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 look at factors such as how you plan to use your countertop, what expectations you have for the durability and maintenance of the countertop, as well as 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 number of countertop prices?
Countertops are often priced by the square foot. Prices can range from $5 per square foot for a few laminates and $300 per square foot for top of the line granite countertops.
4. How long can 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 for example granite need periodic resealing, and many surfaces can 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 types of countertop products may i find out there?
The types of countertops available include laminate, solid surface, engineered stone, granite, marble, soapstone, concrete, and more.
1. Why choose Laminate?
Laminate is a low cost option that is an easy task to clean and requires little maintenance. Laminate can be offered within an endless amount 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 can 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 the most durable surfaces, are resistant to stains and heat damage, and have no dependence on sealing.
4. Why choose Granite?
Granite is really a beautiful stone which has a unique look and feel. Granite countertops are durable and heat resistant, and so 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 has 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 Oryx ?
Concrete countertops are strong, heat and scratch resistant, and uniquely textured. These countertops are perfect for unusually shaped countertops because they can be worked into a variety of shapes.
8. How can I add a personal touch to my countertop product?
Several countertop products could be designed and decorated to meet up your individual style. Tiles, shells, and other objects could be set into concrete surfaces. Solid surfaces can be formed into nontraditional shapes. Laminate emerges in an endless quantity of colors and natural stone such as for example 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 is currently in the lead for needing minimal amount 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 made up by a majority of 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 afford the price tag?
There are many options to overcome this issue. Several less expensive surface materials could be created to imitate more expensive options such as for example granite and marble. For instance, laminate can replicate the appearance of granite and solid surface while natural stone surfaces are available 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 provide?
Avonite Surfaces produces solid surface products. These 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 work with a hot pad or trivet and a cutting board, because like all solid surfaces they can expand with heat and be scratched. If needed, Avonite can be buffed back again to its original shine with a high gloss countertop.
3. What is Cambria?
Cambria is a natural quartz surface product. It is one of many hardest countertop surfaces, does not absorb stains, and requires hardly any maintenance. Cambria can be used for a number 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 really should I protect and maintain my Corian� countertops?
Corian� is a brand for a good 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 can 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 can be found 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 used together?
Yes. The two 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 for example chrome, stainless steal, glass or brass.
7. What products does Formica offer?