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Countertops
The problem with countertops today is there are too many choices! I guess that is a good problem to have. This page will discuss the mainstream choices available today. I will give you the basic pros and cons of each product. At the bottom of the page I will recommend some suppliers I do business with. As always, if you have specific questions that are not addressed in this web site, just contact me and I will get you the information you need.
LaminateLaminate tops (often referred to as Formica) are the most popular. Laminate, in my opinion, is the most cost effective. It is inexpensive, yet it can make a drastic difference in the appearance of bathrooms and kitchens. Like everything else, you get what you pay for in the laminate market. There are multiple colors and patterns available. You can order custom made laminate tops, or you can make your own(or have a contractor make them for you). Laminate is sold in sheets which can be cut and router to fit your cabinet configuration. Check out this web site for instructions on laminating your own counter tops.PROS Cost effective. Huge selection of color and patterns. Stain resistant.
Cons Will not last as long as better grade materials. Susceptible to scratching. Susceptible to heat damage. ConcreteConcrete makes for a beautiful countertop due to the fact that it can be textured and imprinted with multiple designs. Concrete is usually poured at the site. For more information on concrete tops, check out this link.
PROS
Can be textured. Can have designs imprinted in the concrete. Can be stained to match your kitchen or bath.
Cons Stains easy. Must be sealed every year. Expensive. Engineered stoneThis product is made from quartz and other types of stone sealed together with a bonding agent, like epoxy. With natural stone such as granite, the color pattern can very from slab to slab. If you have a large amount of counter space, you will most likely have different shades and patterns throughout the kitchen. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, it is what attracts some people to the product. However, if you want a product that still looks like stone but is more uniformed in shade and pattern, then you will want to check out engineered stone products. A very popular engineered stone is Sile stonePROS More uniformed shade and pattern. Resists stains and heat. Durable.
Cons expensive. Solid surfacePeople often refer to solid surface tops as “Corian”. Corian is a solid surface product, but it is a brand name. Solid surface tops are basically plastic. They are generally made in one piece and can have the sink bowls molded right into the countertop. This is an attractive countertop/Sink combo and it is easy to clean. Check out this link for different manufacturers and suppliers of solid surface products.
Pros Comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Seamless. Can have sinks formed in the countertop. Stain and heat resistant. Scratch resistant.
Cons
It can be expensive, but in my opinion it is good value for the money. Stainless steelStainless steel has been around in professional kitchens for a long time. It is said that stainless steel is the only surface that can be safely bleached. It gives the kitchen a modern look.
Pros Stain and heat resistant. Comes in many finishes. Durable. Can be bleached.
Cons
Expensive. Ceramic tileCeramic tile is a cost efficient choice if you can install it yourself. The materials are relatively inexpensive. There are numerous patterns, textures, colors and sizes to choose from. Depending on the tile chosen, it is extremely durable and resistant to heat, scratching, and stains. The grout lines however, require regular sealing to avoid stains. Tile can be difficult to install. If you have never installed tile before, the kitchen may not be the best place to learn. For more information click on this ceramic tile link.
PROS
Cost effective. Heat, scratch and stain resistant.
Cons Requires maintenance. Grout lines can be stained and collect dirt. Natural stoneNatural stone products are beautiful. Like anything in nature, the color and pattern will vary from slab to slab. This gives the kitchen a natural beauty that is hard to replicate using man made products. If you have a large amount of surface area, you may have widely varying patterns and colors. Some installers will allow you to visit the stone supplier so you can pick out the slab(s)that you want your countertops to be made from. Most likely your countertop will need to be seemed together as it rarely can be cut as one continuous piece. Foe more information on natural stone, check out this link.PROS Beautiful. Durable. Heat resistant.
Cons Some stone products are more prone to stains than others. Requires maintenance. Difficult to repair if damaged. Requires seems. Where to buy laminate countertopsThere are numerous places around the Lansing area that sell counter tops. Menards has pre-made countertops in stock which are reasonably priced. The problem with the pre-made products are, they may not fit your kitchen cabinet configuration. However, if you are starting a kitchen from scratch and can design it to fit the pre-made countertops, then you may be able to save a substantial amount of money. Menards also offers custom made countertops. If you buy the sink from them, they can have the sink hole cut out at the factory. This is a great service. Over all, they do a good job making custom laminate countertops. The down side is they will not measure your cabinets for you nor will they install countertops. So you have to be exact when measuring the cabinets because they will not assume responsibility if the cabinets are measured incorrectly. Stop in and talk to there countertop personnel. They will tell you how to measure you cabinets.I have also used a man named Rob Morris. He is more expensive than Menards, but he will measure you counter tops and will install them. He is an excellent craftsman, and can be found on the contractor referral page. contractor referral page.
Where to buy other stone and solid surface materialI personally have not purchased any countertops other than laminate. I have employed Rob Morris (contact info can be found on contractor referral page) and he has created some outstanding laminate countertops for me. He advertises solid surface and natural countertops as well. I do know that there are many countertop dealers listed in the yellow pages. Make sure you shop around and get as much information as you can from each supplier. If you read the links on this page and visit a few stores, you will be able to make an educated decision about your countertops.Where to buy ceramic tileI like Tile Mart. They are extremely knowlegible and they have a large selection.
If you have any questions about any of the materials, please contact me, and I will get you the information you need. Tanner-Phillips Properties installs countertops and does custom ceramic work. Check out the services we offer. We also offer consulting services. leave countertops page and return to construction materials page
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