Countertops

From my collection of FAQ's...

A little countertop tutorial.

The least expensive countertop material is laminate (don't cringe) there's a new
generation of laminates that are amazing! I moved into an apartment in NYC thinking I had granite countertops - and did not realize my error until I touched it!

My favorite is Wilsonart HD. It is actually a 3D surface that is carved, rendered and colored to look like various types of stone.














Here's the link:

www.wilsonart.com/hd

I like the Deepstar Jade the best - you can use either a square edge or a bullnose edge to get the full stone effect.

I like this laminate because it's more forgiving than stone (doesn't hurt as much
if you crack your head on it) it is Greenguard Certified for good indoor air
quality (less toxins to breathe in which I highly recommend for developing
children) and it is VERY cost-effective.

Next would be the solid surface stuff (like cultured marble) that the big box stores sell, wouldn't really recommend it - it looks cheap.

I've also done wood slabs in powder baths - which may seem really scary, but
we use a Bar Finish Sealer - and it has been used in pubs and restaurants for decades with no problem. It looks especially great in a stain that contrasts with the cabinetry below or with a live edge - Bark showing!
















And of course stone... Marble and Limestone are cheaper in material price than
granite and Man-Made stone (Quartz products) but the fabrication and installation is about the same - so usually the price difference is minimal. I will not use limestone in kitchens because it stains - I'm a little hesitant to use it in bathrooms because of some beauty products - things like Proactive and anything with harsh chemicals will turn it colors (proactive turns it
Orange...) Even hard water wears away at it.

I can not mention granite without saying that there are recent studies reporting that granite emits radiation - and since I'm all about healthy homes, I am trying not to use it until they can figure out what is going on! If you're interested in finding out more - google it, the article was originally posted in the New York Times.

The most expensive would be stainless steel or copper - but the price of
copper has been cut by 2/3 recently - so if you like that idea, explore it!





There is also a laminate that mimics this, if you want the look but don't want the cost!




I think Iron, Brushed natural or Tungsten look pretty Great.

And last but not least... there are tons of green products that are coming on the market, there are Countertops made of paper:

www.richlite.com

Countertops made of concrete:

www.syndecrete.com

Concrete By-Products:

www.squakmountain.com

Fine flake aluminum milling scrap:

www.alkemi.com

100% post-consumer recycled glass (which is also recyclable):

www.pental.com/swatch/ecoline/bioglass/bioglass.html

Lots and lots of quartz/concrete/glass composites:

www.icestone.biz
www.ceasarstone.com
www.corian.com
www.cambria.com

And - coming in with the most original (thank goodness the most original price tag of $260 per square foot...)
Glazed Volcanic Lava Stone: