Laminated
The laminate countertop is very affordable. It is durable and available in hundreds of different colors and finishes. Very versatile, it adapts to all design styles.
Granite
‘Granite is the most powerful son of nature’
This product is linked to the origins of time…it is the plutonic igneous rock and the most widespread. Granite comes from the slow cooling and crystallization of magma in the depths of the earth. The sources are varied, but granite mainly comes from North America, France, Spain, Sardinia, South Africa and Scandinavia (more speckled patterns) and India and Brazil (more decorative patterns). The colors are due to the distribution of minerals and their oxidation. Granite is a very hard rock that offers great resistance, and is commonly used in kitchen countertops. This noble and completely natural mineral also has a unique and original side as well. According to it’s origin, this material offers a wide variety of patterns and colors suited to different budgets. It’s high scratch and heat resistance makes this product increasingly popular.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
Few people know the properties of Quartz and the possibilities it offers as there is a wide color range to acheive a countertop to suit your needs. Although quartz is one of the most common rocks on the planet, Quartz countertops are actually composed of 93% quartz or stone particles and 7% resin. They are bacteria resistant and very easy to clean. It’s uniformity and different pure colors make it an attractive choice for any current or modern concept.
Corian
Corian is a solid surface material developed by DuPont in 1967. It’s a mixture of aluminum tri-hydrate, derived from bauxite (2/3) and acrylic resin (1/3). Corian can be worked just like wood and has the added advantage of being melted, cut, polished, glued, enhanced with an inlay or pattern design and can be formed into an infinite possibility of shapes ranging from simple to complex. Corian can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications, and can be used in the creation of everyday items such as sinks, chairs, surface plates, work surfaces, etc.
The advantages of Corian
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A solid material | Corian combines the robustness of marble with the softness of satin. It resists wear, shocks, impacts, stains, and UV rays.
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An aesthetic material | Corian is made with inconspicuous seams for a perfect finish. It intergrates seamlessly from one piece to the next.
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Colors | Corian comes in a wide range of colors, and if the color that you are looking for doesn’t exist Corian can make it for you on demand.
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Hygenic Material | Corian is non-porous and naturally hygenic and with no visual seams dirt and bacterial can penetrate the surface. It is therefore very easy to maintain and cleaning can be done with a sponge and mild detergent.
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Eco-Friendly | Corian is non-toxic and has very low VOCs. The pigments used in manufacturing are approved by the USFDA which means there is no trace of heavy metals, toxic or carcinogenic components. Even when exposed to high heat, Corian does not emit any harmful gases.
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Environmentally Friendly | Corian is made with respect to the environment to reduce energy consumption. The material and adhesives used received the GREEN GUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified label.
With is many positive qualities, Corian easily fits into our home or any public place, such as restaurants, hotels and ariports.
The disadvantages
Although Corian is very durable, it does have limitations:
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Sensitivity to heat | The product can burn if it comes into contact with a boiling pot – trivets are recommended.
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Sensitivity to knives and other sharp objects | The product can scratch if it’s cut on with a knife – cutting boards are recommended.
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Sensitivity to chemicals | Avoid contact with corrosive lotions or solvents. If it comes in contact with Corian, rinse immediately with warm water and soap to avoid damaging the surface.
With endless possibilities in shapes, Corian is a material with many uses. As it is non-porous, it’s highly valued with it’s antibacterial properties. The joints are invisible and you can even have the sink moulded directly to the countertop for a seamless one-piece look. In case of breakage or damage, Corain can easily be repaired.
Cultured Marble/ Granite
Cultured marble/ granite is a blend of stone particles and resins that is combined with pigments to produce a wide range of colors and realistic, natural looking patterns – cultured marble/ granite and cultured onyx among them. Unlike quarried stone (natural), cultured marble/ granite is cast in molds to create specific pieces such as sinks, countertops, backsplashes, moldings and trim, shower walls and shower pans.
The molds are lined with a special gel coat that bonds to the mixture, creating a very hard, transparent surface. After the pieces have cured, they are removed from the molds and polished to shine or given a honed, matte finish, depending on customer preference.
Because cultured products are cast, there are numerous options in terms of size, shape and edge treatments. And, the final product is nonporous, no grout lines to clean or maintain. Just imagine swapping out a tiled shower for a grout-free option and the low-maintenance advantage of cultured marble/ granite becomes very clear!
Cultured marble/ Granite is used most often in bathrooms, clients appreciate the fact that cultured marble is:
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Beautiful – Veining and patterns can be incorporated during the casting process, creating character, depth and interest that mimics its natural counterpart.
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Low Maintenance – Cultured marble/ Granite never needs to be sealed and is easy to clean with non-abrasive products.
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Durable – Cultured marble/ Granite is non-porous, making it extremely tough and resistant to stains, mildew and chips.
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Economical – In general, cultured marble is less expensive to fabricate and install than slab marble, but will increase the overall value of a home just as natural stone products will.
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Customizable – Because it is a cast product, cultured marble offers a wide range of color options and pieces can be shaped to fit your specific needs and decor.
Butcher Block
Made of several different spieces of solid wood, it adds a warm touch to any concept. It must be oiled for proper use, but it is not recommended for around sinks as it holds moisture.