Kitchen Countertops

Countertop Materials

A number of countertop surface materials are available in a wide range of colours and prices. As the builder, you need to know the types of countertops available and all of their advantages and disadvantages In addition, you need to know bow to fabricate and install the various countertop types, and how to provide proper substrate (base materials) for countertops. The most common materials used for countertops include decorative plastic laminates, ceramic tile, solid surface composites, marble and granite, wood, stainless steel, and tempered glass tops. Any one of these surfaces can be installed throughout the kitchen; however, encourage a combination. In this way, different areas of the kitchen can utilize different types of surfaces.

Laminates

Laminated plastic is the most popular countertop material, since it is tough, easy to care for; long-lasting, and water-resistant and offers the widest possible range of colours, textures, and patterns (including wood grain, marbleized effects, simulated brick or slate, and geometric designs). It is also cost-effective. These surfaces are not affected by soaps, detergents, or hot water. They resist stains, fading, and moisture and therefore are ideal for use in most areas of the kitchen. However, they should not be used for a cutting surface; a sharp knife blade will scratch them. Some other disadvantages are that although it withstands high temperatures, plastic laminate is not totally heat-resistant, so it can scorch. It should not be subject to direct contact with hot metal surfaces over 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Most laminate has a dark backing that shows at seams.

There are two types of decorative laminates widely used for kitchen countertops: high-pressure decorative laminates and colour-through laminates. High-pressure decorative laminates are composed of a decorative paper bonded to several layers of phenolic resin-treated kraft paper, then covered a translucent, melamine-resin paper that becomes clear during processing! Laminate material is then bonded to a substrate (plywood or particle-base) form a countertop. Typically, laminate sheets are 1/16-inch (1.6 mm). They range in width from 30 to 48 inches (76 to 122 cm). High-pressure laminate countertops are relatively inexpensive and can be fabricated easily. The majority of decorative laminate countertops are custom-produced. A countertop made with laminates can be tailored to fit any space. Custom design countertops are built by gluing sheet laminates to particleboard. Custom laminates add a decorative molding to a standard laminate countertop, creating a design statement with thousands of design options.