Countertops Interior design I OBJ. 3.04 Note: This PPT does not contain images, please insert your own or download the Countertops PPT from the FI51 Teacher Shared Resources Folder on Moodle.

Laminate Most popular material Made of plywood, chipboard or medium-density fiberboard topped by thin plastic laminate

Advantages Disadvantages solid, durable material wide range of colors, textures and patterns available cleans easily with soap and water water resistant resistant to most stains inexpensive dark backing may be visible at seams can chip or scratch cannot be used as a chopping surface non-resistant to heat

Made of cast plastics such as polyester, acrylic and mineral fillers Solid Surface Made of cast plastics such as polyester, acrylic and mineral fillers

Advantages Disadvantages highly resistant to permanent damage; markings can be sanded away seams are barely visible can be molded into unified counter and sink cleans easily with soap and water durable expensive lower cabinets may require reinforcement dark colors will show nicks looks artificial

Marble Luxurious stone available in a variety of colors and patterns Surface suited to baking, candy making and rolling out dough Requires a sealant to prevent staining

Advantages Disadvantages water and heat resistant beautiful, natural material provides a smooth, cool surface hard wearing, durable cleans easily expensive lower cabinets may require reinforcement may not be practical for entire kitchen; better for one work area stained by lemon juice, sugar, alcohol and oil will dull knife if used as a chopping surface

Granite Elegant, polished stone available in a variety of colors Surface suited to baking, candy making and rolling out dough

Advantages Disadvantages water and heat resistant immune to stains, resistant to most alcohol, oil and lemon juice aesthetically pleasing and functional cleans easily expensive lower cabinets may require reinforcement will dull knife if used as a chopping surface

Slate Dense, fine-grained stone available in black and muted shades of green, grey, purple, red and blue

Advantages Disadvantage less expensive than marble and granite water and heat resistant surface damage can be removed with sandpaper easy to clean lower cabinets may require reinforcement

Quartz Also referred to as engineered stone, made from 93% natural quartz and 7% resin pigments and binders Strong material

Advantages Disadvantages seams are visible mold, mildew, heat, crack and scratch resistant impervious to stains does not need to be sealed extremely hygienic available in different looks such as imitation granite and stone or in a variety of colors seams are visible very heavy — must be installed by a professional lower cabinets may require reinforcement

Tile/Mosaic High-fired, dust-pressed clay available in a variety of colors, designs and textures Best to choose glazed ceramic with textured surface or matte finish

Advantages Disadvantages water and heat resistant resists scratching easily cleaned will not burn, stain or discolor grout between tiles is difficult to keep clean hard on glassware and china lower cabinets may require reinforcement cannot be used as a chopping surface

Stainless Steel Available in matte, patterned, sandblasted or polished finishes Strong material; appropriate for areas in contact with water

Advantages Disadvantages waterproof, heat resistant durable easy to clean extremely hygienic noisy and cold fabrication is expensive will dull knife if used as a chopping surface difficult to maintain shine and keep free of marks

Wood/Butcher Block Warm, natural material Hardwoods like maple, teak and beech are best Surface should be finished with clear varnish or oil Wood cut across grain wears most evenly

Advantages Disadvantages excellent chopping surface easy on glassware and china resistant to moderate heat easily cleaned avoid using near sink, moisture will blacken surface may contract in dry conditions can scratch and scorch wet metal kitchen equipment left on surface will leave rust stains

Concrete Hand crafted Trending in both residential and commercial settings Surface must be finished

Advantages Disadvantages Completely customizable Can add built-in options Can be used for outdoor kitchens Can get hairline cracks due to shrinkage Hard on dishes