MANUFACTURERS OF KITCHEN & BATH SURFACES

Just Scratching the Surface

We see the ads, we hear the names, but what is Corian?  Silestone?  Cultured Granite?  Whether it be for your bathroom, kitchen, or reception counter - the options when choosing a surface product are plenty.  But how do you determine which product is best for your application?  You need to understand the categories of products that are available and compare them based on longevity, durability, functionality, maintenance, installed cost and of course visual appeal.

 Laminate  ($10-$50/sqft installed)

Laminate is the most economical, but also tends to be more limited in application and longevity.  It is mainly used only for countertops.  As its name suggests, laminate is laminated to a particle board substrate.  Complex shapes for countertops are possible using wood or solid surface edged laminates.  Straight runs with mitred corners are most common.   Laminates are available in a wide range of colours and textures.  They are stain resistant, but are not heat, chip, or scratch resistant.  Excessive moisture by a sink or at mitred corners may cause the surface to peel away from the backing.  Brand names include Formica and Wilsonart.

 Ceramic Tile  ($10-$50+/sqft installed)

Ceramic tile is a very versatile building material.  Its uses are many:  flooring, wall tile, shower/tub surrounds, tub decks, around fireplaces, and even countertops.  Ceramic tiles are heat resistant, scratch resistant, and come in endless colours and price ranges.  It can be inexpensive and elegant option.  It may not be the best choice if you are looking for a low maintenance surface.  Tiles can crack, dirt and mildew will stain grout, and water can penetrate through these defects. 

 Cultured Granite and Marble   ($20-$45/sqft installed)

 Cultured granite and marble is also an extremely versatile building material.  It is very cost effective and has a wide range of colour options.  Common uses include vanity tops, shower bases, tub/shower/wall panels, soaker tub decks, baseboards, window sills and trim, and even kitchen countertops.  Cultured stone is a composite product made of 75% marble stone and 25% resin and pigments.  Cultured stone can scratch and lavatory sinks have been known to crack in the past.  New formulations have made it more durable and it is a renewable surface.  Scratches can be polished out and even small chips can be repaired.  This product is non-porous and is easy to clean.  It is seamless and there is no waste in the manufacturing process as each part is custom molded to your specifications.   

 Solid Surface  ($55-$100+/sqft installed)

Solid surface is a composite product with many colour options.  The main components are acrylic resin and pigments.  Being a homogeneous product, it can be cut and machined to any configuration.  It is sold in sheets to the fabricator rather than being custom made to fit.  Seams, when required, are extremely discreet.  Solid surfaces are beautiful and extremely popular.  They are non-porous, easy to clean, and are renewable surfaces as scratches can be sanded and polished out.   Name brands include Corian and Avonite.

 Engineered Stone  ($75-$120/sqft installed)

These include brand names such as Zodiaq and Silestone.  Uses include vanity tops, soaker tub decking, countertops, and even flooring.  Engineered stone is a composite:  93% quartz stone and 7% resin and pigment.  Engineered stone is non-porous and natural quartz content makes it very durable.  It therefore performs well in terms of stain, scratch, and heat resistance.  It does not contain irregularities, pores, or cracks found in natural stone.  It is easy to clean, and if properly cared for, will last a lifetime.  For large countertops such as a reception counter, you still require visible seams.

 Marble or Granite  ($75-$120/sqft installed)

Pricing varies depending on the type of stone chosen, where it has been quarried from, and edge treatments.  Common uses are countertops, vanity tops, thresholds (flooring), and around fireplaces.  Natural stone surfaces are beautiful and rates high in terms of longevity.  Granite and marble is heat resistant.  It can stain if subjected to soap scum or grease and oils.  Periodically you should wipe your surface with a penetrating sealer to improve its resistance to stains and always blot any spills quickly.  You may also notice that granite or marble counters are cold and noisy and will definitely be tough on breakables.  Large countertops require a visible seam.

Commercial & Residential.  Manufactured & Installed.