Best lightweight countertop materials
- Plastic laminate. Plastic laminate has been a popular option for countertops for a long time. ...
- Plywood. Plastic laminate is a good surface for counters, but what about the material underneath? ...
- Stainless steel. Steel might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a lightweight countertop material for RV kitchens.
Full Answer
What is the most expensive countertop material?
Which Countertops Are Most Expensive?
- Concrete. The ultimate in durability, concrete countertops are also very versatile. ...
- Marble. Marble tops the most-expensive list due in large part to its elegant looks. ...
- Recycled Glass and Cement. This eco-friendly material mix looks great in contemporary rooms. ...
- Quartz. ...
- Granite. ...
- Soapstone. ...
- Stainless Steel. ...
What is the best kitchen countertop material?
Top 15 Kitchen Countertops Costs and Pros & Cons in 2022
- Granite countertops. ...
- Quartzite countertops. ...
- Recycled glass countertops. ...
- Soapstone countertops. ...
- Solid Surface countertops (Corian) What it is: Originally invented by DuPont in the 1960s and marketed under the brand name Corian, solid surface countertops are made from acrylic and polyester ...
- Slate countertops. ...
- Tile countertops. ...
- Recycled paper countertops. ...
What is the best and most durable kitchen countertop?
These countertop materials look great with little effort
- Engineered stone. Sold under brand names including Ceasarstone and Silestone and often referred to simply as quartz, this countertop material is made of crushed stone bound together by a ...
- Soapstone. Soapstone’s durability has made this material a top choice for hundreds of years. ...
- Laminate. Yes, that’s a laminate countertop. ...
What is the best countertop?
Types of Kitchen Countertops: Which One’s Best for You?
- Granite countertops. ...
- Laminate countertops. ...
- Corian countertops. ...
- Marble countertops. ...
- Butcher block countertops. ...
- Quartz countertops. ...
- Soapstone countertops. ...
- Concrete countertops. ...
- Stainless-steel countertops. ...
What is granite light?
Is granite light a solid surface?
Is granite light good for counter tops?
What are the lightest countertops?
GraniteLight can weigh up to 40% less than some conventional countertop and solid surface systems, including laminated hardwood, granite, marble and Corian®. And you still get all the strength you'll need with a long-lasting, durable and easy to clean surface.Aug 20, 2017
Is quartz lighter in weight than granite?
Because quartz and granite are minerals with natural variations, exact density varies from sample to sample, though overall quartz averages about 2.65 g/cc and granite comes in a little heavier at 2.7 to 2.8 g/cc. Countertops of comparable size of granite and quartz will weigh about the same, give or take a few pounds.Mar 13, 2018
Is Corian lightweight?
Corian© - 85 lbs. Laminated hardwood - 50 lbs. GraniteLight - 30 lbs.
Is quartz heavier than Corian?
And Corian gets bonus points for the ability to be formed into curved or flowing shapes. On the other hand, quartz weighs in about two pounds heavier per square foot, which provides a more substantial feel.
Is Corian cheaper than quartz?
Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot. Corian will cost more over the long haul due to the material's fragility and poor resale value.
What is Corian countertop material?
A solid surface or Corian counter is made by blending acrylic polymers with other minerals and stone-derived materials. This acrylic polymer mix is poured into molds to make half-inch-thick sheets. The composition is consistent all the way through; in other words, it is solid and is exactly the same inside and out.
What are the disadvantages of Corian?
Solid Surface (Corian, etc.) Cons: Can be easily damaged by heat, easy to scratch and dent, can get stains. $45-150/foot.Jun 7, 2011
Can you put a hot pan on Corian?
While Corian® Solid Surface is heat resistant, as with all countertop materials, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment. Important — Do not place hot pots, pans, etc. directly on the countertop surface.
Are Corian countertops outdated?
Corian (designed by DuPont) was the first solid surface material to appear on the market. It was first sold in 1971 in only one color. The brand still exists and now manufacturers more than 100 colors. The material is stain-resistant due to its non-porous nature, a useful characteristic for a kitchen counter.Sep 27, 2021
What looks like quartz but is cheaper?
Granite, marble and engineered solid surface stone are the best quartz alternatives as far as durability and cost.Aug 18, 2021
Which is better Corian or laminate?
In Corian, any scratch can be sanded and it can restore its original form. In laminate the scratches are permanent. Laminate can get chipped and becomes irrepairable while Corian is a very strong and durable material which is resistant to chipping. Corian is more expensive, stronger and more durable than laminate.
What countertop is better than granite?
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
What is granite light?
GraniteLight is a lightweight, solid surface replacement for heavier, hard to use materials that are commonly used in boats, recreational vehicles, campers, households and many other areas.
Is granite light a solid surface?
When real granite isn’t an option, and most other granite substitutes just won’t cut it, GraniteLight is the best solid surface alternative you’ll find. GraniteLight is a lightweight, ...
Is granite light good for counter tops?
Durability is key for counter tops, and GraniteLight, used as counter top material, holds up incredibly well. Strong, solid, resistant to 500 degrees, and it’s even repairable in some cases. Not only is it reliable, it’s easy to work with.
Laminate countertops
Laminate is probably the most common countertop material. The countertop itself is generally a particleboard material that is then covered with laminate by adhering it to the particleboard base.
Solid surface
Solid surface countertops, also often called Corian tops after one of the major manufacturers, is a synthetic top very popular in residential and newer RVs. RV manufacturers use this material because it is suitable for lightweight RV countertops.
Pine
Wooden tops are popular and there are lots of different types of wood to use. However, most that are durable are heavier. Butcher block-style tops are beautiful, but again, heavy.
Stainless steel
Although not common in RV applications, stainless steel is a lightweight countertop option. Thin pieces of stainless steel are fabricated to fit over plywood in most cases for a clean durable finish.
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How much does a stone counter weigh?
Stone counters really shouldn't be a problem. Typical weights, if I remember right, are something less than 20 pounds per square foot; five linear feet of countertop probably weighs less than your plumber or electrician, is more evenly distributed across the floor, and doesn't move.
What does Formica look like?
It looks like Formica makes a metal laminate. I think it is not "looks like metal" but is an actual thin layer of metal on a plywood subbase. That might work if I don't mind living in a stainless cave. ;-)
Can Ikea handle laminate counters?
IKEA can tell you if the cabinets can handle it, since others have done it I imagine the answer is yes. But since you asked, laminate (Formica) counters are pretty light and there are many, many nice colors and patterns to choose from. kimkitchy. 13 years ago.
Countertop Comparison Chart
The chart below compares the main characteristics of the most popular countertop materials in today’s market, including granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, porcelain, and engineered quartz.
What Material is Best for You?
The chart below compares the main characteristics of the most popular countertop materials in today’s market, including granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, porcelain, and engineered quartz.
What is the trendiest countertop material?
Stainless Steel: The Trendy Option. Second only to concrete as the most trendy countertop material, stainless steel 's popularity has waxed and waned over the years. Originally a material found only in commercial kitchens, stainless steel has recently become common in high-end residential kitchens.
What is a solid surface countertop?
Solid surface countertops are made from synthetic acrylic, epoxy, and polyester materials bonded together in formulations aimed at mimicking the look of natural stone. When solid-surface material was introduced in the late 1960s by Dupont, it was regarded as a high-end countertop material.
What is the rating of stainless steel countertops?
Stainless steel countertops earn an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5.0. It can be a great countertop in the right kitchen decor but may turn off prospective buyers who don't have a trend-conscious attitude.
How much does a solid surface countertop cost?
Costs for solid-surface countertops range from $35 to $85 per square foot, installed.
What is reclaimed wood countertop?
Reclaimed wood countertops are slabs made from hardwoods recycled from other uses, such as commercial bowling alleys, barns, or residential flooring. For homeowners concerned about the environment, reclaimed wood offers obvious appeal.
How much does granite cost?
On average, this is the most expensive of countertop materials in our list. Prices can range from $45 to $300 per square foot , installed.
What is the rating of zinc?
Zinc earns an overall rating of 2.8 out of 5.0, placing in the lower half of countertop materials. Still, in kitchens with a certain period decor, zinc can be a conversation starter.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 quartz countertop?
Quartz is a highly durable countertop that is an engineered stone, made from a mix of real quartz and rock-solid binders that make it the new face of kitchen luxury.
Is wood a good countertop?
The long-favored material of butchers and bar owners, wood is right at home in any residential kitchen or bathroom. Wood countertops, particularly the thick butcher-block style, are a great addition to remodeled kitchens and require minimal maintenance.
Is tile countertop cheaper than granite?
Tile countertops are a trend that is back and updated in a big way (and it's a cheaper alternative to granite). And installing tile countertops yourself is a budget-friendly way to add the charm of stone for a fraction of the price. So consider a tile-topped island with solid surface perimeter countertops for a modern feel.
Can you use concrete as a countertop?
If you don't think concrete has any business as countertops, check out our gorgeous concrete table top, which just may change your mind . While concrete does require some sealing and maintenance, a little bit of attention will go a long way to ensuring this countertop choice stands the test of time.
Is epoxy safe for countertops?
Epoxy. For a non-toxic, eco-friendly and completely customizable option for countertops is poured epoxy. And the application is similar to applying epoxy flooring in your garage floor, and the result is a countertop that is durable, heat resistant and FDA food-safe. Photo: Courtesy of Countertop Epoxy.
What is the best countertop for durability?
The durability winner is quartz, the man-nature combo countertop. Crushed quartz stone is mixed with resin to produce countertops that range from solid colors to the look of real granite, but they'll beat natural stone in toughness.
What happens if you put something on a crushed glass countertop?
If you place something heavy on the corner of a crushed glass countertop, it may crack. Acidic foods, like citrus juices, can eat away at the acrylic if you don't wipe them away quickly. Price can be a "con.". Where you can pick up a low-end granite for $40 per square foot, crushed glass starts at $60.
Is glass countertop durable?
This relative newcomer to the countertop market is as stunning as it is durable. Glass is recycled from beer bottles, traffic lights, and windshields, making it an eco-friendly countertop choice.#N#There are two basic styles to choose from: When set in acrylic, the glass looks like it's floating in a lake; when set in cement, the glass creates a shimmery mosaic.#N#Pros
Is quartz indestructible?
Quartz is almost indestructible under normal kitchen prep conditions. It laughs at knife cuts, and, unless you take a sledgehammer to it, it won't chip or crack. It's stain- and bacteria-resistant, and it doesn't require sealing.#N#Cons
Is granite a must have?
Granite is still considered one of the top must-have home features, according to a survey of prospective homebuyers from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Its natural beauty often is eye-popping, and granite easily fits in any style kitchen.#N#Pros
Is tile countertop good?
Tile countertops can look crafty or contemporary , making them a beautiful and versatile countertop material. Pros. Tile is tough and easy to clean. It resists cuts, stains, and heat. And if a tile cracks, it’s easily replaced. Tile also comes in an infinite number of colors and styles.
What is granite light?
GraniteLight is a lightweight, solid surface replacement for heavier, hard to use materials that are commonly used in boats, recreational vehicles, campers, households and many other areas.
Is granite light a solid surface?
When real granite isn’t an option, and most other granite substitutes just won’t cut it, GraniteLight is the best solid surface alternative you’ll find. GraniteLight is a lightweight, ...
Is granite light good for counter tops?
Durability is key for counter tops, and GraniteLight, used as counter top material, holds up incredibly well. Strong, solid, resistant to 500 degrees, and it’s even repairable in some cases. Not only is it reliable, it’s easy to work with.
