Although laminates tend to be less expensive, natural stone countertops such as granite, marble, onyx, quartz and concrete are considered to be more durable adding a more sophisticated touch to the design. When faced with so many choices in countertop materials, you may want to take a few moments to consider the pros and cons of some of the products that are available today. Remember, a bathroom vanity countertop is exposed to different abrasive chemicals than a kitchen countertop. Outdoor countertops are also exposed to the elements and Mother Nature can be tough on your choice of material.

Concrete counters are an excellent alternative to many of todays contemporary choices in countertop design. The concrete can be poured in place resulting in unlimited designs and configurations. Glass, marble, stone, sea shells, coins or whatever your imagination allows can be embedded into a concrete countertop. Watch a video on polishing concrete with the WerkMaster Scarab

Pros:Unique and customizable; solid, ergonomic look; heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative; low maintenance; can be sealed withULTRAguardorULTRAseal.Concrete countertops can be polished using a the WerkMaster Scarab.

Cons:Mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is possible; can look somewhat industrial; porous but can be sealed.

Granite is considered the countertop material that defines elegance and beauty in a home. The natural beauty of the stone contributes to the allure and refinement of even the most modest kitchen or bathroom.

Pros:Elegant and substantial; readily available; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; has a high value to home buyers; almost maintenance free; very durable; heat tolerant; can be sealed with ULTRAseal; can be repaired using theScarab.

Cons:Expensive, but becoming more affordable; absorbs stains if not sealed; requires regular sealing maintenance; can crack if stressed or improperly installed; costly to repair.

Marble countertops define luxury in a home. One of the best qualities of marble is the variety of color and veining. Laminate and solid surface countertops all attempt to reproduce the natural beauty of marble with mixed results. Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen as a whole kitchen countertops.

Pros:Beautiful, luxurious and permanent; waterproof; heatproof; wide range of colors and choices; high value to home buyers; can be sealed withULTRAguard orULTRAseal; can be repaired using theScarab.

Cons:Very expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; scratches easily; expensive to repair; needs regular sealing.

If you want the marble look but not the marble price, a viable and cost-effective avenue is the cultured marble countertop. Cultured marble counters are made of crushed marble and a manufactured thermoplastic resin, poured into pre-cast molds to suit your project. Unlike natural marble, the resins in cultured marble lend non-porosity to the material. Cultured marble countertops are available in a gloss or flat finish.

Pros:Benefits of marble look at lower cost; more stain resistant than natural marble; wide range of colors and choices; high value to home buyers; can be sealed withULTRAguardorULTRAseal; can be repaired using theScarab.

Cons:Expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch easily; expensive to repair; needs regular sealing.

Engineered stone is composed of 93% crushed quartz particles. The quartz is combined with polymer resins and pigments and then compacted under intense vibration, vacuum, and pressure into dense, non-porous slabs. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite. Some brands on the market include LG Viatera, Cambria Quartz, Caesarstoneand Silestone.

Pros: Looks smooth, clean and elegant; nonporous surface; resists scratches; resistant to stain and acid; easy to care for; can be repaired using theScarab.

Cons:Still relatively expensive; difficult to repair.

Solid surface countertops are made of plastic polymers that lack the brilliance and reflectivity of natural stone and are softer than engineered or natural stone counters. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.

Pros:Non-Porous; stain resistant; never need sealing; hundreds of colors and patterns; seamless; anti-bacterial.

Cons:Vulnerable to hot pans which can damage the surface; can be moderately expensive; difficult to repair.

Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that, inexpensive, and youve got a really good choice of countertops for the average home. Because its installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.

Pros: Heatproof takes hot pans; scratch resistant; long lasting; easy to clean; wide range of colors, multiple choices of textures and designs.

Cons:counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; grout needs to be sealed frequently; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.

Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods. Butcher block counters are very popular and are often inset into many kitchen countertops.

Pros:easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed; can be repaired using theScarab.

Cons:can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturers instructions.

For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. Stainless steel countertops are heat resistant and durable. Because theyre constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop. Pros:Stylish; heat resistant; low maintenance.

Cons:Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you cant cut on it.

Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. Theyre made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface thats easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.

Pros:Easy to install; wide range of colors; readily available; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.

Cons:Scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seams show; end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey.

View post:
Countertops - WerkMaster

Appalachian Tops is Lee Martin and Dell Neighbours. A partnership in the Cambria Quartz, granite and marble countertop industry. Located in Blairsville, Georgia, we are the price leaders in Cambria quartz, servicing the neighboring cities of Blue Ridge, Young Harris, Murphy and any other within seventy five miles in the north Georgia and western North Carolina areas.

Look through our pages, and examine detail by detail, why we are so unique. From the quality of our stone, to the condition in which we leave your project, and every step along the way. We at Appalachian Tops set ourselves apart from our competition. Were well aware of our local competitions methodologies, weve installed for all of them. When they sought above average installations, they called us here at Appalachian Tops.

If youre planning a new installation, we can assist with your initial designs. If youre remodeling, we can give you an exact square footage quote without disturbing your existing installation in any way. Further, we can remove, and install your new counter tops, arrange for plumbing services, all in a single day, never leaving you without a working kitchen or bathroom. Rest assured, we are also fully insured with liability insurance. For a no-fee, no obligation, quote for your next project, contact us today.

Developed by: AlpineWeb Design.

Follow this link:
Appalachian Tops

L&M Marble and Granite, hasprofessorialinstallers ready to give your kitchenor bathrooman amazing lasting look.

The craftsmen of L & M Granite and Marble start with the finest quality marble and granite available and create beautiful countertops for your home. We have the largest selection of unique and stunning countertops for a variety of applications including kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops, as well as a line of stainless steel sinks, all at affordable prices. With same day removal of old countertops and installation of new countertops, We are located in Canton, Georgia, and areproudlyserving Woodstock, Marietta, Jasper andsurroundingareas.

We also offer interior design consultations for new andexistinghomes! Call Today 678.372.5976

Our granite and marble countertops are of an unmatched quality. Youll never find the quality and service of L & M Granite and Marble anywhere else. As a small business, our owner is an essential part of the entire process, from the bidding until the installation of your new countertop, we can promise you your countertops can be exactly what you want with every ounce of quality.

For more information on L & M Granite and Marble, including our granite countertops, bathroom countertops and marble countertops, call us today at (678) 372-5976 or stop by our convenient location at: 10925 Fincher Road Waleska GA 30183

Or check out our retailers for product information at: http://www.stoneconnection.com http://www.facebook.com/atlanticstone

Read the original:
Marble & Granite Installation Canton GA | Marble & Granite ...

United Granite - The High Quality Granite Supplier in Saint Louis, MO

United Granite is a well-known granite supplier in St. Louis, MO, offering a wide selection of the finest quality natural stone products for residential as well as commercial projects. Operating within the Greater St. Louis, we supply granite and marble materials with a variety of beautiful designs and patterns. From glossy kitchen countertops to elegant bathroom vanities and exotic bathroom jaccuzi to impressive fireplace surrounds, our comprehensive natural stone products have been ingeniously designed to meet your specific needs, while adding more beauty and exquisiteness to your place. United Granite countertops in St Louis will bring luxury to your home or office.

Adorn your Space with Grandeur, Elegance and Supreme Quality

Granite is a naturally occurring rock which is formed due to immense heat and high pressures of the earth. As formation of granite is a natural process, all the patterns, designs and color of this rock are unique in nature. It is durable and long lasting and installing it adds an aesthetic appeal to the installed locations. The main feature of this rock is that its shine increases with the regular cleaning process. United Granite features more than 1000 colors of wholesale granite countertops to choose from on site.

Quality Products and Unmatched Services

With our years of experience in creating beautiful Granite Countertops in the St Louis Area, we endeavor to cater to each customers needs by offering superior quality products and excellent services at competitive prices. Our staff is committed to delivering the highest level of services. Our elaborate business network and partnerships help us to provide you with granite countertops at a comparatively lower price. We, at United Granite, leave no stone unturned to deliver the best customer experience possible.

Why to choose granite countertops from United Granite?

We offer a 25 Yr. Resin Warranty and 1 year full warranty on our workmanship.

Read the original post:
Granite Countertops St Louis

Before and After

Get an idea of what DK can do for you by browsing through these photos showing work done for real customers.

Watch and see how the idea of one Davis Kitchens customer began as a plan, and became a beautiful finished product.

The things that set us apart begin 35 years before your project gets underway and continue for years after

Your kitchen should be an oasis a place where people can gather and feel comfortable. If that is not the case and you need a solution from a trusted provider to make your kitchen feel as cozy and welcoming as the rest of your home, then you have come to the right place. Welcome to Davis Kitchens, where we can handle all of your kitchen renovation needs. Our personal service and keen attention to detail for clients in the greater Tucson, AZ, area makes us stand out from the pack. Just ask our clients, who often say, "It's not just a kitchen, it's a Davis kitchen."

As a Tucson based kitchen remodeler, we know every little detail that must be determined before embarking on such a project. This is why we strive to provide the highest quality of products at reasonable prices for our clients. From countertops to cabinets, from design to installation, we cover it all.

For more than 30 years, Davis Kitchens has offered quality cabinets, beautiful countertops and full kitchen remodeling solutions. Whether you need help remodeling kitchen cabinets or gutting your entire kitchen in order to start completely from scratch, we can help you. Let one of our friendly and experienced representatives sit down with you to assess your needs, come up with a solution and determine pricing. Our guarantee is that you will come away from the project knowing that you have made the right decision in a kitchen remodeler. We think you'll be pleased with what we can create for you. Just call us at (520) 889-4949 to get started today.

Read the rest here:
Remodeling Kitchen Cabinets Tucson, AZ | Countertops ...

Welcome to Time Marble & Granite Inc.

Time Marble & Granite Inc. is a reliable and trusted manufacturer of high quality marble, granite, quartz and porcelain tiles for residential and commercial properties in Connecticut, NYC and surrounding areas. We offer all-natural and durable marble, granite, quartz and porcelain tiles for kitchen countertops, bathroom tiles, steps, handrails, pool tiles and other home and business decorating and furnishing purposes.

Aside from being a trusted manufacturer of high quality tiles in Connecticut and having our own factories in NYC, Time Marble & Granite Inc also imports quality products from different parts of the world. We import our marble, granite, quartz and porcelain tiles from China, Brazil, Spain, Italy and India for our Connecticut, NYC and U.S market. These imported products include practically any type of beautifully crafted products for your home including but not limited to granite countertops, granite handrails, granite steps, porcelain tiles, slate flooring, quartz countertops, quartz floor tiles, quartz steps, paving stones, marble steps and fireplaces, mosaics, step treads, slabs, sinks, banisters, waterjet medallions, paving stones, vanity tile tops, marble handrails and marble countertops.

Time Marble & Granite Inc understands how custom made countertops, tiles, handrails, and steps are becoming popular in todays market. That is why we offer our clients more options than settling for what are already available. We offer custom fabrication of our granite, quartz, porcelain and marble products. Our experts can cut countertops to custom sizes that will fit your home and business kitchen design and project in Connecticut and NYC. Our team has the experience and state of the art equipment for cutting and fitting any type of our granite, quartz, porcelain, marble and stone to your exact design specifications.

Time Marble & Granite Inc has been in the business for several years. Though we are a young company, our commitment to provide high quality and affordable marble, porcelain tile, quartz and granite steps, handrail, countertops and other products is the reason why we have earned the trust of many property owners in Connecticut and NYC. This is also the reason why our company has become one of the top marble, granite, quartz and porcelain tile manufacturers in Connecticut, NYC and surrounding areas.

Over the years in the business, we have built relationships with different construction companies and homebuilders. With years of experience in the industry, working relationships through Connecticut and NYC area, team of experts, high quality equipment, recognitions and achievements, we at Time Marble & Granite Inc guarantee that you only get the best marble, porcelain tile, quartz, granite and other natural stone products and services.

If you are not sure what is the right kitchen countertop for you NYC home or you are looking for professional stone manufacturer for your steps, handrails, flooring or countertops in Connecticut, contact Time Marble & Granite Inc today.

Feel free to browse through our website and check out some of our available products available. Contact us today and let our experts help you find and choose the perfect products for your property anywhere in Connecticut and NYC. Next time you need a professional marble, porcelain tile, quartz, granite manufacturer or kitchen countertops supplier, count on Time Marble & Granite Inc. to cover all your stone and masonry needs. Just send us a message or drop by our office to discuss your project to one of our expert consultant.

We ship worldwide and accept wholesale orders for our kitchen countertops, granite handrails, marble steps, porcelain tiles and other natural stone products. We are proud to serve homes, private houses, businesses, corporate offices and commercial properties anywhere in Connecticut, NYC and surrounding areas.

Continued here:
Porcelain Tile Granite Countertops, Steps Handrail Quartz ...

Edge Profile: Natural Stone City offers you 12 different ways to shape the edge of your granite countertop. View all edge profile options! We chose the ogee edge as it adds a nice touch! Diane & Dave , St. Jacobs

Backsplash: We provide several backsplash tiles, aside from using granite or quartz. A 4 high granite or quartz backsplash works very well for bathroom projects and in some kitchens. The height of the backsplash can be altered according to individual preferences. At times, a full granite backsplash leads to delightful designs, as it is illustrated in the side picture. We liked the colour so much, that we decided to go with full back-splash, which turned out absolutely gorgeous! Edie and Bruce, Kitchener

Seams: Each kitchen project begins with the selection of a brand new slab, which are usually 10.5 long and 6.5 wide. This allows us to cut very large countertops without adding any seams for a clean, natural look. Beware of companies that try and use remnant granite pieces to save costs! Seams take away from the continuity and the quality of the final product. It was of utmost importance to us that the island is all one piece. We wouldnt have had it any other way! Jadwiga and Richard, Manheim

Finish: All granite is originally sealed and polished, which gives it a glossy, highly reflective look. Most customers prefer this finish because the colours are vibrant and attract a lot of attention. In particular cases, in which the design calls for a dull surface, we can alter the finish of the stone with either a honed or leathered look. The glossy finish allows for the colours to be vibrant and attract attention. Casey and John, Cambridge

Thickness: All granite is either 3/4 (2 cm) or 1 1/4 (3 cm) thick. Due to significant differences in quality, strength and endurance between the two thicknesses, Natural Stone City supplies 1 1/4 (3 cm) granite for the price of 3/4 (2 cm) slabs. We really like the thickness of the granite because it can have a 14 overhang without extra support. This overhang allows us to sit around the island comfortably, which we appreciate most during breakfast. Angeles and Luis, Waterloo

Unique Ideas: If you can think of it, we can build it out of natural stone. Our state of the art equipment can be used by our experienced staff to customize natural stone in whichever way you wish! Discuss all of your design ideas with our sales team to find out how we can make it happen!

Read the original here:
Quartz Countertops Colours | Natural Stone City

A countertop (also counter top, counter, benchtop, (British English) worktop, or (Australian English) kitchen bench) is a horizontal work surface in kitchens or other food preparation areas, bathrooms or lavatories, and workrooms in general. It is frequently installed upon and supported by cabinets. The surface is positioned at an ergonomic height for the user and the particular task for which it is designed. A countertop may be constructed of various materials with different attributes of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. The countertop may have built-in applicances, or accessory items relative to the intended application.

In Australian English, the term counter is generally reserved for a surface of this type that forms a boundary between a space for public use and a space for workers to carry out service tasks. In other contexts, the term bench or benchtop is used.

The common fitted Western-style kitchen, developed in the early 20th century, is typically an arrangement of assembled unit cabinetry covered with a more-or-less continuous countertop work surface. The "unfitted" kitchen design style exemplified by Johnny Grey may also include detached and/or varied countertop surfaces mounted on discrete base support structures. Primary considerations of material choice and conformation are durability, functionality, hygienics, appearance, and cost.

When installed in a kitchen on standard (U.S) wall-mounted base unit cabinets, countertops are typically about 25-26inches (635660mm) from front to back and are designed with a slight overhang on the front (leading) edge. This allows for a convenient reach to objects at the back of the countertop while protecting the base cabinet faces. In the UK the standard width is 600mm (Approximately 24 inches). Finished heights from the floor will vary depending on usage but typically will be 35-36" (889914mm), with a material thickness depending on that chosen. They may include an integrated or applied backsplash (UK: upstand) to prevent spills and objects from falling behind the cabinets. Kitchen countertops may also be installed on freestanding islands, dining areas or bars, desk and table tops, and other specialized task areas; as before, they may incorporate cantilevers, freespans and overhangs depending on application. The horizontal surface and vertical edges of the countertop can be decorated in manners ranging from plain to very elaborate. They are often conformed to accommodate the installation of sinks, stoves (cookers), ranges, and cooktops, or other accessories such as dispensers, integrated drain boards, and cutting boards.

Countertops can be made from a wide range of materials[1] and the cost of the completed countertop can vary widely depending on the material chosen.[2] The durability and ease of use of the material often rises with the increasing cost of the material but some costly materials are neither particularly durable nor user-friendly. Some common countertop materials are as follows:

Natural stone is one of the most commonly used materials in countertops. Natural stone or dimension stone slabs (e.g. granite) are shaped using cutting and finishing equipment in the shop of the fabricator. The edges are commonly put on by hand-held routers, grinders, or CNC equipment. If the stone has a highly variegated pattern, the stone may be laid out in final position in the shop for the customer's inspection, or the stone slabs may be selected by experienced inspectors. Emerging technology allows for virtual stone placement on a computer. Exact photographs can now be taken which allow for the integration of a dxf file to lay on top of a stone image.[citation needed] Multiple slabs of material may be used in this layout process. Then the countertop assembly is installed on the job site by professionals. Commonly, initial countertop fabrication takes place at or near the quarry of origin, with blocks being sawn to thickness and then machined into standard widths (600mm and upwards), before being surface polished and edged. This method removes the need to ship waste material, and reduces the time needed to prepare client orders.[citation needed] This practice is called "cut to size" A wide range of details may be pre-machined by the fabricator, allowing for installation of different sinks and cooker designs.[3] A common drawback to natural stone is the need for sealing to prevent harboring of bacteria and/or fluids that may cause staining. In recent years oleophobic impregnators have been introduced as an alternative to surface sealers.[citation needed] With the advent of impregnators the frequency of sealing has been cut down to once every five to ten years on most materials.[4]

Wooden countertops can come in a variety of designs ranging from butcher block to joined planks to single wide stave. Wood is considered to be the most eco-friendly option when it comes to choosing a kitchen countertop as wood is a renewable resource. Wood countertops must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after contact with foods such as raw meat. Although the use of wooden work surfaces is prohibited in commercial food production areas in the EU, and the US Department of Agriculture advises against the use of wooden chopping boards, research by the Food Research Institute at the University of Wisconsin has shown that wooden work surfaces are no more dangerous, and in some cases safer than plastic alternatives. They have shown that while bacteria do get absorbed by the wood, they do not multiply and eventually die. While brand new plastic work surfaces are indeed easy to disinfect, once they have become heavily knife scarred they are nearly impossible to completely disinfect. This is not a problem with wooden work surfaces where the number of knife cuts made little difference.

"Postformed" (or literally "formed after being laminated" to the substrate) high pressure laminate countertop, often referred to as "plastic laminate countertop" is a material made more of wood product than plastic. The composition is of kraft paper, decorative papers, and melamine resins, bonded through high heat and pressure. This product is sometimes referred to as "Formica" or "Arborite," but these are trade names of a manufactured high pressure laminate, of which there are many manufacturers.

The postform countertop is typically a high volume factory-produced product, which accounts for the economy of the product. The material composition consists of a single thin sheet of laminate (typically .030" - .040" in thickness) that gets bonded to a 45# density particle board substrate (or other similar base material such as MDF - medium density fiberboard, or plywood), with a PVA adhesive (poly vinyl acetate - a water-based adhesive). Traditionally postform countertops were manufactured with a solvent-based contact cement (a highly flammable, volatile organic compound - VOC). However, in today's marketplace PVA adhesives have taken over for reasons of environmental responsibility (no VOC's), safety (non-combustible), economy, and strength of the glue line.

A typical system consists of the following:

Once manufactured the tops need only to be cut to length, mitered, fitted for assembly, and end capped (only if it is a visible finished end). A very specific machine for cutting the postform countertop is manufactured by only a few companies, it is commonly called a Cutting Station, Top Saw, or simply Miter Saw. This machine accurately cuts the countertop to field dimensions, making it easy for the installer to make the final scribe cuts on-site to complete the work. Sink cut outs can be made either in the field or at the installers shop.

Overall, the postform countertop is the most economical countertop on the market, and has the broadest selection of surface material to choose from. Surfaces can be either a solid color, or a pattern, and textures range from a satin funiture finish to a heavily textured stone or pebbled appearance to a high gloss resolution. Because of this diversity, the postform countertop can satisfy a wide variety of design applications, and due to its economy, it can be easily replaced to provide a fresh appearance in any room.

Self or wood edge plastic laminate countertops are also very popular for those who chose to have few or no surface seams. In this style, the top shop uses substrate for the countertop out of MDF, or particle board and then glue sheets of laminate to the substrate using Contact Cement. The laminate is then trimmed using a router. This method can't reproduce the curved contours of post-formed countertopping but can be made to easily conform to a much-wider range of floor plans with fewer seams.

Custom architectural crafted glass, tempered glass, textured glass pieces, and the ancient art of verre glomis, or reverse gilded glass, are applied to contemporary uses including countertops, backsplashes, and tabletops. Glass work may be customized to suit by craftsmen in the studio, then installed on site either in small components (such as a kitchen countertop composed of three rectangles of verre glomis) or as immense, single units (for example, a glass countertop and sink basin formed of one continuous piece of textured glass). Surface texture comes in several variations, such as sanded, melted, pixels, and linear. Glass countertops also often have customized edges, including: bushed polished, textured, and fire polished edges. The glass is non-porous, relatively stain-proof, extremely hygienic, and "extremely heat resistant (up to 700 degrees)."[5] Much work is being done to "recycle" glass using sources such as post consumer glass or post industrial float glass. The material can be crushed or cut into strips that is heated until the softening point of glass, binding the loose material back into a solid form.

Tile, including ceramic tile and stone tile, is installed in much the same way as flat lay laminate except that the gaps between the tiles are grouted after the tile has been glued down.

Solid surface acrylic or polyester materials are usually prefabricated at the installer's shop and then assembled on site. The material is readily glued and the glue joints are then sanded, leaving almost no visible trace of the joint. The edge treatment for solid-surface countertops can be very elaborate. The material itself is usually only about 12mm (1/2inch) thick so an edge is usually created by stacking up two or three layers of the material. The built-up edge then can be shaped to a rounded edge or an ogee. Fancier edge treatments are more expensive.

Engineered stone quartz surfacing is made from approximately 95% natural quartz and 5% polymer resins (by weight). Testing has shown that they retain much of the toughness of quartz but display increased ductility due to the resin, improving impact resistance.[6] Countertops are custom made and more scratch resistant as well as less porous than natural quartz surfaces, and don't need to be sealed like other stone surfaces. Due to the presence of the resins, quartz counters are less prone to staining. Thicknesses may be 6mm, 1.2cm (1/2inch), 2cm (3/4inch), 3cm (1inch) or 4cm (1inch). Brands include CMMA Solid Surface by World BMC, Hanstone, NaturaStone, Silestone, Q, Caesarstone, Technistone, Cambria, and Zodiaq.

Concrete may be utilized as a surfacing material in one of several forms: cast-in-place (in which the fabricator creates forms atop the previously installed cabinetry, places, and then finishes the material in situ), custom precast ( in which the fabricator creates site templates, duplicates the pattern in a production facility offsite, and installs the finished product atop the cabinetry), and the machining of pre-manufactured gauged slabs (similar to natural stone fabrication).[7]

Concrete, especially precast, lends itself to a high degree of customization due to the phase-change nature of its creation, filling a specific form with a fluid material which hardens (through mineral hydration) to a durable cast stone. Color choices, edge styles, three-dimensional sculpting, and integral features such as sinks, drainboards, and decorative embedments are design options which may be incorporated. Due to its site-specific and generally handmade nature, concrete countertops are often produced by small shops and individual artisans although there are several large-scale manufacturers of gauged slabs.[8]

Cultured marble countertops are man made vanity tops that have the appearance of and resemble real stone marble. Cultured marble countertops are made by mixing high strength polyester resin and real marble stone dust. The combination is then formulated with additional chemicals and poured into a cast mold. These molds can ultimately produce bathtubs, whirlpool decks, shower pans, window sills, and even vanity tops. The finished material is significantly less expensive than natural marble and four times stronger than natural stones such as granite or marble. The process of using a mold also allows the fabricated countertops to have features such as different surface textures and a vast array of colors which natural stone can not. Cultured marble countertops are aesthetically pleasing and a more economical and durable alternative to real stone marble.

Paper composite panels fabricated from paper and resin laminated under heat and pressure to form a solid, dense material have been used as countertops in residences and science labs since the 1950s.

Stainless steel, stone, terrazzo, bamboo, and other materials are usually prefabricated and assembled on site as well. The difficulty of prefabrication rises with the more exotic materials. As with solid-surface synthetic materials, the edge treatments can vary widely, but the material is usually thicker so there is often no need to build up the edge with multiple layers of the material.

Many predesigned, prefabricated units (including sinks, drainboards, and other accessories) are available in stainless steel. These may be used "stand-alone" or integrated into larger custom assemblies. Some stainless steel systems stand on integrated legs and do not require the support of cabinetry.

In any of these styles, "self-rimming" sinks can be used. They are mounted in templated holes cut in the countertop (or substrate material) using a jigsaw or other cutter appropriate to the material at hand and are suspended by their rim. The rim forms a close fit, reinforced with a sealant, on the top surface of the countertop, especially when the sink is clamped into the hole from below.

Most materials also allow the installation of a "bottom-mount" or "under-mount" sink. With these, the edge of the countertop material is exposed at the hole created for the sink (and so must be a carefully finished edge rather than a rough cut; this cut is generally done at the fabricator's workshop). The sink is then mounted to the bottom of the material from below. Especially for under-mount sinks, silicone-based sealants are typically used to assure a waterproof joint between the sink and the countertop material. The advantage of an "under-mount" sink is that it gives a contemporary look to the kitchen but the disadvantages are extra cost in both the sink and the counter top.

Solid-surface plastic materials allow a third option: sinks made of the same plastic material as the countertop can easily be glued to the underside of the countertop material and the joint sanded flat, creating the usual invisible joint and completely eliminating any dirt-catching seam between the sink and the countertop. The disadvantage is that the sinks do not have the same impact resistance of stainless or cast iron and may differentially expand and contract with extreme temperature change (as might be caused by a pot of hot water dumped into the sink). In a similar fashion, with stainless steel, a sink may be welded into the countertop; the joint is then ground to create a finished, concealed appearance.

Go here to see the original:
Countertop - Wikipedia

What does a tile, stone and countertop contractor do? If it involves tile, stone or another countertop material, odds are this pro can tackle the job. With comprehensive knowledge of which surfaces will work best in various locations within the home, New Jersey tile, stone and countertop contractors can help you select the ideal material for the intended application. Some focus on kitchens and bathrooms, while others handle outdoor projects, such as walkways. You can find more tile, stone & countertops in New York, Manhattan, Borough of Bronx, Newark and Jersey City.

In addition to basic surfaces, many Secaucus, NJ tile, stone and countertop contractors can create and install murals and mosaics, as well as add decorative edge treatments to countertops. They also repair or replace surfaces in the event of chips, cracks, stains or other damage. Many tile, stone and countertop professionals also install shower pans, radiant-heat flooring systems and other common components of surfacing jobs, often working in tandem with Secaucus, NJ plumbers or other professionals. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of tile, stone & countertops: Interior Designers & Decorators, Architects & Building Designers, General Contractors, Kitchen & Bath Designers, Design-Build Firms.

Continue reading here:
Secaucus, NJ Tile, Stone & Countertop Manufacturers ...

What does a tile, stone and countertop contractor do? If it involves tile, stone or another countertop material, odds are this pro can tackle the job. With comprehensive knowledge of which surfaces will work best in various locations within the home, New Jersey tile, stone and countertop contractors can help you select the ideal material for the intended application. Some focus on kitchens and bathrooms, while others handle outdoor projects, such as walkways. You can find more tile, stone & countertops in New York, Manhattan, Borough of Bronx, Newark and Yonkers.

In addition to basic surfaces, many Jersey City, NJ tile, stone and countertop contractors can create and install murals and mosaics, as well as add decorative edge treatments to countertops. They also repair or replace surfaces in the event of chips, cracks, stains or other damage. Many tile, stone and countertop professionals also install shower pans, radiant-heat flooring systems and other common components of surfacing jobs, often working in tandem with Jersey City, NJ plumbers or other professionals. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of tile, stone & countertops: Interior Designers & Decorators, Architects & Building Designers, General Contractors, Kitchen & Bath Designers, Design-Build Firms.

The rest is here:
Jersey City, NJ Tile, Stone & Countertop Manufacturers ...