From the Floors Up

Solid Surface Countertops FAQ

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Solid surface countertops are a manmade countertop solution that is created from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles to create an alternative to natural stones. These solid-surface countertops have been around for a long time and were traditionally a high-end option for living spaces. Today, however, solid-surface countertops are used more frequently in homes looking to eliminate the cons of natural stone. This frequency has made solid-surface countertops a little more common in the market, taking it from a luxury countertop option to a more practical option. Our readers still have many questions when it comes to this manmade alternative and its many benefits. Here are our top asked questions on solid-surface countertops to help address those concerns:

Q: Do solid-surface countertops have seams?

A: Yes, but unlike natural stone, they are much harder to see. Natural stones have a large variety of character and patterns, which makes it virtually impossible to hide the seam. No two slabs of natural stone are the same. However, solid-surface is fabricated and can come in solid colors which can make seams nearly impossible to see.

Q: Can I put hot pans or pots on my solid surface countertop?

A: No, because solid-surface countertops are made from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles, and both compounds perform poorly under extreme heat. This can cause discoloring, bubbling, and other unwanted damage.

Q: Are solid surface countertops durable?

A: Solid-surface countertops are very durable. They are antibacterial and nonporous, making them extremely low-maintenance. However, they can be scratched with knives or abrasive products and extreme heat. Professionals can renew the surfaces if damaged, which can save you from replacing your countertops early.

Q: What are the main advantages of solid surface countertops?

A: These countertops are primarily desired for their low-maintenance and inconspicuous seams. They may not be granite or marble; however, they still look beautiful in homes. Many homeowners and businesses enjoy how customizable these countertops can be since they can fit with any design theme in the industry!

The variety of colors, styles, designs, and versatility of solid-surface countertops is highly desirable. Whether in your bathroom or kitchen, these countertops will work in almost any atmosphere! If you have more questions about solid-surface countertops, let us know in the comment section, and for more insight on other countertop solutions and maintenance, make sure to subscribe.

How to Maintain and Clean Your Countertops

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If you are anything like us, once you invest in your countertops, you want to get the most out of them. Your countertops’ longevity is directly correlated with your maintenance and upkeep. Since not all countertops are created equal, no “one” remedy handles everything, but knowing how to clean each type of countertop will help you get the most out of your investment. To help, we explored different countertops and various remedies to help you keep them clean and lasting as long as possible. Let’s take a look!

Laminate

Laminate is a great, affordable countertop solution used in many homes today. The surface is nonporous which makes it easy to clean. It will not need to be sealed or refinished like some countertops. A simple way to clean laminate is with a homogenous blend of water and vinegar. You can use this to get the shine to come back. To remove dirt, simply wipe with a rag to remove debris.

Granite

Granite is a durable, gorgeous countertop option. If you have granite, cleaning it is essential. Try to avoid glass cleaners regularly because this can dull the shine in the counter. You should consider having your countertop sealed annually. Depending on the countertops’ use, you may need to have frequent sealings. Granite is a natural element, and it can be stained. Try to remove spills immediately to prevent penetration into the countertop.

Quartz

Like granite, quartz countertops are very durable; however, they are more flexible. This is an added benefit making the surfaces hard to chip or crack. Because quartz is non-porous, you do not have to seal them. Quartz is a very low-maintenance countertop solution, and it should be noted that direct sunlight can cause discoloring. If you have the opportunity to block UV rays with blinds or shades, remember to do so.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are coming back into the market for their natural aesthetic appeal. Butcher block is typically oiled. To clean, remove dirt from your countertops. Pick a food-safe oil but avoid walnut and culinary oils because these can oxidize and build of the surface. If you have a coating on your surface, this should be sanded off before application. Apply a mineral oil and allow it to absorb. You can then add a conditioner as well to prevent cracking to the wood.

All countertops have pros and cons, but you should be able to decide which is best for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider the maintenance requirements to sustain your countertops for longer. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe.

Today’s Laminate Counters

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Laminate counter tops have come a long way in the past few years. With so much focus in the design world on stone and solid surface counter top materials, laminates have needed to update their look to keep up with the current trends. Today’s laminates come in a wide array of colors and patterns. These laminate counter tops make a budget friendly option for a kitchen remodel or update.

 

This picture is an example of the variety of colors and patterns available in laminate counters today. There are solid color laminates as well as vintage inspired patterned options. Among the most popular are the patterns that imitate natural stone like granite and marble. Photo realistic technology has improved the look of these faux stone patterns. From a distance they may be indistinguishable from real stone.

 

Installing a laminate counter with a deeper edge can also help convince the eye that the faux stone laminate is real stone. A thicker edge will give the counter more weight and volume, more like real stone counters.

 

Along with faux stone patterns laminate counters come in wood patterns. These faux wood patterns can be selected to match the wood floors in a kitchen or capture the look of butcher block counters.

 

Take another look at laminate for counters. This is a budget friendly option that can give you the look of wood or stone without the higher cost of the real thing. Laminate counters can be used in the kitchen, bathroom or powder room—anywhere you need a counter top material.

ECO Countertops by Cosentino

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Are you tired of the same countertop choices? Are you looking for something new? Innovative? Green? If so, keep reading to learn more about ECO countertops by Cosentino.

This durable countertop surface is made from 75% recycled content (either pre- or post- consumer depending on color), which is bound by an environmentally friendly resin which comes in part from corn oil. ECO by Cosentino is a sustainable substitute for natural and/or engineered stone.

Attributes:

* It won’t scratch, stain or scorch (but you should always use a cutting board to protect your knives)

* Doesn’t require sealing because it’s low in porosity

* Available in 10 designer colors and two textures (Leather™ and polished)

* Available in 63”x 128” slab and standard size tiles

* Backed by a 5 year limited warranty

* LEED credits: MR Credit 4.1 and 4.2 : Recycled Content

There are other eco-friendly surfacing materials in the market today, but no other like ECO by Cosentino. ECO by Cosentino reutilizes materials that have reached the end of their life cycle, thus saving on the creation and consumption of natural resources. Most of the raw materials used in the creation of ECO are: Porcelain Mirror, Glass Corn Based Resin

and Crystallized Ash Stone Scraps.

One of the best features:

To maintain ECO surfaces’ beauty and shine, simply wipe the surface with soap and water on a regular basis.

Thanks, CaraGreen for the introduction of ECO by Cosentino!

Cambria Special Request – Reader Question

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Question: I would like to know if you have any information regarding making a farm sink out of the same Cambria countertop material I am using for my counters.

My architect made a farm sink out of the same limestone she used for her countertops. I really like the look and was just wondering if you had any experience with it.

Answer: I contacted Cambria for this special request and was pleased to find out that you can in fact have a farm sink made from Cambria. It is a special / custom order that can be done. Each order is priced on an individual basis. Other information that Cambria will need includes, your location, where you plan to purchase Cambria and an estimated size of your sink.

For more information, contact

Angie Hilgenberg

Director of Marketing Promotions

Angie.Hilgenberg@CambriaUSA.com

If you are not familiar with Cambria – see below for some of the benefits of Cambria:

  • Strength & Durability– Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces™ are twice as strong as granite. Cambria is a surface that is truly everlasting.
  • Maintenance Free – No sealing, polishing or reconditioning is needed. Simply wash with warm water. It’s that simple. Plus, unlike granite, Cambria will resist stains from common food items such as wine, coffee and tea.
  • Food Safe – Unlike granite, Cambria has been certified by NSF International as safe for use as a food preparation surface. Cambria is nonporous; therefore, food and moisture cannot penetrate the surface — the main source of growth for harmful bacteria.
  • All Natural – Cambria is created from pure natural quartz, an extremely hard stone. In fact, quartz is the hardest non-precious stone that can be found in the earth’s surface.
  • Everlasting Value – With its beauty and performance advantages over granite, a Cambria kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity will add value to your home.
  • Guaranteed – As the only producer of quartz surfaces in the United States, Cambria is covered by a Lifetime Limited Warranty.

The closer you look, the more you’ll discover the benefits of Cambria over other surfaces. With Cambria, you’ll add warmth and beauty plus the strength and durability that can only be found in natural quartz. Your dream home begins with Cambria!

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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