Countertops 101 - Common Materials
The world of countertops is vast and can be a bit overwhelming. My best advice is to find a good local countertop fabricator who can explain the finer points of each material. To get you started, however, I wanted to break your options down into more manageable categories. This will help you to better understand which material is right for your home, lifestyle, and budget. It can also help you pick the right fabricator, as most countertop companies don’t handle every material available. So, let’s take a look at three of the most common countertop material categories and what makes them unique.
Laminate, sometimes referred to by the brand name Formica, is made of layers of paper and resin, which is then laminated onto particleboard or plywood. This is generally the most economical countertop material available. Most of us have had laminate tops at some point, but the technology has come a long way from solid colors and basic textures. Companies like Formica and Wilsonart have created laminate colors that mimic marble and other natural stones. They even incorporate gloss finishes and pitted textures to enhance the illusion. Laminate requires no special maintenance and is easy to clean. You do need to be aware that it can scratch, and you should never place a hot pan on your laminate countertop. Also, I do not recommend using an undermount sink in laminate. Some companies have developed ways to undermount a sink to a laminate top, but you could still run the risk of having water seep into the plywood or particleboard substrate. All in all, it really is a good option for the money.
Formica 180fx laminate in Quartzite Bianco
Natural stone is another great material for countertops. This includes granite, marble, soapstone, quartzite, and many others. Stone makes for a very user-friendly countertop choice, as it is naturally heat and scratch resistant. Each specific type of stone can vary in hardness, though, so make sure you discuss your options with your stone fabricator before finalizing your order. Natural stone does involve some regular maintenance. Because it is a porous material, it will need to be sealed regularly to prevent staining. The true benefit of a stone countertop, though, is the natural beauty of the organic patterns and textures. Each slab is unique. This can be tricky if your project requires multiple slabs, but it creates a look that cannot be duplicated. As for cost, stone tops come in a range of prices, all of which are going to be higher than laminate. Stone tops are meant to stand the test of time, though, so they are definitely a good investment.
Granite countertops. Image from lowes.com.
Quartz, not to be confused with quartzite, is another popular countertop option. Unlike natural stone, quartz is actually an engineered product. Manufacturers combine quartz minerals with resins and pigments to create a very durable countertop material. Like stone, quartz is heat and scratch resistant, but because it is nonporous, it requires no maintenance. It may not have the unique veining and patterns of natural stone, but quartz manufacturers, like Cambria and Caesarstone, have developed a wide range of strikingly beautiful colors. These can be anything from neutrals to stone-like patterns to bright colors with chunks of mirror imbedded in them. The sky is the limit. Plus, because the colors can be controlled, it is easier to work with, if your project involves multiple slabs. Quartz can also mimic other materials that may not be suitable for hard use. For example, marble is not recommended for kitchen counters, because it etches easily and can stain. A marble-colored quartz, however, is a durable and beautiful alternative. The cost for most quartz brands is usually higher than lower-level granites, but like natural stone, it can be a great long-term investment for your home.
Cambria quartz in Bentley
When it comes to countertops, the possibilities are endless. This was an overview of three of the most common types, but there are many other materials that can be used for counters. I will try to address those in a future post. Hopefully, this breakdown of materials will help you to narrow down your options. Whatever your needs, there is a countertop that is just right for your home.
