A properly selected countertop can define the feel of your kitchen or bathroom and increase the functionality of the space. This post will provide a quick overview of different countertop materials and styles for your reference.
Laminate: The least expensive countertop material. Laminate is made in a wide variety of colours and can easily be cut into different shapes and sizes. Laminate countertops can look like more expensive materials and are generally easier to install. However, it should be noted that laminate countertops are easy to damage and show scratches and dents.
Granite: Natural stone that is sealed before being installed in your kitchen and bathroom. Granite is a durable stone that is resistant to heat and shock. Granite counter-tops are available in numerous colours, however, because they are made from natural stone, patterns and colours may vary from section to section. In conjunction, being natural stone, granite is porous and can show stains and acidic wear if not properly maintained. Granite counter-tops need to be resealed once a year in order to help prevent staining.
Soapstone: Natural stone that is sealed. Like granite, soapstone is a durable material that will not stain. Soapstone scratches easily, though damage by scratches can be reduced by sanding.
Quartz: Engineered stone countertop that is made up of 93% quartz crystals and 7% resin. Quartz is designed to resemble the look of natural stone, however, different colours are added to give quartz a unified and polished look
Corian: A solid surface countertop manufactured by DuPont. The primary substances used in Corian are acrylic polymers and various stone derived materials. Corian countertops are available in a wide-range of colours and patterns. Corian is easy to clean and is stain resistant, as the material is non porous. However, while stain-resistant, Corian scratches quite easily and can be damaged by placing hot pans and vessels on the counter-top.