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Countertops Plus
A division of Regarding Kitchens, Countertops Plus is directed to the client looking to update their kitchen or bath without extensive remodeling. By simply replacing your countertops and putting in a new tile backsplash, you can completely change the atmosphere of your kitchen.
Laminate
(Formica, Wilsonart, Pionite, Nevamar) |
| WHAT IS IT? |
A synthetic material made of multiple sheets of kraft paper, a decorative paper and a melamine plastic coating. |
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| PROS: |
Impact resistant, cost effective, hundreds of colors and patterns |
| CONS: |
Difficult to repair, heat and water at seams will cause lifting, use cutting boards |
Solid Surface
(Corian, Hi-Macs, Formica Solid Surface, Avonite, Northstar, Staron) |
| WHAT IS IT? |
A solid, synthetic acrylic and/or polyester resin that is uniform throughout the sheet. |
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| PROS: |
Seamless look, non-porous, variety of colors and finishes, decorative shapes and integrated sinks, has manufacturer warranty, renewable surface |
| CONS: |
Scratches easily, thermal shock may cause cracks, surface stains, use cutting boards |
Granite |
| WHAT IS IT? |
A hard, igneous rock consisting of feldspar, quartz, mica, and other minerals. |
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| PROS: |
Heat resistant, scratch resistant, unique colors and patterns |
| CONS: |
Has fissures/cracks, pits, can stain, has to be sealed periodically, not color consistent, visible seams |
Marble
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| WHAT IS IT? |
Natural stone composed of metamorphic limestone or dolostone. |
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| PROS: |
Unique colors and patterns, high polish finish |
| CONS: |
May stain, can easily scratch and chip, must be sealed periodically, visible seams
* Not recommended for kitchen use, only medium use bathrooms |
Soapstone
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| WHAT IS IT? |
A natural stone composed mostly of the mineral talc. |
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| PROS: |
Non-porous, renewable surface, impervious to acids, heat resistant |
| CONS: |
Visible seams, can scratch, high maintenance |
Engineered Stone
(Silestone, Zodiaq, Cambria, Caesarstone) |
| WHAT IS IT? |
Primarily quartz particulates mixed with polymer resins and pigment. |
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| PROS: |
Non-porous, scratch resistant, has manufacturer warranty, consistent color, no sealing required |
| CONS: |
Can maintain moderate heat but suggest using a hot pad, visible seams |
Stainless Steel |
| WHAT IS IT? |
Alloy steel with chromium added for rust resistance |
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| PROS: |
Non-porous, low maintenance, heat resistance, easy to clean, sleek look |
| CONS: |
Can scratch and dent, shows fingerprints |
Wood |
| WHAT IS IT? |
Any natural wood varying in thickness between 1 ¼” and 6”. |
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| PROS: |
Heat resistant, renewable surface |
| CONS: |
Requires sealants, shows knife marks, prone to water damage, can stain |
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