The key to choosing a kitchen countertop is in understanding the terminology.
Whether you’re scanning through a builder’s product display room or searching through the aisles of a building supply store, the options appear endless.
Before you can begin to absorb the visual impact of countertop after countertop, the eager salesperson approaches and, after a cursory “hello,” begins to toss out words that you recognize, but can’t define. Your eyes are scanning the room, trying to visualize your kitchen with that smooth countertop with the gray and white speckles.
“Formica” . . “Corian” . . “integral tops and sinks” . . .
Before your eyes glaze over, stop and examine the basic surfaces and their differences.
First, let’s dispel the notion that “Formica” and “Corian” are types of countertop surfaces. They are brand names that often are used, incorrectly, as generic names to describe counter materials. Formica is a type of laminated surface; Corian is a solid surface. Each surface style is sold in other brand names.
Laminates are at the low end of the pricing structure and are standard in most new homes that are not semi-custom or custom built. Hoffman Homes, for example, includes laminated kitchen countertops as standard items in its seven developments in the west, northwest and northern suburbs. The townhouses and single-family homes are priced from $150,000 to approximately $300,000.
“The laminate is well accepted and can be easily maintained,” said Barbara Kininmonth, vice president of marketing. White countertops are the most popular with buyers, with off-white and almond following closely behind, she said. “People are relatively conservative in countertop selection.”
Hoffman Homes does not offer other surfaces as upgrades. However, Portfolio Homes, part of the Hassinger Cos., includes solid surfaces as standard in the Village Homes of Wynstone in North Barrington. The semi-custom single-family homes are priced from $389,990. The solid surface counter is viewed as an investment and, thus, is standard in that price range, Kininmonth said.
Laminated surfaces are available in post-formed, which is machine-made; full-wrap, which is one piece that forms the backsplash and counter and curves over the counter’s front edge; and self-edge, which is a straight counter with a separate backsplash.
One downside to using a laminate is the chance of liquids seeping into cracks where sections are joined. “When you have a seam and water gets in the crack, the counter will expand,” said Robert Mandelman, kitchen and bath specialist at Handy Andy Home Improvements Centers Inc. in Arlington Heights. He suggests watching water flow near the counter to avoid such damage.
Prices for laminates range from $12 to $17 per linear foot for post-formed to $24 to $31 per linear foot for self-edged, Mandelman said. The size, color, and use of a special trim also will affect the cost.
Installation is $14.50 per linear foot, plus the cost of a sink and plumbing fixtures.
Solid surfaces are seamless, giving a consistent color and texture. The sink and counter are often bonded together to form one integral piece. Geometric shapes can be integrated into the counter design because of the flowing design of the surface.
At Handy Andy, prices for solid surfaces start at $125 per linear foot, including installation. The cost will increase, for example, when granite-style colors are used and when bands of color are added to the primary color.
Laminates and solid surfaces can be maintained with soap products; abrasive cleaners should not be used.
“The main reason people will select a solid surface counter is because of its repairability,” said Alan W. Zielinski, vice president of Niles-based Better Kitchens Inc.
Cuts and scratches can be repaired by sanding or filling in the surface. Laminates usually can not be repaired if chipped, he said.
Ceramic tile is priced between laminates and solid surfaces, but is not as popular as either. While the look can be appealing, the grout between the tiles usually is porous and will retain food particles and bacteria, Zielinski said.
People who choose tile on the countertop are increasingly adding matching or contrasting tile on the wall behind the counter.
The design helps to draw the counter and back splash area together, according to area custom builders.
For the more extravagant, marble and granite can be shaped into a countertop surface. Because stones are made by nature, the surface grains are not as consistent as in a solid surface. Also, stones have to be polished if chipped, Zielinski said.
While the choices appear endless, you can narrow your selection by understanding the differences between the countertop surfaces. Then you can pick the best style for your kitchen.
