Countertops 101. .
Ok, you have decided to shop for countertops, maybe you have butcher block laminate from the 1970s or the old lenoleum countertops from the 1950s.. Either way statistics show you will get from 80 to 110 percent return on any project you do in your kitchen or bathroom. You won't go wrong updating your countertops. Lets get started on the options you have and what it will mean for the future of your kitchen or bathroom...We will explain the basics on cost and funcionality, durability, warranties, and the options you have. Use this as a basic guide, every situation and taste in design and color is different but for the most part the information in this page should get you started in the decison making process.
Laminate. . .
Start with the old standard, its been around since the 50's.....Laminate....Most people use the term "Formica", actually that is a brand name, there is also, Wilsonart, Pionite and Nevamar to name a few. They all have different products and colors but most importantly they are laminate products. On the plus side.. this product is the most economical, It is durable (stay away from glossy dark colors, they will show scratches in a kitchen application)..a good surface for food preparation..It cannot, for the most part be repaired, it can be scratched, a hot pan will burn it, but it is a functional and attractive option.. It is also the most economical and lowest in price. It comes in two design modes, one is custom , with the least seams, the other is post form. The post form type comes with a preconstructed edge, usually a rolled water fall type edge, preconstructed backsplash, usually 4 inches in height and will, if there are 90 degree corners (a downside here) it will have large corner seams. Custom laminate will have the same type of surface, with or without a coved backsplash and will have a variety of edge treatments on the front edge. A flat edge which is called a self edge, a bevel edge which has an angle to it,, a wood edge and even if you would like a solid surface edge. Your laminate countertop can now have a solid surface karran sink (see the link on the homepage) undermounted in it. The other sink options are a standard stainless steel or enameled cast iron sink. Uusally we will pre cut the hole and you or your plumber will install all except the karran undermount sink. If your main concern is budget, laminate may be the way to go, some of the new laminate colors even feature metal or stone like appearance and are far from the old pink or blue products of years past.
Solid surface. . .
This covers such brands as LG HI-macs (15 year transferrable warranty) Avonite, Staron, Megan
ite to name a few. They have been around for years (most people refer to them by the Dupont name of Corian) and the main attraction to this type of countertop is its apparent seamlesness and repairability. We say apparent because the seams are all but invisible, and if you choose an integrated sink, it too is solid surface and is integrated into the countertop , that is it appears to be one piece, except for the color transition. Acrylic sinks generally come in one of four neutral colors, ranging from white to almond..Except for Serenity solid surface, which has integrated acrylic sinks available in colors that match the solid surface countertop. You can also have us install an undermount stainless steel sink. Thus the solid surface acrylic countertop is in all aspects a seamless countertop. You can have coved backsplashes or backsplashes siliconed into the countertop (called hard splashes) at the wall. The backsplashes can also be panelled up to the bottom of the upper cabinets This countertop , while usually priced a little below natural stone and quartz, depending on color selection, is about 2 -3 times the cost of laminate. These countertops are durable but can be damaged by excessive heat from a pan, but are in all aspects completely repairable. They are impervious to bacteria and resist stains. If they are scratched, they can be repaired with some scotchbrite abrasive to original condition. They come in a variety of edge styles. They also can be made with contrasting color inlays (a front edge inlay in a contrasting color is a nice addition and does not add much cost to the total). Solid surface acrylic also makes a great shower enclosure with a custom shower base of the same material. Click on photo of "Palemo" by LG Hausys, to go to their web page.
Natural Stone. . .
Natural stone is primarily Granite, Marble or Soapstone (marble is more expensive, as is soapstone ).. It is cut into slabs and then the slabs are cut into countertop sized pieces, polished and installed. The main attraction of granite is it's beauty. It has a natural irregularity and has a depth of color that only nature can produce. Although the price of granite has come down recently, it is , depending on the color selection, one of the more expensive options. Granite is porous so it has to be sealed at least yearly to protect it from stains. It has seams, and can hold bacteria if not properly sealed.
Quartz. . .
Quartz products are basically ground up natural quartz that is then mixed with a hardening agent or resin to form the appearance of a totally natural product. Quartz brands include, LG Viatera, Cambria, (these two are my personal favorites) Silestone,DuPont Zodiac, Technistone, Staron, and many others. It has become a popular option for those who want stone but want a product that does not have to be sealed and protects from bacteria buildup. Pricing for Quartz products are usually more than solid surface and comparable with natural stone depending on the color selection. Speaking on color selection..Pricing of granite, quartz and solid surface will depend on the color selected. Each solid surface company has promotional colors that are the most economical in price. Generally , the more exotic and darker colors with larger aggregates ( visible particles) are more expensive to purchase and fabricate.. so when you are comparing prices, remember to stay with the specific color selections you have made in order to get a more accurate comparison...That is why it will be necessary to select colors before you can can arrive at a final exact price for comparison. Always remember that solid surface pricing will vary according to color, type of backsplash, inlays and sink selection. Natural stone prices can vary a lot due to the individual cost of a certain color groups. We have all products and colors available for your viewing in our showroom, or we would be happy to come to you with color and product samples.. Always, estimates are free.815-624-2296.
Picture above is from Camrria, click on picture to see Cambrias web site.