countertops Everything you need to know to choose the perfect counter top.

�1

�2

Contents ———

5 Counter Intelligence

6 Select Countertops with Care

6 Material Options

9 Finishes

10 Getting Edgy

11 Other Fun Countertop Options———

5585 MacArthur RoadWhitehall, PA 18052

www.directkitchen.com610-262-7235

�3

�4

Counter Intelligence————If the kitchen is the epicenter of the home, then the countertops are the epicenter of the kitchen. It’s where virtually every kitchen activity begins and ends. Because countertops are one of the first things you see when you enter the kitchen, they naturally serve as a focal point. And the good news is that the choice of color, shape, and material is virtually unlimited, enabling you and your designer not only to make countertops the functional workhorse of your new kitchen, but the ultimate expression of your design and personality.

Investing in high-quality, high-performing, statement-making countertops makes a lot of sense. Not only are the countertops relied upon for meal preparation, but they are also used for cooking, eating, entertaining, doing homework, charging electronics, reading, and spending quality family time together. Countertops serve practical and aesthetic functions that can make or break a new kitchen.

�5

Select Countertops with Care————Countertops can increase home value if they are beautiful and durable. Answering these questions will help you prioritize your goals and identify your ideal surface.

• Who will use the kitchen and countertops and for what purposes? The level of activity in your kitchen should influence you countertop selection. If you entertain frequently, you know your guests will eventually make their way to the kitchen. Consider selecting countertops that are not only beautiful, but also durable and stain resistant. Similarly, frequent and passionate cooks gravitate to countertops that are durable, heat resistant, and easy to clean. If young children will use the kitchen or the space is smaller in scale, consider countertops that have rounded edges to prevent possible injuries caused by running into corners.

• How will the countertops make your kitchen look and feel? Material, texture, color, style, form, finish, and shape all play a role.

• How will the countertops mesh with your cabinets, appliances, faucet, sinks, and hardware? • How well will the countertops integrate with other rooms in the home?• How easy is the surface to clean and maintain?• Are you willing to increase the investment to increase the return?

Material Options————The most popular countertop materials are:

• Granite: Granite is versatile, tough, and offers an almost infinite palate of colors and styles. Granite is easy to maintain and clean. Properly maintained it will last a lifetime. However, granite is porous and unless sealed properly and regularly, it can be prone to staining. Granite should be sealed every two to three years on average, but frequency varies depending on the usage and type of stone. Granite is more expensive than laminate and price varies based on color selection.

• Marble: Marble is beautiful, statement-making, and classic looking. The downside to marble is that it is prone to cracking, chipping, scratching, and staining; therefore maybe not the best choice for a high-traffic kitchen. Marble also tends to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. If you expect a perfect factory finish for the lifetime of your countertops, marble may not be the best option for your kitchen. Marble will develop a patina or “living finish” with time causing its appearance to change.

�6

• Engineered Stone (Quartz): Quartz looks comparable to granite and marble, however, it is not porous, won’t stain, and does not require sealing; making it much easier to clean and maintain. There are an almost limitless number of colors, patterns, and finishes available. With engineered stone you can even incorporate veins in interesting patterns to resemble the look of natural stone. Typical quartz slabs are the same thickness as granite, 3 cm. However, quartz is heavier than granite and much stronger, allowing for larger countertops and longer overhangs. Engineered stone is comparable in pice to granite; color, manufacturer, and finish will influence the price of quartz.

• Laminate: Laminate is the most cost effective countertop, comes in hundreds of colors and patterns, and is relatively easy to clean on a daily basis. While the low cost of laminate is enticing, most home owners today opt for the durability and look of other types of countertops.

• Wood: Wood is a living product that will change over time. Wood may show wear and tear, nicks and scratches. Most wood tops need to be sealed regularly, however, some higher end wood tops may offer a more durable sealed finish. The attractiveness of wood is its ability to add character and warmth to a kitchen. Wood comes in a variety of species, colors,

�7

thicknesses, and edges. Many times the areas of the kitchen featuring wood tops are viewed as fine furniture. Designers often pair wood with other countertop materials. The price of wood varies greatly by species, but will start at a point similar to mid range stone tops

• Stainless Steel: Professional chefs gravitate to stainless steel, in part, because it is impervious to bacteria and heat. Stainless steel requires more maintenance than most other surfaces because of its propensity to scratch and show water spots and finger prints. Stainless steel is often selected to create an industrial look.

• Recycled Glass: This “green” material is easy to clean and maintain, stain and heat resistant, and durable. Each glass countertop is unique, providing a custom look. A knowledgeable and experienced fabricator and installer is essential with glass countertops. Some colors are known for showing fingerprints and water spots. Glass is comparable to the higher end stone

products in price.• Concrete: The unique feature of concrete is that it is formed in place in the kitchen or

bathroom. While concrete is very hard, regular sealing is required to prevent staining. Due to the installation process, concrete is the highest price countertop material.

• Solid Surface: Solid surfaces are made from acrylic and generally equal to, or slightly less than, entry level stone products. They are easy to maintain and come in a rainbow of colors. This material is unique in that, if properly installed, the seams can be invisible. Heat is the single biggest enemy of solid surface; a counter saver, or trivet should always be in easy reach.

• Tile: Countertop tiles are made from ceramic or porcelain. They come in an endless array of styles, colors, shapes, and textures and can be sized to fit any motif. Tile countertops tend to be labor intensive to install and the grout may need to be sealed regularly to prevent damage.

As with most products that will go into your new kitchen, there are a variety of qualities and price points available. It is best to discuss your specific wants and needs to make sure your countertop will look great for years to come.

�8

Finishes————The look and feel that countertops create are also affected by the type of finish. Polished is the most popular type of finish on stone countertops. Other options include honed, concrete, and leather finishes.

A honed finish has little or no shine, a smooth matte surface, and is favored for its ability to conceal wear and tear.

Concrete finishes have little or no shine with a slight texture to resemble the look and feel of actual concrete.

Leather finishes have a soft sheen, less glossy than a polished surface and a different tactile feel. Leather finishes hide fingerprints and water spots very well.

�9

Getting Edgy————Building a new kitchen involves a lot of decision making, the details make all the difference. The edge of your countertop is one of those details that can make a huge difference, especially in smaller spaces. The edge you select should match the “style” of your kitchen. The most common style of edges are:

• Bevel• Round over• Bullnose• Eased• Ogee

A beveled edge is often specified for a transitional or modern design. It is characterized by a clipped flat corner cut along the top at a 45 degree angle. A bevel edge is easy to clean due to the lack of detail on the edge.

A round over edge is a slightly “softer” edge than bevel, and looks great with a more traditional style kitchen. This is a popular edge if there are small children in the home. It also is great for a bar or desk where you (or guests) may lean on the edge of the countertop.

Both the bevel and round over can be a single edge (top edge only) or a double edge (top and bottom edges). The radius of the round over edge can be increased to make a full bullnose edge. This eliminates all flat areas on the edge of the counter top.

Eased edges are common in contemporary designs because of their simplicity. They help to soften the hard edges of laminate tops, but are sharper than a round over edge.

Ogee edges are more detailed and commonly specified in traditional design motifs. Ogee edges have curves and grooves. Cleaning is somewhat more challenging, but an ogee edge creates a striking visual effect.

�10

Other Fun Countertop Options————Waterfalls: A waterfall counter breaks away from the expected horizontal countertop. The top material, typically granite, quartz, or wood, continues vertically down the sides of a cabinet, creating a continuous flow that ties the countertop to the floor; giving the whole space a unified connected feeling.

Waterfall counters work especially well in open floor plans, where an end cabinet or island can be seen from various angles or other rooms.If you don’t have an expansive space, you can still create a big impact in a small space with a waterfall countertop. Waterfalls compliment all design styles; traditional, transitional, and modern.

Sinks and faucets: Don’t forget the countertops are where your sink and faucet will reside as well. The countertop you select may determine how the sink will be mounted. Solid surface tops offer sinks made of the same material as the top itself, and can be installed seamlessly. For most stone tops, under mount sinks are used. In both cases the faucet will be mounted through the countertop, so it has to be included as part of a well thought out design, rather than an afterthought. Additional accessories can be installed in the countertop as well including, drinking water dispensers, disposal switches, and knife racks.

�11

Closing————Countertops are functional and an aesthetic focal point in any kitchen. Selecting a material, color, style, and functionality that best suites your lifestyle and budget will help to ensure that your new countertops will bring a smile to your face every time you cross the threshold of your new kitchen.

�12