Counter Tops - How to make the right choice
There are an abundance of materials available for counter tops, each with it's own look and properties. When searching for a new counter top, keep in mind how you use your space, your desired look and your budget.
Below we have outlined the top materials used for counters, their properties and links to the various manufacturers. Use this as a guide in determining which material is best for you.
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Acrylic Solid Surface
Acrylic is nonporous, stains do not penetrate the surface. With proper cleaning, also resists the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Acrylic has a heat and scratch resistance of 7. Darker colors tend to show scratching more, but most scratching can be buffed out with a ScotchBrite pad. Extended exposure to high heat will scorch and crack the product.
Products such as sinks and backsplashes can be perfectly integrated to create the illusion of a single, solid surface. With a cove-backsplash there are no cracks to collect dirt and moisture.
Price Range: $39.00 - $68.00 Per Sq. Ft. Installed
For more information and color selections click the following links:
Quartz
Unlike Acrylic solid surfaces and laminates, Quartz has a scratch and scorch resistance of 9. It will withstand limited exposure to heat without burning or scorching. The fire of a lit match will not mar Quartz. However, as advised by crock pot and electric skillet manufacturers, do not place these items directly on any countertop. Always use trivets when placing hot items on any natural stone or quartz surface for extended periods to avoid the chance of thermal shock.
Quartz has four times the flexural strength of granite, making it less susceptible to chipping and cracking during transportation and installation.
Because it is non-porous, Quartz does not need to be sealed. Granite, marble and limestone, on the other hand, must be sealed on installation and resealed regularly to prevent staining. Quartz is a maintenance-free star compared to other solid surfaces that may require rigorous maintenance to clean up tough stains, scratches and scorch marks.
Price Range: $53.00 - $95.00 Per Sq. Ft. Installed
For more information and color selections click the following links:
Granite
Because of it's durability and longevity granite is great for heavily used surfaces. Available in every color imaginable, it has become one of the most popular stones on the market. Leading consumer magazines have given granite the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen countertop material. It has a scratch and scorch resistance of 9 and cleans up easily with warm water and a small amount of non-abrasive soap.
Granite by nature is anti-bacterial. Bacteria requires several things in order to thrive and grow: oxygen, water, sunlight, nutrients, and a substrate to form on. The minerals in granite are toxic to bacteria. As a result, there is no habitable environment for bacteria to live and grow on a granite surface. It is, however, porous and annual sealings will be required to maintain a stain-free counter top. Sealing is a quick and easy task, and sealing materials are available at most home centers, hardware stores, stone fabrication shops, and flooring centers.
Price Range: $53.00 - $83.00 Per Sq. Ft. Installed
For more information and color selections click the following link:
Laminate
Probably the most familiar and least expensive of counter top materials is Laminate. It has, over the years, come a long way! There are an abundance of colors and textures to choose from, some that even fool they eye to resemble granite! It is the perfect material for Do It Yourself projects.
It has a scorch and scratch resistance of about 5, stain resistance of about 7, but with proper care can last for decades. Wilsonart has come out with their HD (High Definition) Series that has taken laminates to a new level of durability and texture. For the budget conscious who want the look and feel of a natural stone...this one is for you!
Price Range: $17.00 - $36.00 Per LF. DIY
$32.00 - $59.00 Per LF. Installed
For more information and color selections click the following links:
Butcher Block
A classic accent surface perfect for island tops, Maple Butcher Block counter tops are available in a variety of depths (25", 30", 36") lengths (12" to 12') and a 1 1/2 inch thickness. They wear and patina with use and age (if thats your thing) or can be easily sanded down and re-sealed with a food grade sealant to reveal a fresh-new surface. Butcher Block tops are NOT anti-bacterial, and should be cleaned with any widely available food safe cleaner after every use.
When used as an island top with a natural stone perimeter, it gives a truly "gourmet" look to a kitchen. It is also very much a Do It Yourself installable product.
Price Range: $41.00 - $594.00 Per TOP, depending on size.