Kitchen layout and design trends reflect contemporary lifestyles. With today’s smaller living and dining areas, the countertop is the hub of a modern home. It’s where family and friends just naturally gather. So it makes sense to choose a countertop that’s easy on the eyes, inviting to the touch, and will stand up to the wear and tear of everyday living.
There’s never been a better time than now to buy premium, custom countertops for your kitchen or bathroom. In a recent report on countertops, Consumer Reports stated that with so many stylish and strong materials currently available, choice is just a matter of taste, budget and performance.
Choosing new countertops is about determining:
- The look you’re after
- In a material you can live with
- At a price you’re willing to pay
| If you like: |
Then choose: |
Man-made materials |
Solid surface |
Natural materials |
Granite, Artisan™ granite or natural quartz |
Consistent color |
Natural quartz or solid surface |
A naturally varied appearance
and character |
Granite, Artisan™ granite |
Decorative inlays, borders, trims |
Solid surface |
An integral sink |
Solid surface |
| If you don’t want to worry about: |
Then choose: |
Staining (without
regular sealing) |
Artisan™ granite, natural quartz or
solid surface |
Burn marks or scratches |
Granite, Artisan™ granite, or natural quartz |
Care and maintenance beyond soap and water |
Artisan™ granite, natural quartz or
solid surface |
Kids or the elderly |
Any material with the corners rounded |
The cost of new countertops is a function of the:
- Type and quality of material
- Edge treatment
- Backsplash material and design
- Custom features (inlays, borders, trim, etc.)
- Difficulty of installation
Pay careful attention to manufacturers’ warranties:
- Artisan™ granite is the first and only granite countertop with a comprehensive lifetime warranty
- Most natural quartz and solid surface manufacturers offer a ten-year warranty
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Know how much I plan to spend? |
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Design a custom, one-of-a-kind design? |
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Ever want to use more than just a sponge to clean up? |
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