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When starting a kitchen remodeling project, customers can feel overwhelmed with the wide range of countertop products on offer. Depending on the look the client is trying to achieve, using a beautiful, high-quality countertop surface can complete a very attractive design. Designers can use laminate, solid surface, granite, and various other materials.
Laminate countertops are a synthetic product made primarily of plastic that is heat-glued to a wood base. Laminate material is made by several different producers, including Wilsonart, Formica, and Pionite. These covers are custom built, can have loose or one-piece backsplashes, and come in a wide variety of edge profiles. One of the greatest strengths of this countertop style is its cost effectiveness. However, laminate tops are not as water, scratch, and stain resistant as many other materials, which should be factored into the decision process.
Plastic countertop materials are also available in solid surface form. These tops are constructed from select plastic compounds and are molded to fit any setting. Because solid surface countertops are molded, they can offer customers a consistent look throughout the kitchen and bath, including leak-proof sink applications. Like their laminate counterparts, these tops are available from a wide variety of manufacturers and in a large selection of colors. Although solid surface tops tend to lose their shine over time, they have the added benefit of being re-sandable and re-buffable to replenish their finish.
If a client is looking for a cleaner, more natural look, granite countertops could be the answer. Granite tops are made of stone, probably quarried from the side of a mountain, and can be collected all over the world. The raw material is shipped to the manufacturer in very large slabs, which can be cut into different thicknesses. For any project, the three-centimeter thickness will always outlast the thinner options some dealers offer.
Once a slab is selected by the owner, it is cut into pieces and polished to a high shine. For shipping and installation purposes, most granite countertops will have seams in the final application. Highly attractive stainless steel undermount sinks can add the finishing touch to a beautiful remodeling project. Maintenance is a concern for granite countertops. If initial baked-on sealer is not an option for a customer due to cost increases, annual sealing is highly recommended to help with stain and mildew resistance.
Regardless of the countertop material selected by a remodeling client, the most important aspect of the project is undoubtedly the installation. Finding a reliable, licensed installer will ensure countertops are level and secure, with any and all safety measures taken into account for years to come.
