What is countertop made of

Unlike natural stone, engineered quartz requires no annual sealing. Similar technology is now being used in so-called glass countertops, which consist of particles of recycled glass blended with resins and shaped into countertop slabs.

Consumers keen on being on the cutting edge may want to consider glass as well as quartz countertops. Solid-surface material , sold under brands including Avonite, Corian , and Swanstone, is a man-made material consisting of a blend of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into sheets and other shapes.

Solid-surface countertops and sinks have now been around for nearly 50 years, but at the time of introduction, they were regarded as space-age alternatives to natural stone, which they sought to mimic.

Once regarded as premium, luxury countertops, solid-surface material is now considered somewhat mid-tier, but it is still an excellent choice for mid-range kitchens. It can also be a good material in high-end kitchens with a lot of countertop space that would be prohibitively expensive to cover with granite or quartz. Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean, and it is considerably less expensive than natural stone, quartz, or solid-surface countertops, especially for DIYers willing to do their own work.

Recent innovations in porcelain tiles offer many more design options than ever before, including tiles that look like wood, marble, or even leather or cork. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer more design options than nearly any other countertop material. Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart.

The laminates are plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. Countertops are made by bonding the laminate sheets to a particleboard MDF core. Laminate countertops can be purchased as pre-formed segments called "post-form countertops" , or custom-fabricated to specifications, either on-site or in a fabrication shop. Laminates are especially popular in retro designs, particularly midcentury modern kitchens. Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes.

Hardwoods such as maple and oak are the species most often used as countertop woods. For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. Stainless steel countertops are heat-resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop. If you have countertops in unusual shapes, or if you want a truly unique kitchen, concrete may be a good choice for your countertops.

Due to their heavy weight, concrete countertops are usually cast in forms right in your kitchen. These are not the same kind of concrete slabs used in sidewalks, but highly polished concrete slabs that may even be textured or acid-stained to produce colors.

Although concrete can be subject to cracking, new treatments can reduce this tendency. The porousness of concrete can be reduced with additives. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Granite has been the number one kitchen countertop option for homeowners for several years. While it has more competition than in the past, granite remains to be a top choice among homeowners because of its natural composition, exquisite looks, and designs that cannot be replicated.

Each slab appears to be different than the next, making every piece one of a kind. Granite is a hard, unique natural surface that can withstand heat, making it very appealing to busy families for their day to day interactions. While it does not chip or scratch easily, if nicked just right there is the possibility of etching or other damage. To keep your granite tops in the best condition it is recommended to seal it yearly, depending on frequency of use. Quartz is a man-made, extremely durable, low-maintenance, tough surface option.

Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz countertops are non-porous meaning it will not stain or scratch and does not require sealant. However durable, it is not completely resistant to heat and can be damaged if boiling pots or pans are placed directly on the surface.

Always remember to be aware of the temperature and protect your surfaces while cooking or entertaining! Quartz countertops can mimic the look of almost any design including various natural textures and patterns. Slabs come in a variety of different color variations and thickness, making them a beautiful option for any style home. Construction Resources offers a wide selection of top-selling quartz brands like Silestone and Cambria. Porcelain is a manufactured material that is made up of ceramic clay that contains various minerals such as kaolinite and silica.

Similarly, ultra-compact surfaces are composed of raw materials that include marble, quartz, porcelain and glass. Both surfaces are one of, if not the most durable countertop in the market today. Porcelain surfaces are resistant to heat, scratching, stains and are UV resistant. These tops can be in direct sunlight without fade or sun damage, making them perfect for an outdoor space. Another reason why porcelain has become a top choice for homeowners in recent months is due to its ability to fight against bacteria and unwanted germs.

As a non-porous material, porcelain will not absorb leftover foods or liquids, making it a highly hygienic surface that will leave you feeling confident about your clean kitchen counters.

To keep a cohesive look throughout your home, consider using porcelain for both indoor and outdoor applications. Designs are offered in a wide range of colors and patters and can even replicate textures of other popular materials like concrete, marble and wood. If you like the look of real granite, cultured granite countertops may appeal to you too. Much like cultured marble, cultured granite countertops are often used as an alternative to the natural stone. While natural granite is one of the most appealing surfaces you can find, if you truly do not want to install a surface that requires re-sealing, cultured granite may be for you.

Butcher block countertops are another popular choice in kitchen design. These surfaces are made from strips of wood that are formed together into a slab.

While the countertops have their advantages, butcher block does come with disadvantages. The material needs much more care than many of the other countertop options on this list. Another material often used for countertops is bamboo.

These surfaces are recognized as not only stylish and tough, but eco-friendly as well. If you are looking to put a nice finishing touch on your kitchen remodel, bamboo countertops can help you do that. However, the material is nowhere near perfect. In fact, bamboo countertops will require significant maintenance in order to stay in good shape. Ultimately, the amount of care bamboo requires may encourage you to turn to other options. As with butcher block, the primary advantage to wood countertops is their appearance.

Like butcher block and bamboo, wood countertops will require more care than many other options, such as natural and engineered stone.

Marble is a timeless and elegant building material. The natural stone has been used to create everything from kitchen countertops to some of the most famous statues in the world. No matter if you are looking for something that is solid in color or contains significant veining, you will find a marble countertop to suit your needs. The material is also durable and will stay in terrific shape with proper care. Quartz countertops are made of engineered stone. The surfaces are created by combining roughly 90 percent ground quartz with about 10 percent polyresin.

The exact percentages will slightly differ in products sold under different brand names Caesarstone, Silestone, etc. Because the surfaces are manufactured, quartz countertops are non-porous, which means you will not have to worry about re-sealing them. Although some types of the material can be expensive, you can certainly find a great budget friendly kitchen countertop material or surface for other rooms in quartz.

While high end quartz can be pricey, many fantastic options come at a reasonable cost. One of the trendier options on the market, recycled glass countertops have risen in popularity in recent years. The surfaces are created by mixing pieces of recycled glass with cement and other binders. Although these countertops can look nice and are easy to care for, they can also be prone to chipping and other damages. If you are looking for a darker colored natural stone countertop option, slate may be the perfect fit.

Installing slate countertops can give your new kitchen or bathroom a modern feel. In addition to their beauty, slate countertops are also heat resistant and stain resistant, which makes them an all-around great countertop option.

While high end options are likely not within your budget, lower cost slate options can very well be. Soapstone countertops are beautiful, durable and soft to the touch. These surfaces will also naturally darken over time — perfect for homeowners looking for a darker countertop option.

If you want to speed up the darkening process, you can treat the stone with mineral oil.