Concrete is typically composed of ground rocks, sand, and fly ash. It is then mixed and held together with a binding agent. Concrete kitchen countertops can be made on-site or precast in a workshop. Although concrete countertops are reinforced like sidewalks, they won't feel like one. You can polish your concrete countertops to a smooth finish. Pros: You can customize concrete kitchen … [Read more...]
Metal Kitchen Countertops
Metal kitchen countertops are available in a limited choice of metals including: stainless steel, copper, zinc, pewter, brass, and bronze. To manufacture a metal countertop, a thin piece of metal is formed and fastened over a slab of wood. Metal kitchen countertops are nonporous, sanitary, and tolerant to high heat. Also, metal countertops are prone to denting and scratching. Stainless … [Read more...]
Bamboo Kitchen Countertops
Bamboo kitchen countertops are made out of pieces of bamboo. The pieces can be assembled in four different configurations: vertical, horizontal, end grain, and strand woven. These configurations affect the hardness and look. Assembled the same way as plywood; they are bound together under pressure with adhesive. Even though it resembles wood, bamboo is a type of grass. Consider using bamboo … [Read more...]
Wooden Kitchen Countertops
Wooden kitchen countertops -- also knows as butcher block -- are biodegradable, and they come in a wide array of styles depending on the species, color/stain, and grain orientation (face grain, edge grain, or end grain.) The hardness of the wood varies on the species. If you want a wood countertop that will not show a lot of wear, you will want to choose a wood that measures higher up on the Janka … [Read more...]
Engineered Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a mineral, not a stone. Engineered quartz kitchen countertops are made out of crushed quartz and a resin binder. These materials are then bonded together with high heat and pressure. Also, additional pigments may be added for color. Depending on the manufacturer, color, and edge treatment, engineered quartz countertops can be quite expensive. They can also up the resale value of your … [Read more...]
Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops
Natural stone kitchen countertops can be made out of several different types of stone. Each type has its own unique characteristics. While all natural stone kitchen countertops will need specific maintenance and care, the type of stone depends on how much. The longevity and appearance of the stone countertop depends on long-term care. Granite A common type of igneous rock; granite is … [Read more...]
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops are man-made through the combination of acrylics and/or polyester resins with filler material. The filler material is usually mineral dust and pigments. Some of the minerals are marble, bauxite derivative, and aluminium trihydrate (ATH). ATH is a fine material that assists with creating a smooth surface. The ratio of resin to minerals is typically around 33/66 percent. … [Read more...]
Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Laminate kitchen countertops have been around for over fifty years. Throughout that time, their popularity ebbed and flowed. This is because of the development of new countertop surfaces. Laminate kitchen countertops have made a comeback in popularity in recent years due to more advanced manufacturing processes and an increase in stylish designs and appearances. Laminate is also typically the … [Read more...]
Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen countertops are one of the hardest working surfaces in the home. When selection new kitchen countertops, you will want to choose a durable and practical material that can withstand daily abuse. The long-term durability of the material should be a major factor in choosing your new countertop. Kitchen countertops are available in numerous different materials from natural to man-made, and … [Read more...]