Countertops are horizontal work surfaces which are used in all types of construction.  In whatever space they are used, countertops become an integral part of the overall aesthetics, and so should be carefully selected to complement the style of cabinets, flooring, wall surfaces and other materials in the room. Countertops are typically supported by cabinets and are most commonly used to provide work space for food preparation in residential and commercial kitchens.

Concrete countertops are horizontal work surfaces that are fabricated from natural materials.  Concrete has been a popular material in construction since the Roman empire.  Traditionally, concrete has been used for exterior surfaces on grade and structural assemblies in buildings. Recently, this hardened mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water has become a new material option for residential and commercial countertops.

Plastic laminate clad countertops are horizontal work surfaces made from a substrate material and high pressure decorative laminate. The substrate material used in plastic laminate clad countertops is typically 3/4 or 1 1/2 inches thick and may include: particle board, medium density fiberboard or plywood. Originally invented in 1913, by Formica, high pressure decorative laminate (HPDL), or what is commonly called plastic laminate (PLAM), is a manufactured, composite product. It consists of laminations of papers and plastic resins which are bonded together with heat and pressure. HPDL is a versatile product that is readily available today from several manufacturers in many colors, textures, patterns, sheens and grades. Popular in residential and commercial interiors, plastic laminate clad countertops are durable and attractive. They are inexpensive and easy to install, clean and maintain.

Solid surfacing countertops are horizontal work surfaces that are fabricated from a manmade synthetic product. Developed in 1967 by DuPont, solid surface countertops have many applications in both residential and commercial facilities. They are available in many solid or marbleized colors and with visible textures, including veining that can mimic marble, granite or wood. Solid surface countertops offer resistance to scratches, stains, chemicals and bacteria, and are non-porous, seamless, and durable, with solid color throughout.

Every few weeks we learn of some new threat to our health and safety.  Many times the danger is genuine and caution is prudent.  But, once in a while, the fear that the announcement generates may be worse than the exposure to the supposed toxin.

We need to examine the source of each study to determine its validity.  Groups with certain words in their names, such as "public" or "earth" or "defense," may not really be what their name implies, and if the only science course their spokesman ever took was political science, then they are more likely to be attempting to advance an agenda than offering a serious scientific study.  Furthermore, some people might be trying to advance a product by creating "public awareness" of some contrived fatal flaw in their competitor's product.

 

Countertops not only provide the main work surfaces in a kitchen, but they also offer an opportunity to add a splash of color and materiality to the space. With the nearly limitless design options for countertops, choosing the material and color is often the most difficult part of installing new kitchen countertops. Depending on the type of material, fabricating a kitchen countertop can be a challenge for a do-it-yourselfer, but installing the countertop is a project almost any do-it-yourselfer can handle. Join the At Home channel's host, Jeff Wilson, as he completes the kitchenette and offers tips on installing a recycled glass countertop.

Concrete is a hard and durable countertop material that is both heat- and scratch-resistant. A wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes are obtainable through multiple stains, pigments, aggregates, and coatings. Concrete countertops can be pressed, troweled, or ground to customize the surface finish, and they can be polished to mimic quarried stone.

Commonly found in restaurants, metal countertops are experiencing a renewed popularity in residential kitchens. Metal countertops are nonporous and, as a whole, are resistant to heat, susceptible to scratching, and have excellent hygienic properties. Depending on the material (stainless steel, copper, zinc, and nickel), options selected (backsplash, how the sink is mounted, etc.), and size, metal countertops may cost anywhere between $75 and $200 a square foot.

Wood has a warm, natural beauty, is rich with texture, and is naturally hygienic. The inherent properties of wood protect against bacteria that are common to food preparation areas. Wood countertops can be divided into two categories: decorative and functional. In comparison to other countertop materials, wood costs more than plastic laminate and, generally, less than granite and solid surface.

For years, design shows have been busy emptying the world’s quarries of as much granite as possible in the name of kitchen countertops. The harvesting of stone, as well as its shipping and processing, can leave a significant environmental footprint. A small number of companies, such as Cold Spring Granite (which has architectural, memorial, and residential products), prioritize sustainability. Meanwhile, green manufacturers have been coming up with a number of attractive and highly functional alternatives.

Natural stone countertops offer a variety of aesthetically unique design options and are available in several thicknesses, with multiple edge details. Granite, which is the most popular, is available in a variety of colors and veining patterns, is durable, and is both heat and scratch resistant. However, granite is a porous material that is susceptible to staining, especially when in contact with oil. To prevent staining, a sealant should be applied once a year.