Countertops

Countertops of laminate, granite, quartz and more

Kitchen and bath renovations rank as the two most common home improvement projects carried out by homeowners, and countertops are an important component of these renovations. Businesses too invest in durable and contemporary countertops for their reception counters, storage, display and retail counters, office desk counters and more, to make a statement of style and personality.

The material that your countertop is made of is an extremely important decision as it makes such a difference to the look of your kitchen, bathroom or office.

These are some of the popular materials used for countertops:

Laminate Countertops

- For kitchens

Lightweight, low maintenance affordable, and easy to clean, laminate countertops come in a host of designs that mimic stone, marble and granite among other textures. Their lighter weight doesn’t require a heavy cabinet base. However they are prone to nicks, scratches, stains and tend to peel with exposure to moisture. Clean your laminate countertops with mild soap and water or use vinegar and water to clean them; avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Simply use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe clean.

- For offices

When decorating an office space, laminate countertops are practical solutions that have a hint of style and personality, are inexpensive and are available in a wide range of colors, faux wood, metal and stone finishes or pre-made designs for a contemporary look. Laminate countertops can be installed in work spaces, bathrooms, kitchens and other common areas of offices. Laminates do need protection from burns, scratches or stains, however.

Granite

Granite with its beautiful dappled look has a one-of-a-kind appeal with the host of colors found in nature. It stands up well to splashes, nicks, heat and other wear and tear, but needs sealing to avoid stains. Its heaviness means you’ll need to invest in heavy and sturdy cabinetry to support its weight.

Solid Surfacing

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Made chiefly from acrylic and polyester, solid surfacing is now made by a host of manufacturers and has gained in popularity over the years as it is almost maintenance free and nonporous, with no sealing or special cleaning required. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Scratches and burns are easy to sand out. Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris.

Quartz

Crafted of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz surfacing (also called engineered quartz or engineered stone) brings you (almost) the beauty of natural stone and the easy care of solid surfacing with its easy maintenance. As an engineered product, it is available in a far greater range of colors and patterns than natural stone, to give your kitchen a unique look and its durability makes it worth the investment.

Marble

Marble with its elegance, enduring appeal, luminescence and distinctive veining is an ultra-traditional choice. Marble fits right into today’s kitchens that combine modern and traditional in a glamorous way. It withstands heat well, and its coolness makes it a natural choice for pastry and baking stations as dough doesn’t get too soft. Marble is vulnerable to stains, even with sealing, and for that reason, most homeowners limit its usage to one or two small areas. It can also scratch and chip.

Tile

Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colors and designs. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to traditional. Tile holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they're fairly easy to replace. Matching a tiled countertop to an accent wall or backsplash is a design option.

Stainless Steel

So you thought stainless steel was only for commercial kitchens? Think again. It has become the trend in the past two decades, custom-made to fit your kitchen for a tailored look. It’s nearly indestructible, resists heat and bacteria and provides a distinctive and contemporary style to your kitchen.

This makes stainless steel countertops a great choice for an office kitchen too.

However, stainless steel is expensive due to the custom fabrication.

Butcher Block

Butcher block has a classic appeal and has a warm and homely look especially in a traditional, country or cottage-style kitchen. It’s what chopping blocks have been made of for years, and scratches can be sanded down with ease. However, wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block too harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting.It needs oiling to fill in scratches and protect the surface.

New York Woodwork has years of experience in installation of countertops and custom-making the right cabinetry to support their weight.