1. Which kind of countertop should I choose for my kitchen?
There are many forms of countertops to select from that offer endless color choices and a number of textures. When making a choice, 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 price 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 some laminates and $300 per square foot for top of the line granite countertops.
4. How long may i expect my countertops to last?
The duration of a countertop material varies based on several factors. Some surfaces such as laminate can scratch, other surfaces such as granite need periodic resealing, and several surfaces could be damaged by heat.
5. What manufacturers produce countertops?
Some of the manufacturers involved in producing countertops are Avonite, Cambria Quartz, DuPont Corian, DuPont Zodiaq, Formica, Nevamar, Silestone, Swanstone, Wilsonart, and much more.
6. Which types of countertop products can I find out there?
The types of countertops available include laminate, solid surface, engineered stone, granite, marble, soapstone, concrete, and much more.
1. Why choose Additional reading ?
Laminate is a low priced option that is easy to clean and requires little maintenance. Laminate can be offered within an endless quantity 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 could be sanded out. Solid surfaces can be custom fit to a unique countertop shape.
3. Why choose Engineered Stone?
Engineered stone countertops have gained much popularity recently due to its strength, variety of choices, and exceptionally low maintenance needs. These are the most durable surfaces, are resistant to stains and heat damage, and also have no dependence on sealing.
4. Why choose Granite?
Granite is a beautiful stone that 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 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?
Soapstone has a original feel, found in 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 ideal for unusually shaped countertops since they can be worked 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 is offered 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 minimal amount of maintenance?
Engineered stone happens to be in the lead for needing minimal quantity of maintenance. These surfaces are 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 which is the fourth hardest material behind diamond, topaz and sapphire.
10. What can I do if I as an expensive countertop material, but can't spend the money for price tag?
There are numerous options to overcome this issue. Several less costly surface materials can be created to imitate more expensive 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 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 allows for complete design flexibility and has a ten-year limited warranty.
2. How should I look after Avonite Surfaces?
When working with these countertops, it is best to use a hot pad or trivet and a cutting board, because like all solid surfaces they are able to expand with heat and become scratched. If needed, Avonite can 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 hardly any maintenance. Cambria may be used 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 maintain my Corian� countertops?
Corian� is a brand name for a solid surfacing material developed 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 and never requires sealing. These surfaces can be cleaned with soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner for day-to-day care.
5. What exactly are DuPont(TM) Zodiaq� quartz surfaces?
These surfaces are made from 93% quartz and come in more than 30 colors. Zodiaq� surfaces have become durable, nonporous and chemical-resistant. They do not require sealants or waxes and can be easily cleaned with a nonabrasive cleaner.
6. Can Zodiaq� and Corian� be used together?
Yes. The two materials can be inlaid in to the other, either along the edges or on the surfaces. They are able to each be coupled with other materials as well, such as for example chrome, stainless steal, glass or brass.
7. What products does Formica offer?