal, glass or brass.
7. What products does Formica offer?