Cabinets -4- Countertops

Countertops located above base cabinet provide surface for work sink cooking tops Variety of materials ceramic tiles plastic laminates synthetic materials

Ceramic Tile Countertops clay that has been “fired” glazed variety of shapes, sizes, & patterns features very scratch resistant very heat resistant stain resistant very durable brittle cost more than plastic laminate countertops

Sizes and Shapes of Ceramic Tile (The most popular size is 4 1/4” x 4 1/4”)

Ceramic Tile Application Require a good sound base to work from 3/4” exterior grade plywood Has grout lines between tiles (hard to clean) Popular applications Thin bed Cement mortar bed Cementitious Backer Unit

Ceramic Tile Application Thin bed detail epoxy mortar adheres to plywood and tile very inexpensive method drawback, does not last very long

Ceramic Tile Application Cement mortar detail mortar bed on top of plywood longer lasting

Cement Mortar Layered steps 1 3/4” plywood 2 15 pound bldg paper 3 metal lath 4 metal strip @ edge 5 mortar bed 6 neat cement coat 7 ceramic tile 8 cement joint grout

Cementitious Backer Unit Requirements cement backer board underlayment level plywood base (minimal shimming)

Plastic Laminate Countertops PL = high pressured plastic laminate veneer material applied to plywood or particle board most common and cost is reasonable variety of finishes: gloss, satin, furniture, & textured, many colors for interior coordination features scratch & chip resistant heat resistant (short duration of low heat) stain resistant (somewhat)

Shapes and Edge Treatments Fully formed top Self-Edge No-Drip Bullnose No-Drip Tilt Edge Rolled Edge Beveled Edge

Plastic Laminate Countertops Fully Formed Top a counter top made with a continuous sheet of plastic, combining a no-drip bull-nose edge, integral cove, and waterfall back splash

Edge Treatments Self Edge No Drip Bullnose No Drip Tilt Edge Rolled Edge

Plastic Laminate Countertops Corners/Edges Detail Bevel edge counter top

Additional Materials in Countertops Cultured Marble (Imitation) Synthetic Marble Corian Avonite Stone

Cultured Marble made of limestone & coat of polyester resin materials resemble marble “integral” sink nonporous surface don’t use hard abrasives if resin becomes worn, poor appearance

Corian Countertops trade name of methyl methacrylate single material similar in appearance to marble more consistent pattern nonporous surface scratch marks can be sanded out Wood-laminated Acrylic-laminated

Corian Countertops Edge Treatment Apron return Cantilever reveal Routed edge

Avonite Countertops man-made material that simulates marble or stone-like products cuts almost like wood

Stone Countertops $120 to cut sink hole with polished edge Soap Stone--$40/sq ft (soft & easy to scratch) Granite--$50/sq ft cut to fit $15 apron/linear ft, 3/4” thick in West, 1 1/4” East Travertine--$20/sq ft unfilled, $24/sq ft filled & polish edge detail 6$ linear foot polish & filled, 7/8” normal thickness (Bill Orchard--production manager @ Idaho Travertine) Marble--$40/sq ft cut to fit $15 apron/linear ft, lots of colors available