Whether you’re building your dream home or remodeling your existing home, your countertop decisions are crucial. In the kitchen, the heart of your home, counter tops should strike a balance between beauty and practicality. The right selection can also increase the value of your home. In the bathroom, countertops are likewise important and can add elegance and style.
Creating attractive and practical commercial spaces also requires selecting the best-suited materials for countertops and work surfaces. Whatever your professional needs, we have the knowledge to help you make an informed choice.
Since there are many options, let the staff at CTi help you make decisions. We know everything there is about the different materials and how they are best utilized.
Laminate is the number one best-selling material for kitchen countertops nationwide and also here at CTi. In fact, one of the country’s fastest growing segments in kitchen countertop designs is the new stone-look laminate. Good-looking and easy-care, laminate countertops are available in hundreds of styles and colors. Versatile and high-function, laminate is reasonably priced. With proper care, your laminate countertops will look wonderful for many years.
Advantages
A major advantage of choosing laminate is its affordability. Laminate countertops can cost less than half as much higher-priced natural stone, quartz, or solid surface. And with laminate countertops, you can still achieve the style of these more expensive materials — many new patterns replicate the look and even texture of stone and hardwood.
Laminate surfaces are not porous, so it’s less likely that bacteria will be trapped in the surface. Resistant to stains and oils, these low-maintenance countertops create a chic, beautiful look — for less.
Considerations
Countertops are designed to be used, so expect normal wear and tear with your laminate surface. However, heat can cause real damage — remember not to place a hot pan on the counter, as it will leave a scorch mark.
Laminate is a very strong material, but knife cuts can go through the color layer exposing the brown underlayment. These cuts cannot be repaired, so always use cutting boards.
Color, Texture and Design
You can choose from a multitude of intriguing laminate patterns and colors. From classic to chic to retro to whimsical, the style selection is endless. The color options are also varied and expansive.
In addition, laminate countertops offer more edge choices than other materials. Besides a range of rolled and beveled edges, a seamless backsplash can keep spills away from your cabinets.
Laminate countertops, like those made from granite and engineered stone, will have seams where the countertop sections come together. A good fabricator, however, can make laminate seams almost disappear.
Care and Maintenance
To clean the surface, use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild soap or detergent. Difficult stains such as coffee or wine can be removed using a mild household cleaner and baking soda; mixing to achieve a paste consistency. Do not scrub vigorously, as that could scratch the finish.
Recommended Household Cleaners:
Formula 409
Glass Plus
Fantastik
Mr. Clean
Warning: Prolonged exposure of the surface to bleach will cause discoloration. Always rinse laminate surfaces after cleaning.