Quartz Counter Tops

Quartz began appearing in homes a few years ago after gaining popularity in Europe for the decades. Today, quartz countertops are exploding in popularity. 

Quartz is a great alternative to natural stone, because of its high durability, resistance against scratches and stains, low maintenance and endless colour options. From kitchens, bathrooms, vanities, countertops, and fireplace surrounds, quartz applications and versatilities are endless. Quartz can also be used on large vertical surfaces such as shower enclosures or backsplashes.

What is Quartz made of?

Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops formed by combining 90% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments.

The result is a super-hard, low-maintenance, natural stone-look countertop that offers colour and design flexibility. For some designs, small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks are added to the mix. Engineered quartz is inherently nonporous, with a high resistance to stains and scratches.

Reasons to Consider Quartz Countertops

Non-porous. Quartz offers a low maintenance material solution for countertops. Unlike other types of stone countertops, quartz resists staining and corrosion from most household products. There is also no need for resealing of the surface.

Hygienic. Because of a non-porous surface, it will not harbor bacteria or viruses. The quartz washes off with soap and water and there is no need for any special detergents, although there are special detergents available at supermarkets.

Scratches. The Manufacturing process ensures durability and a high scratch resistance.

Strength.  Quartz is an extremely hard stone and can be used on larger vertical surfaces like backsplashes and even shower enclosures.

Appearance. Quartz has a deep, almost 3D appearance, much like natural stone. By adding pigments to the quartz and resin mix, manufacturers can ensure that the slab is exactly the color, texture and pattern that you want.

Maintenance

Quartz has a high heat resistance, but just like granite it can be damaged by excessive heat.

Avoid quick changes in temperature in order to avoid countertops from cracking. Avoid strong chemicals and solvents and use non-abrasive cleaners. 

Whether you are considering a backsplash, a new kitchen countertop, or a new bathroom vanity, buying a quartz countertop will bring luxury, beauty, and durability, and that special ambiance, enhancing any home environment. 

Bamboo Counter Tops

Bamboo material, particularly in the form that's used for countertops, looks, feels and responds like wood. To be technically correct however, it's not wood but a form of grass.

Bamboo grows very rapidly and reaches harvestable maturation in 4 to 7 years. Compare that to a hardwood or even an evergreen tree which takes much longer to reach the point where it can provide a useful amount of material. When harvested, the roots of the bamboo plant are also preserved and the same plant will regenerate usable product within another 5 years.

Bamboo is an environmentally friendly choice, since it is a renewable resource, and reasonably attractive. Hot pots and pans can damage bamboo tops if place directly on the countertop.

Advantages & Features

Bamboo is a very hard material. In some cases, it's harder than oak and maple. Bamboo has a unique and attractive appearance and one that's not really replicated in any other type of countertop material. It's available in several different styles (grain orientations) to suit your style.

Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, which makes it a great choice for use in the kitchen. This is the reason bamboo is so popular as a cutting board material. A kitchen countertop is a surface that needs to be suitable as a food preparation surface.

Disadvantage

Compared to other countertop surfaces bamboo has a limited range of "looks". The grain orientations provide a few style options and you can get a carbonized bamboo that's darker than the typical blond colour of bamboo. You run out of options beyond that however. Even though bamboo is a strong material, it’s also important not to cut directly on the counter. Both the counter and the finish can be damaged with a knife.

Bamboo is a lot like wood in that it needs sufficient protection from water. If you install bamboo around wet areas like a sink you'll need to ensure it's well sealed/protected.

Maintenance

It is more likely that the top coat on the bamboo countertop will suffer damage first before the bamboo itself scorches. If you do end up with a scorch mark simply, sand and re-coat, but the strength of the bamboo may be compromised over time. If frequent cutting will be done directly on the countertop, bamboo may not be the best option.

Cleaning these green counters is quite simple. You can keep them clean with warm water and a mild soap. The re-application of a wood sealant is recommended to prevent natural moisture loss. 

Formica Counter Tops

Formica is fabricated by laying up sheets of resin-impregnated kraft paper together with a resin-impregnated décor paper for the surface. These sheets are then pressed together under high heat and pressure whereby the resins bond the construction together into a homogenous decorative laminate.

Advantages and Features

Formica countertops provides an unbeatable low maintenance, durable and dependable surface, easy to clean and hygienic too. 

Formica countertops complement virtually any kitchen decor with over 250 colours. It's easy to find the perfect laminate to match your lifestyle and taste. Today, advanced photographic technology creates laminates that look more like the real thing, and unique patterns can be wide enough to create an entire “granite” kitchen island with no repeating pattern.

Formica countertops are a reasonably inexpensive remodel to an existing kitchen. It gives you the natural look of a stone like surface in a much lesser price.

Disadvantages

It is not as durable as natural stones and is susceptible to scratches from sharp knives and other items on the counter so don’t use your countertop as a cutting board. Abrasive cleaning methods may cause damage and hot objects could leave a burn mark. Formica countertops can be damaged by exposing them to excessive water, especially where there are seams.

Maintenance

Formica countertops keep its beauty without a lot of maintenance. It can be easily cleaned by using a soft damp cloth and a mild soap or detergent solution. Some spills might permanently stain laminate countertops, so you should always be quick to wipe spills off the surface. To remove stubborn stains make a paste on top of the stain using some baking soda and water and then wipe it off gently with an absorbent cloth. Don't use abrasive cleansers and steel wool, and avoid using scraping and scrubbing motions, because doing so can damage the laminate countertop.

To preserve the look and finish of your laminate countertop, hot objects should never be placed directly on the surface.

By following these guidelines, a Formica countertop will provide years of satisfaction with very little discoloration, fading or marring of the surface.  They are a great choice and value for today’s homeowner and the perfect product for low budget kitchens. 

Granite Counter Tops

Granite is an igneous rock. It forms from the slow crystallization of magma below the earth’s surface.  Granite is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles and other minerals.   This mineral composition usually gives granite a red, pink, gray or white colour with dark mineral grains visible throughout the rock.

Many colours of natural granite contain pits and fissures which are natural characteristics of stone. This can greatly enhance the beauty and interest of the surface, but will also create some inconsistencies. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of the stone and will not impair the durability and functionality of the countertop.

Advantages and Features

Granite is the perfect material for kitchen countertops, as it is the most durable of all natural stones and will last for a lifetime. Each and every stone is unique with different patterns, including swirls, veins and specks. No two countertops will ever be alike.

A variety of attractive colours can be obtained. Some of the most popular colours include black, red, green, blue, brown and beige.

It's a one-of-a-kind, natural surface that has an almost luminous look. Granite can withstand high temperatures from hot pans and serves as an excellent surface for handling all cooking materials and ingredients. Bacterial contamination is not a problem with granite.

Disadvantage

While granite kitchen worktops are a favourite choice due to their beauty and durability, they are not completely impervious to damage. Granite can be permanently stained if it is not sealed properly. Although granite is quite hard, it can be chipped. Granite is very heavy and once glued onto the cupboards, it is quite difficult to remove and can cause damage to the cupboards. Each slab of granite is different due to it being a natural stone.

Maintenance

Clean the surface with a mild dish soap, rinse with fresh water, then dry with a soft cloth. There are also many cleaning products specially manufactured for cleaning Granite countertops.

Hot pads and trivets must be placed under hot pots and pans before placing them on the granite surface. Do not use ammonia, citric juices , and vinegar to clean the surface. Do not drop or drag objects across the surface. This may scratch or chip the surface. It is advised not to stand or sit on top of your counters, due to the fact that granite has no guarantees.

Granite is modestly priced according to its benefits. Granite countertops are a profitable buy – It will certainly enhance the value of your home.