Quality Bathrooms, Kitchens, Countertops

With products flooding the market, it can be confusing for the average consumer to choose one that ‘s right for them. Every product has its benefits and challenges. You need to assess how your countertops will be used and by whom, and then choose the most attractive, durable and appropriate product to suit your lifestyle and budget. The trained and knowledgeable staff at Countertops Galore will help you choose the right surface, manufacturer and fabricator.

Listed below are some popular choices in order of price and durability.

GRANITE:
is a beautiful and natural stone that will last a lifetime and even the imperfections define it as unique. It comes in thousands of colours and patterns and can make even the most simple of kitchens seem elegant. This product should be sealed to protect it from stains and there are many sealers on the market today that make it virtually maintenance free. You should have this product professionally installed as it could crack if improperly stressed or installed incorrectly. Trust the experts at Countertops Galore for installation and maintenance advice.

QUARTZ:
is an engineered countertop that has a man made surface material that results by combining natural materials with binders and pigments. This allows it to be consistent in color and can be moulded into different shapes. Man made quartz can be made in any color you choose and the colour will be uniform throughout. It does not require sealing and is maintenance free. It is harder and more durable than ‘natural’ stone making it scratch resistant and it won’t scorch*. Man made Quartz is more flexible than granite so will not crack as easily. The joints can not be made invisible but a professional will ensure that it is seamed correctly to stay aesthetically pleasing, and there is a warranty on any manufacturing defects.

ACRYLIC:
is an affordable man-made "solid surface" countertop, meaning that the whole countertop, all the way through is a solid surface. If you get a scratch on it then you can have it buffed out. It is stain and heat resistant* and is practical and easy to maintain. Seamless, so no dirt or germs can be trapped and comes in a variety of colours, patterns, styles and offers a 10-15 year warranty.

LAMINATES:
It’s inexpensive, durable and versatile, which makes it a mainstream selection for many homeowners with families and high trafficked areas. Because of its popularity, there are many colours, finishes, textures and glosses to choose from. It is easily cut, scratched, and is not heat resistant so precautions should be taken. Although water resistant, take care that water does not get between it and the particle board or warping can occur. A simple precaution would be to caulk the seams. It is easily installed and affordable as it is not manufactured to endure like the natural or harder surfaced products. Because of that factor many find they can easily and economically replace or upgrade every few years.

ASK ABOUT OUR NEW LINE OF GRANITE LOOK-ALIKE LAMINATES!

* Never cut directly on your countertop. It is highly recommended that you use a butcher block cutting board when cutting and a heat resistant trivet should be placed between anything hot and your countertop, regardless of the product chosen.