Benefits, Pricing, and Other Considerations for New Countertops

If you’re building new or remodeling an existing home, you may be interested in new countertops.  At Steve’s Flooring & Design, designers are available to help you select the countertops that will work best in your home.  Here are several things to consider when shopping for new countertops:

Laminate countertops, the least expensive option, are made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to create a countertop.  “Laminate comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, edge styles, and patterns ranging from marble to stainless steel,” explained Steve Meyer, owner of Steve’s Flooring & Design.  “You can’t use laminate counters as cutting boards, and can’t place hot items on them.  Laminate is easy to clean, but cannot be repaired if scratched.”

The second least expensive countertop is Solid Surface. “Solid Surface is man-made and more durable than laminate, but can show hairline scratches, especially in darker colors,” said Meyer.” Fortunately, scratches can be professionally removed.   One of the best features of a Solid Surface countertop is that it can have an integral sink installed, which is beautiful and very easy to clean.  Solid Surface countertops are often used in bathrooms.”

The next step in price is for granite countertops.  “Every piece is unique,” said Meyer.  “Granite is beautiful, and can vary from relatively simple to wide, bold, busy patterns.  Customers can visit a selection center and pick the actual granite slabs that will be used for their countertops.” Granite requires more maintenance because the natural stone is porous.  It should be cleaned often and sealed annually to prevent stains and bacteria from permeating its surface.

The most expensive but easiest to maintain countertop is Quartz.  “Quartz incorporates actual quartz crystals and forms a hard, non-porous surface that is easy to clean, is more scratch-resistant, and doesn’t require sealing,” said Meyer.  “It’s available in hundreds of colors and patterns, from nearly solid colors to large, busy designs.”

For more information, please contact:

Steve’s Flooring & Design

717 Liberty St.

Morris, IL 60450

Phone: 815-941-4505

Email: stevesflooring@sbcglobal.net

www.stevesflooring-design.com