Countertop Choices Series

With manufacturing technology constantly developing and improving, countertop choices have exploded in recent years, often creating confusion for the consumer. The sheer number of materials available — even for modest remodeling projects — can be overwhelming to take in all at once. This is the 2nd installment of our Countertop Choices series examining Quartz, Aluminum, Steel, and Laminate…

Quartz Countertops

Are you looking for a durable, low maintenance material to replace your old worn kitchen countertops? Consider using quartz, it’s one of the toughest materials available plus it’s stain and scratch resistant.

Quartz, an engineered stone, unlike natural stone doesn’t require repeated sealing. It consists of mixed ground quartz (normally about 90-94%) and polyester resins that when combined produces a nonporous slab.

When quartz was originally produced for countertops the colors and patterns were limited. Since that time manufacturers have discovered ways to add patterns, flecks and swirls by adding mica and recycled glass to imitate the look of natural stones.

Quartz vs Quartzite Contertops

When shopping for countertops you may come across names like quartz and quartizite. Knowing the differences can help you in your selection. They are both different – quartzite is nature-made while quartz is manufactured by combining nature with technology.

Quartizite is created when space between sandstone is filled with mineral quartz, under heat and pressure they blend together and result in a strong metamorphic rock. Quartizite measures about 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, while granite measures about 6-6.5 (on a scale of 1-10 and 10 being the hardest).

There are countless styles, patterns and colors available in quartizite for your countertops. You’ll find many attractive choices using greys, whites or golden tones which are very popular for today’s countertops.

Aluminum or Metal Countertops

To add a different look to your kitchen counter you may like the idea of Aluminum. You can add some copper for a more unique counter. These counters are easy to care for and you’ll get a custom look over time. With wear and tear you’ll see
some etching and staining which will enhance the look as years go by.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Another choice to consider is stainless steel counters, but be warned they will scratch. But on the great side, you can have a seamless look since the counter and sink can be combined and you’ll have no-drip edges and even an added backsplash is possible. It’s a great choice for durability, stain and heat resistance and longtime durability.

Laminate Countertops

If you’re on a budget consider the old standby, Formica which is a high-pressure laminate. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, swirls, patterns and textures for most any design. It’s interesting to learn how plastic laminate counters are actually produced. The top layer of the laminate consists of paper with the pattern and color plus a layer of melamine saturation under high-pressure. Think about a stack of brown paper bags with a beautiful top covering design that is pressed through a machine until it’s very thin. You can design your countertop to look like wood, granite, metal or other options at prices within your budget. With technology today can make your kitchen counter appear more costly than it actually is.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to using laminate counters. They do tend to scratch, stain and chip and water seepage might ultimately cause damage. Also, the use of under-mount sinks is not recommended for laminate counters. Knowing this, it might be best to consider laminate on desks or pantries where they are normally further away from water supplies and are not used as frequently as a kitchen countertop.

Creativity makes all the difference in remodeling your home! Becraft Plus has vast experience in designing and remodeling countertops of every kind. Contractor experience makes all the difference.

Contact Us (301-929-3401) For a Free Consultation!

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About Becraft Plus

Since 1989, Becraft Plus has provided customized design and construction services to customers in the Washington, D.C. area. We specialize in custom home building, additions and remodeling, and whole house renovations with a focus on creating living spaces that are tailored to the needs of our clients.
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