Countertop Materials and Characteristics

Choosing the right countertops for your kitchen or bath begins with an understanding of the alternatives available to you. Consult the glossary below, then call or visit or us to learn more.

Laminate

A plastic covering over high-density fiber wood. In almost all cases, this product has a 1-year limited warranty. Laminate counters are available in a variety of edge profiles. Our laminate brands include:

• Formica
• Nevamar (Chelsea location only)
• Pionite
• WilsonArt

Acrylic solid surface

A material that has earned trust and respect, and is proven to bring design versatility, long-term performance, and value to any environment. This product lends itself to imaginative uses, innovative interpretations, and enduring applications. It can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted, bent, or worked like a fine wood. The color palette is ever evolving and expanding. If you can envision it, chances are it can be created. Most manufacturers have a 10-year limited warranty. Acrylic solid surface options include:

• Avonite
• Corian
• Formica Solid Surface
• Gibraltar
• Hi-Macs
• Staron (Saline location only)
• WilsonArt

Quartz

Made up of 93% pure quartz crystal, which gives it a natural depth and radiance without the imperfections common in unimproved stone. Since quartz is one of nature’s strongest materials, it is also incredibly durable and resists both heat and scratches. Most manufacturers have a 10-year limited warranty. Quartz options include:

• CaesarStone
• Formia Stone
• Silestone
• Technistone
• Zodiaq
• Han Stone
• Cambria

Natural stone

This product comes right out of the ground or, in most cases, mountains. The stone can have very dramatic color and pattern variations. Since natural stone varies so drastically in all aspects, it is advised that you consult with a designer about its use. Most manufacturers have a 1-year limited warranty.

• Granite
• Marble
• Sandstone
• Slate
• And more…

Cultured marble and granite

Generally restricted to use in bathroom countertops. Options include:

• Marbelite
• Zimmer