Today’s countertop options are vast and the selection process should be considered an investment in time and money. Realizing that different types of materials each have their own pros and cons will help give you the tools to decide on the best surface for your needs. Two areas of distinction for all countertop surfaces revolve around Appearance and Performance.
Appearance – Gloss or matte finish, smooth or rough, consistent patterns or a multitude of veining……all details impacting the appearance of products used for typical countertops.
Performance – Countertops take a lot of abuse whether they are in a home, apartment or commercial building. Consideration around their ability to be stain, heat and scratch resistant becomes a factor during the selection process.
GRANITE
Granite is a natural rock and comes in a large assortment of colors. Various colors within the granite contain minerals that appear as small flecks throughout the stone that creates a “salt and pepper” appearance. Other selections have veining to various degrees that are similar to marble. Granite is an extremely hard stone, but can be polished to provide several types of finishes.
QUARTZ
Quartz (also known as “engineered stone”) is made by combining over 90% quartz with resin and pigments in a pressurized process that binds the materials into a slab format. The end result has properties similar to granite, such as: heat, scratch and stain resistance. Brands such as Silestone, Caesarstone and Cambria offer an array of colors to meet the extensive styles in today’s architectural community. A clear choice for modern design schemes.
SOLID SURFACE
Popular brands of solid surface materials include Corian and Wilsonart; each providing excellent bacterial and stain resistance options, while providing a very durable surface or wall. These products come in a diverse color range with looks such as metallic, glass, pearlescent, translucent and stone; each having a continuous pattern.
CULTURED MARBLE
Simply speaking, cultured marble is a mixture of resin and crushed limestone and molded to a specific shape. The most common products formed with this material are bath products; vanities, shower pans, tubs, and wall panels. Its popularity is due to it being less expensive than traditional marble while providing a similar look.
ENGINEERED MARBLE
This product utilizes technology to eliminate some of the drawbacks with the natural stone of marble. Engineered marble is a cost effective alternative that incorporates marble aggregate, resins and filler to form a product that is consistent in color. Popular uses are in the bath vanity area and it has become an upgraded product to traditional cultured marble.
LAMINATE
Laminate countertops have been a mainstay in the industry for many years. They remain an economical alternative to stone products, while providing color schemes that are almost unlimited. Popular manufacturers such as Wilsonart and Formica, have transformed the industry colors, patterns and edge details that meet the changing needs of the industry.
