COUNTERTOPS

Countertops can be made from a wide range of materials and the cost of the completed countertop can vary widely depending on the material chosen. The durability and ease of use of the material often rises with the increasing cost of the material but some costly materials are neither particularly durable nor user-friendly.  Contact us or visit our showroom to view samples.

Laminate / Postform
Plastic laminate countertops offer the best combination of price and durability, but they aren’t as attractive as stone or solid-surface counters. Seams and edges are visible, and the surface can be warped by heat, but laminate is otherwise easy to clean and maintain. Formica is the best-known brand.

Advantages

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Good selection colors and patterns
  • DIY installation is possible

Disadvantages

  • Not as elegant as other surfaces
  • Visible seams, edges
  • Difficult to repair
  • ​Prone to heat damage

    Solid Surface / Corian® 
    Made of acrylic or polyester plastics, solid-surface countertops come in a huge range of styles and colors, from traditional to funky. Solid-surface counters are easy to maintain, and although they are more prone to scratches than stone, they are also easier to repair.

    Advantages

    • Less expensive than other types
    • Huge selection of colors and patterns
    • Easy to maintain and repair
    • No visible seams
    • Very durable

      Disadvantages

      • Not as elegant as other surfaces
      • Lack luster of natrual stones
      • ​Prone to heat damage
      • Easier to scratch than stone

        Quartz 
        Quartz countertops, also called engineered stone, are a low-maintenance alternative to granite. Made of crushed quartz mixed with resins and polymers, quartz can mimic the look of stone, but unlike natural stone, it doesn’t need to be periodically treated with sealant.

        Advantages

        • Low maintenance
        • Resists heat, stains
        • Mimics look of natural stone
        • Excellent color/pattern choices

          Disadvantages

          • ​Expensive
          • Not as attractive as natural stone, some say

            Granite 
            Granite countertops are easily the most popular type. Granite is elegant, durable and can add to the resale value of your home. However, it’s expensive, and granite countertops need to be re-sealed a couple times a year to prevent stains.

            Advantages

            • Great for heavy use
            • Resists heat
            • Elegant appearance
            • Wide array of colors
            • Raises value of your home

              Disadvantages

              • Expensive
              • Must be regularly treated with sealer
              • Can chip or crack
              • Susseptable to staining