What is the back piece on a countertop called?
A backsplash is the vertical surface at the back of a countertop. You need to have a backsplash in a kitchen because of water, grease, and other elements that can damage or discolor the wall behind the sink and stove.
What is the edge of a counter top called?
To help you with that conversation, here are a few countertop edge types to consider along with their more commonly accepted names:Square. This is the simplest finish to do because it's just straight 90-degree edges all around. ... Eased. ... Bevel. ... Bullnose. ... Demi-Bullnose. ... Mitered. ... Dupont, French Cove, and Ogee.
What is countertop material called?
Here, we'll take a look at seven popular types of countertop materials: natural stone, solid-surfaces, engineered stone, concrete, plastic laminate, ceramic tile, and wood.
What is the wood under a countertop called?
Plywood is a fabricated wood. This engineered product is made by sticking several boards together with a special adhesive. Even though the process doesn't change, there are different types of plywood available for a variety of uses.
What is a countertop lip?
A countertop overhang provides a lip that extends beyond the front of your cabinets. The purpose of a standard overhang (usually about 1 1/2 inches) is to prevent liquid spills from dribbling down the face of your cabinets and to keep crumbs from finding their way into the drawers and cupboards below.
What is a waterfall edge on a countertop?
What is a waterfall countertop? This is a countertop that drops vertically to the edge of a cabinet. It creates a continuous flow, linking the cabinet in a natural and fluid manner. Waterfall countertops are a more modern style.
What is the most popular countertop material?
GraniteGranite. Granite countertops are perhaps most familiar to the majority of homeowners, and have been a popular choice for the past few decades or so.
What is a classic countertop material?
Marble: Marble is a classic countertop option, though its unique features make it a specialized choice. Marble is a natural stone made from sedimentary rock compressed over millions of years at very high temperatures.
What are the main types of countertops?
Types of countertops1 Marble. Marble countertops have really come into prominence in recent years. ... 2 Quartz. ... 3 Granite. ... 4 Concrete. ... 5 Butcher Block. ... 6 Soapstone. ... 7 Stainless Steel. ... 8 Laminate.More items...•
What are the supports under the countertop called?
In kitchens, corbels and brackets are typically used beneath countertops, islands, bar tops, and shelves. The critical difference between corbels and brackets is their width; corbels are generally thicker than brackets.
What are countertop build-up strips?
Build-up refers to the hidden strips of wood that give a laminated counter top the visual illusion of being 1 ½ inch thick. When one purchases a prefabricated countertop, the underside reveals that the laminate is actually glued to a board that is only ¾ inch thick. This is typical of the most common countertops.
How do you support a countertop?
0:2415:58HOW-TO: Invisible Countertop Support w - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe've got some silicone you can also use some adhesive. Those are some of the tools. And I can'tMoreWe've got some silicone you can also use some adhesive. Those are some of the tools. And I can't forget the finishing nails to attach your fascia on here onto your substructure.
What is the most common countertop material?
Kitchen stone countertops, USA. Natural stone is one of the most commonly used materials in countertops. Natural stone or dimension stone slabs (e.g. granite) are shaped using cutting and finishing equipment in the shop of the fabricator. The edges are commonly put on by hand-held routers, grinders, or CNC equipment.
What is a lab countertop?
Side shot of a lab workspace. Laboratory countertops are countertops used specifically in science fields for educational labs or research purposes. They can be used to place equipments, tools, projects and chemicals.
What is the tile that sits on the wall called?
Tile, including ceramic tile and stone tile, is installed in much the same way as floor tiles or wall tiles through the use of mortar and grouting the tile gaps after they have been cemented down. The tiles that sit on the wall typically behind a countertop are called a backsplash .
What is postform countertop?
The postform countertop is typically a high volume factory-produced product, which accounts for the economy of the product.
What is fitted kitchen?
The common fitted Western-style kitchen , developed in the early 20th century, is typically an arrangement of assembled unit cabinetry covered with a more-or-less continuous countertop work surface. The "unfitted" kitchen design style exemplified by Johnny Grey may also include detached and/or varied countertop surfaces mounted on discrete base support structures. Primary considerations of material choice and conformation are durability, functionality, hygienics, appearance, and cost.
What is a stainless steel countertop?
A countertop (also counter top, counter, benchtop, ( British English) worktop, or ( Australian or New Zealand English) kitchen bench) is a horizontal work surface in kitchens or other food preparation areas, bathrooms or lavatories, and workrooms in general. It is frequently installed upon and supported by cabinets.
How are stone edges put on?
The edges are commonly put on by hand-held routers, grinders, or CNC equipment. If the stone has a highly variegated pattern, the stone may be laid out in final position in the shop for the customer's inspection, or the stone slabs may be selected by experienced inspectors.
What is solid surface countertop?
Solid surface countertops are a fairly new type of surface being used in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. As the name implies, they are made from solid synthetic material which
What is the richest countertop?
Granite Countertops. Granite countertops are some of the most elegant, richest kitchen countertops available. They are among the most expensive, too. Granite is a natural stone with outstanding strength and other strong.
What is a butcher block counter?
Butcher block counters are excellent for food preparation.
Why are laminate countertops so popular?
Laminate countertops remain a very popular option for many kitchens and bathrooms because they are affordable and come in the widest possible range of colors and patterns. These kitchen and
What is quartz countertop?
In the stone industry, quartz countertops are a type of engineered stone made up of loose quartz mineral aggregates, mineral pigment, and a binder (usually resin). I’m sure we’re all familiar with the cream surface with tiny little speckles throughout, but quartz can actually come solid or even textured as well.
What is granite made of?
Granite is a silica-based rock that typically has a speckled look from crystallized minerals that formed and cooled underneath the earth’s surface. I read on this one geology website that in the stone industry, granite is any stone that you can see visible grains from that are much harder than marble. This is where you get your granite varieties (the standard speckled granite is probably pegmatite and something with visible bands is probably gneiss, but let’s not get into that). We’ve all seen the usual builder-grade kitchen countertop, but similar to marble, there are different levels of granite, some with very beautiful flowing patterns and mottling in various colors. You can get a more standard granite for the low, low price of $2/sq ft even, but on average it is similarly priced to marble at $50-$100/sq ft. Once you get to the mid to upper ranges though (think $90/sq ft and up), you can get some really pretty stone with lots of different colors that make up its pattern.
What color countertops did Emily use in the mountain house?
Emily used quartz counters (White Cliffe Matte from Cambria) in the mountain house kitchen, but went with a solid color to let the wood of the cabinetry shine. It’s a stylistic choice, but also a lifestyle choice because she didn’t want to spend her time up there babysitting countertops.
What determines the price of a stone?
In general, these are the factors that determine the price of your stone: Actual stone slab (the main driver for which is transportation cost as it has to be quarried, transported, and shipped from the site) Availability (if it’s rare and there isn’t a lot of it, then it’ll cost more)
Can you use stone in non-recommended areas?
Certain stones will definitely work better in some areas than others, though that’s not to say that they should never be used in non-recommended areas.
Is quartz a mineral?
Quartz countertops are not to be mistaken with the mineral quartz (read: rose quartz, amethyst, and the likes, yes, I’m talking about those same crystals that you have in your intention corner for positive vibes). In the stone industry, quartz countertops are a type of engineered stone made up of loose quartz mineral aggregates, mineral pigment, and a binder (usually resin).
Types of Countertop Materials: Pros and Cons
From various natural stones to ceramic tiles, there are many options when it comes to types of countertop materials. Here is a rundown of the options, and their pros and cons for use in kitchen and bathroom countertops:
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
The Pros: Tile is DIY-friendly and visually versatile, with a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes available. Tiles can add visual interest with textures and patterns, and grout color can also be used to add emphasis to colors and designs. Large format tiles can be used to create a more seamless look. Ceramic is sustainable and easy to maintain.
Marble
The Pros: Marble is great at resisting heat and cracking, which makes it ideal for kitchen countertops. It also has outstanding temperature retention qualities.
Quartz
The Pros: Engineered quartz is dense, scratch resistant and non-porous. Unlike with marble, there’s no need for sealing. Quartz can tolerate acidic cleaning materials and liquids like wine and citrus juice as long as they are rinsed promptly.
Granite
The Pros: Granite is extremely durable and can stand up to heat and high traffic. Its extreme hardness makes it easy to prevent scratches and cracks.
Soapstone
The Pros: Soapstone is highly heat resistant and can retain heat, which can be very pleasant in a bathroom. It is resistant to acids due to the talc in its makeup, so it’s also a good choice for kitchens where acidic substances may be spilled.
Onyx
The Pros: Onyx is quite rare as a countertop material compared to other natural stones, so it can lend one-of-a-kind beauty to a design. It can last upwards of 100 years with proper maintenance.
What is granite countertop?
For some time, granite has been the countertop material of choice when there were no cost issues to consider. Granite defines elegance in a kitchen. Even modest kitchens seem like luxury spaces when flavored by the beauty of granite countertops.
What is solid surface countertop?
Solid-surface material, sold under brands including Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone, is a man-made material consisting of a blend of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into sheets and other shapes. Solid-surface countertops and sinks have now been around for nearly 50 years, but at the time of introduction, they were regarded as space-age alternatives to natural stone, which they sought to mimic.
What is quartz stone?
Quartz (Engineered Stone) The Spruce / Kevin Norris. The countertop material known as "quartz" is actually an engineered stone product that contains as much as 93 percent quartz particles and other minerals, shaped into slabs and bound with resins. These are not solid quartz slabs produced by quarrying.
What is the best countertop material for a kitchen?
One Kind Design. If you have countertops in unusual shapes, or if you want a truly unique kitchen, concrete may be a good choice for your countertops. Due to their heavy weight, concrete countertops are usually cast in forms right in your kitchen.
What is the best wood for countertops?
Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are the species most often used as countertop woods.
What is the best stone for kitchen countertops?
Another natural stone commonly used in kitchen countertops is marble. Because no two sheets of marble are exactly the same, each marble countertop will be entirely unique. Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the entire expanse of countertops of most kitchens.
Is laminate countertop popular?
Although for many years regarded as more ordinary than premium countertop materials, laminates have seen a recent surge in popularity, thanks in part to the thousands of colors, patterns, and styles now available. Laminates are especially popular in retro designs, particularly midcentury modern kitchens.
What is the best countertop for a kitchen?
Many types of natural stone are popular choices for a kitchen countertop, and of these, the most popular option is a countertop made from a solid slab of granite. Beginning life as a quarried slab of solid natural stone, granite countertops are fabricated to specification and installed by professional crews.
What is the best material for kitchen countertops?
A very unusual material for kitchen countertops is bamboo. Although often lumped together with wood, bamboo is actually a grass, and the slabs used in countertops are made from shredded bamboo fibers blended with resins. Bamboo is a very hard substance, and in many ways is better than wood for countertop use.
Why is soapstone used for kitchen counters?
Soapstone has a warm feeling and milky look, due to the high amount of talc in the stone. These countertops give kitchens an antique look. Because soapstone is rarely used for kitchen counters anymore, they create a conversation piece. Less porous than other stone, soapstone resists stains and is fairly easy to clean.
What is ceramic tile?
Ceramic tile countertops are made from individual clay-based tiles adhered over a cement-board core using thin-set mortar adhesives . For kitchen countertops, grout seams make tile a less-than-ideal countertop material, but newer ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in large sizes (1 x 2 or 2 x 2 feet) that can help minimize the number of seams and make for easier upkeep.
What is modular granite?
Modular granite occupies a niche halfway between solid slabs and granite tiles. Modular granite can be described as large tiles pieced together to form a countertop. Although still weighty, modular pieces are lighter than slabs, making them a decent option for DIYers.
What is zinc countertop?
Another unusual countertop surface is zinc—formed by applying zinc sheets over a base core material. Found fairly often in bars and other commercial settings, zinc kitchen countertops are a rare sight.
Why is it important to have a kitchen countertop?
A well-chosen countertop makes your kitchen more useful and easier to maintain , and it can also serve as an important design element of your kitchen. The range of materials that can be used for kitchen countertops is amazingly diverse, and some materials on the list may be surprising to you.
Overview
Materials
Countertops can be made from a wide range of materials and the cost of the completed countertop can vary widely depending on the material chosen. The durability and ease of use of the material often rises with the increasing cost of the material but some costly materials are neither particularly durable nor user-friendly. Some common countertop materials are as follows:
Kitchen countertops
The common fitted Western-style kitchen, developed in the early 20th century, is typically an arrangement of assembled unit cabinetry covered with a more-or-less continuous countertop work surface. The "unfitted" kitchen design style exemplified by Johnny Grey may also include detached and/or varied countertop surfaces mounted on discrete base support structures. Primary considerations of material choice and conformation are durability, functionality, hygienics, appe…
Laboratory countertops
Laboratory countertops are countertops used specifically in science fields for educational labs or research purposes. They can be used to place equipments, tools, projects and chemicals. Characteristics of laboratory countertops are generally determined according to what reagents or corrosive chemicals are being used. The purpose of the countertop would be different depending on whether …
Sink installation
In any of these styles, "self-rimming" sinks can be used. They are mounted in templated holes cut in the countertop (or substrate material) using a jigsaw or other cutter appropriate to the material at hand and are suspended by their rim. The rim forms a close fit, reinforced with a sealant, on the top surface of the countertop, especially when the sink is clamped into the hole from below.