Kitchen layout and design trends reflect contemporary lifestyles. With today’s smaller living and dining areas, the countertop is the hub of a modern home. It’s where family and friends just naturally gather. So it makes sense to choose a countertop that’s easy on the eyes, inviting to the touch, and will stand up to the wear and tear of everyday living.
There’s never been a better time than now to buy premium, custom countertops for your kitchen or bathroom. In a recent report on countertops, Consumer Reports stated that with so many stylish and strong materials currently available, choice is just a matter of taste, budget and performance.
Choosing new countertops is about determining:
Appearance
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Man-made materials
Natural materials
Consistent color
A naturally varied appearance
and character
“Green,” sustainable products
Decorative inlays, borders, or trims
An integral sink |
Corian® / solid surface, Laminate, Icestone®
Granite, Everlife™ granite, natural quartz, exotic wood
Corian® / solid surface, natural quartz, laminate, Icestone®
Granite, Everlife™ granite, exotic wood
Corian® / solid surface, natural quartz, exotic wood, Icestone®
Corian® / solid surface
Corian® / solid surface
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Performance
If you don’t want to worry about: |
Then choose: |
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Staining (without regular sealing)
Burn marks or scratches
Care and maintenance beyond soap and water
Kids or the elderly |
Everlife™ granite, natural quartz or
solid surface
Granite, Everlife™ granite, or natural quartz
Everlife™ granite, natural quartz or
solid surface
Any material with the corners rounded |
Pricing
The cost of new countertops is a function of the:
- Type and quality of material
- Edge treatment
- Backsplash material and design
- Custom features (inlays, borders, trim, etc.)
- Difficulty of installation
Peace of Mind
Pay careful attention to manufacturers’ warranties:
- Everlife™ granite countertops are protected by a 15 year stain resistance and material integrity warranty.
- Most natural quartz and solid surface manufacturers offer a ten-year warranty
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