At Norman Construction, we use only the finest countertops available. Even after years of use, we can install countertops that will look and continue to look like new. There are different types of countertops that can be installed, and each one has their benefits. Please feel free to contact us, to discuss the best countertops for your home remodeling project.
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Different Types of Countertops
Solid materials, including
stainless steel and man-made products such as
Corian and wood, can be used for entire
countertops. Sometimes solid materials are
installed on just an island or other limited
area in a kitchen with mostly tile or laminate
countertops, for example, to provide a smooth
surface for rolling dough or chopping.
In general, wood is not a good countertop
material. It takes very high maintenance to keep
sealed and dents easily without an easy fix.
However, it's a fine choice to use in one area
of the kitchen for chopping or to edge a
countertop.
Stainless steel provides a commercial, sterile
environment and complements many of the stoves,
ovens and other cooking equipment so popular in
high-end kitchens. Heavier gauges of steel are
virtually indestructible; lighter gauges are
suspect to dents. Stainless steel counters can
also be quite pricey.
Solid-surfacing is a man-made material that's
solid but can simulate the look and even feel of
stone or marble countertops. Corian is a common
name-brand that is popular because it's
relatively easy to repair. Minor problems such
as scratches, scuffs or stains on the counter
can be easily removed with a sponge and a mild
abrasive.
Granite Countertops
Natural stone countertops,
such as granite, marble and soapstone, are
considered to be the height of elegance and will
last longer than most kitchens or bathrooms.
While natural stone looks very attractive, when
installed in solid pieces it is the most
expensive option in countertops. A less
expensive option that will offer the same
appearance is to have the stone installed in
pieces.
One way to reduce the expense of installing a
stone countertop is to have the stone cut into
squares (usually 12") and applied like ceramic
tiles with grout. This provides the natural
beauty at much less expense than solid stone,
and the individual squares can be replaced if
severely damaged.
Be sure to keep several extra squares when you
have your countertop installed so the pieces
used to make repairs in the future will match
the rest of the countertop.
Remember that stone counters do require some
care. The naturally porous surface of stone
needs to be regularly sealed to repel water-and
oil-based stains. Soapstone, in particular, is
soft and the most prone to chipping.
Laminate Countertops
The least expensive countertop
option, laminate is also the most popular.
Laminate countertops are quite durable and easy
to maintain and, if well cared for, can last 15
to 20 years. This style of counter is made from
a base of plywood or particleboard that spans
across the top of a cabinet and covered with a
laminated finish.
Watch for scratches and scuffs and do not cut or
put anything hot directly on laminate surfaces.
Consider setting a few tiles or other
heat-resistant material flush in a laminate
countertop near the stove or oven to be able to
set hot pans down without trivets.
Laminate countertops may now be repaired and
resurfaced at a fraction of the cost of
replacement. The cracks and burns are repaired
with a special plastic filler, then sanded
smooth to fill in any rough or damaged areas.
The counter is then sprayed with a special
topcoat, which gives the appearance and
durability of a new laminate countertop. The
process usually takes four to five hours, and
your kitchen will be ready to use the next day.
