1. What type of countertop should I choose for my kitchen?
There are many types of countertops to choose from that offer endless color options and a variety of textures. When making a decision, you should consider factors such as how you plan to use your countertop, what expectations you have for the countertop’s durability and maintenance, and your budget.
2. What factors determine the price of a countertop?
Quality and type of material.
installation difficulty
Material and design of the edge treatment.
Splash Guard Material and Design
3. What is the price range of countertops?
Countertops are typically priced per square foot. Prices can range from $5 per square foot for some laminate to $300 per square foot for top-of-the-line granite countertops.
4. How long can I expect my countertops to last?
The useful life of a countertop material varies based on several factors. Some surfaces, like laminate, can scratch, other surfaces, like granite, need periodic resealing, and many surfaces can be damaged by heat.
5. Which manufacturers produce countertops?
Some of the manufacturers involved in the production of countertops are Avonite, Cambria Quartz, DuPont Corian, DuPont Zodiaq, Formica, Nevamar, Silestone, Swanstone, Wilsonart and many more.
6. What types of countertop products can I find on the market?
Countertop types available include laminate, solid surface, engineered stone, granite, marble, soapstone, concrete, and many more.
1. Why choose laminate?
Laminate is a low-cost option that is easy to clean and requires little maintenance. Laminate is also offered in a myriad of colors and patterns.
2. Why choose Solid Surface?
Solid surface countertops have a clean, uniform appearance. These surfaces are very durable and most scratches can be sanded away. Solid surfaces can also be custom tailored for a unique countertop shape.
3. Why choose engineered stone?
Engineered stone countertops have gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to their strength, variety of options, and exceptionally low maintenance needs. These are the most durable surfaces, resistant to stains and heat damage, and do not need sealing.
4. Why choose granite?
Granite is a gemstone that has a unique look and feel. Granite countertops are durable and heat resistant, and are available in nearly 200 variations.
5. Why choose Marble?
Marble is an elegant natural stone with a warm and smooth appearance. Marble is ideal for low-traffic countertops and has unique vein patterns.
6. Why choose soapstone?
Soapstone has a unique feel, found in deep, rich colors. These countertops require little maintenance and are naturally resistant to heat.
7. Why choose Concrete?
Concrete countertops are strong, heat and scratch resistant, and have a unique texture. These countertops are ideal for countertops of unusual shapes because they can be worked in a variety of ways.
8. How can I add a personal touch to my counter product?
Various countertop products can be designed and decorated to meet your personal style. Tiles, shells and other objects can be placed on concrete surfaces. Solid surfaces can be formed in non-traditional ways. Laminate is offered in endless colors and natural stones like granite and marble are unique because no two pieces are the same.
9. Which countertop product requires the least amount of maintenance?
Engineered stone is currently in the lead for requiring the least amount of maintenance. These surfaces are the most durable surfacing material, resistant to stains and acid damage, resistant to heat, and do not need to be sealed or resealed. Engineered stone is mostly made of quartz, which is the fourth hardest material after diamond, topaz and sapphire.
10. What can I do if I like an expensive countertop material, but can’t afford the price?
There are many options to overcome this problem. Various less expensive surface materials can be created to mimic more expensive options like granite and marble. For example, laminate can replicate the look of granite and solid surface, while natural stone surfaces can be found in less expensive forms that are less thick or are softer minerals.
1. What products does Avonite Surfaces produce and what benefits do they offer?
Avonite Surfaces produces solid surface products. These products are hygienic and non-porous, and scratches can be easily repaired with sandpaper. The Avonite pattern allows complete design flexibility and comes with a ten year limited warranty.
2. How should I care for Avonite surfaces?
When using these countertops, you should always use a heating pad or trivet and cutting board, because like all solid surfaces, they can expand with heat and scratch. If required, Avonite can be polished to its original shine with a high gloss countertop.
3. What is Cambria?
Cambria is a natural quartz surface product. It is one of the hardest countertop surfaces, does not absorb stains and requires very little maintenance. Cambria can be used for a variety of surfaces including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, desks, 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 surface material created by DuPont(TM). Corian® offers a wide variety of appearances 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 daily care.
5. What are DuPont(TM) Zodiaq® quartz surfaces?
These surfaces are made from 93% quartz and come in over 30 colors. Zodiaq® surfaces are highly durable, non-porous and chemical resistant. They do not require sealers or waxes and can be easily cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner.
6. Can Zodiaq® and Corian® be used together?
Yes. The two materials can be placed inside each other, either along edges or on surfaces. They can also be combined with other materials, such as chrome, stainless steel, glass or brass.
7. What products does Formica offer?
Formica Corporation is a global company that offers many types of surface materials, including laminates, stone, and solid surfaces. Formica products are easy to maintain and can mimic the look of more expensive materials.