Countertop Faqs

1. What type of countertop should I choose for my kitchen?

There are many types of countertops to choose from that offer endless color choices and a variety of textures.  When making a decision, you should consider factors such as how you plan to use your countertop, what expectations you have for the durability and maintenance of the countertop, and your budget.  

2. What factors determine the price of a countertop?

Quality and type of material

Difficulty of installation

Edge treatment material and design

Backsplash material and design  

3. What is the range of countertop prices?

Countertops are usually priced by the square foot. Prices can range from $5 per square foot for some laminates and $300 per square foot for top of the line granite countertops.

4. How long can I expect my countertops to last?

The lifetime of a countertop material varies based on several factors. Some surfaces such as laminate can scratch, other surfaces such as granite need periodic resealing, and many surfaces can be damaged by heat.  

5. What manufacturers produce countertops?

Some of the manufacturers involved in producing countertops are Avonite, Cambria Quartz, DuPont Corian, DuPont Zodiaq, Formica, Nevamar, Silestone, Swanstone, Wilsonart, and many more.  

6. Which types of countertop products can I find on the market?

The types of countertops available include laminate, solid surface, engineered stone, granite, marble, soapstone, concrete, and many more.

1. Why choose Laminate?

Laminate is a low cost option that is easy to clean and requires little maintenance. Laminate is also offered in an endless amount of colors and designs.    

2. Why choose Solid Surface?

Solid surface countertops have a clean and uniform appearance. These surfaces are very durable and most scratches can be sanded out.  Solid surfaces can also be custom fit to a unique countertop shape.  

3. Why choose Engineered Stone?

Engineered stone countertops have gained much popularity in recent years due to its strength, variety of choices, and exceptionally low maintenance needs. These are the most durable surfaces, are resistant to stains and heat damage, and have no need for sealing.       

4. Why choose Granite?

Granite is a beautiful stone that has a unique look and feel. Granite countertops are durable and heat resistant, and are available in almost 200 variations.       

5. Why choose Marble?

Marble is an elegant natural stone with a warm and soft appearance. Marble is ideal for low-traffic countertops and has unique veining patterns.       

6. Why choose Soapstone?

Soapstone has a one of a kind feel, found in rich and deep colors. These countertops require little maintenance and are naturally heat resistant.    

7. Why choose Concrete?

Concrete countertops are strong, heat and scratch resistant, and uniquely textured. These countertops are ideal for unusually shaped countertops because they can be worked into a variety of shapes.         

8. How can I add a personal touch to my countertop product?

Several countertop products can be designed and decorated to meet your personal style. Tiles, shells, and other objects can be set into concrete surfaces.  Solid surfaces can be formed into nontraditional shapes. Laminate is offered in an endless amount of colors and natural stone such as granite and marble are unique because no two pieces are the same.          

9. Which countertop product requires the least amount of maintenance?

Engineered stone is currently in the lead for needing the least amount of maintenance. These surfaces are the most durable surface material, are resistant to stains and acid damage, heat resistant, and do not need sealing or resealing. Engineered stone is made up by a majority of quartz which is the fourth hardest material behind diamond, topaz and sapphire.          

10. What can I do if I like an expensive countertop material, but can’t afford the price tag?

There are many options to overcome this problem. Several less expensive surface materials can be created to imitate more expensive options such as granite and marble. For example, laminate can replicate the look of granite and solid surface while natural stone surfaces can be found in less expensive forms that are less thick or are softer minerals.

1. What products are produced by Avonite Surfaces and what benefits do they offer?

Avonite Surfaces produces solid surface products. These products are hygienic and non-porous, and scratches can easily be repaired with sand paper.  Avonite’s pattern allows for complete design flexibility and comes with a ten-year limited warranty.  

2. How should I care for Avonite Surfaces?

When using these countertops, you should always use a hot pad or trivet and a cutting board, because like all solid surfaces they can expand with heat and be scratched. If needed, Avonite can be buffed back to its original shine with a high gloss countertop.  

3. What is Cambria?

Cambria is a natural quartz surface product.  It is one of the hardest countertop surfaces, does not absorb stains, and requires very little maintenance.  Cambria can be used for a variety of surfaces including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, desk tops and fireplace surrounds. Cambria offers a 10-year limited warranty on its products.  

4. What is Corian® and should I protect and maintain my Corian® countertops?

Corian® is a brand name for a solid surfacing material created by DuPont™. Corian® offers a wide variety of looks because it can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted or bent.  Corian® is stain and heat resistant and never requires sealing. These surfaces can be cleaned with soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner for day-to-day care.  

5. What are DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surfaces?

These surfaces are made of 93% quartz and come in more than 30 colors. Zodiaq® surfaces are very durable, nonporous and chemical-resistant.  They do not require sealants or waxes and can be easily cleaned with a nonabrasive cleaner.  

6. Can Zodiaq® and Corian® be used together?

Yes. The two materials can be inlaid into the other, either along the edges or on the surfaces. They can each be combined with other materials as well, such as chrome, stainless steal, glass or brass.  

7. What products does Formica offer?

Formica Corporation is a global company that offers many types of surfacing materials such as laminate, stone, and solid surfaces. Formica’s products are easy to maintain and can imitate the appearance of more expensive materials.