A Word About Countertops

At Top Value Kitchens, we carry a large selection of countertops to meet every budgetary need and design requirement. As an astute buyer, you will want to familiarize yourself with the types of countertops that are available. There are two basic types of countertops, natural and synthetic. Natural countertops include granite, marble, and ceramic tile (used for back splashes). Synthetic countertops include Corian®, a variety of quartz surfaces, and laminates.

Granite:
Nothing beats the timeless beauty of granite which is made of igneous rock forms – quartz, feldspar and mica. Each piece is unique with the color and pattern running through the entire thickness. It is available in a number of colors and tonal/texture variations, ranging from dark to light, all with a shiny surface and treatment. Granite is porous and requires sealing. Typically, a porcelain or stainless steel undermount sink is used with granite countertops.

Marble:
The selection of natural marble in architecture has long been due to its combination of strength and beauty. This combination was the result of a natural process deep within the earth, where limestone achieved metamorphosis from intense pressures and high temperatures. This modified its crystalline structure and the introduction of other minerals that created the rainbow of colors and veining. Each piece is unique with the color and pattern running through the entire thickness. It is available in a number of colors and tonal/texture variations, ranging from dark to light, all with a shiny surface and treatment. Marble is porous and requires sealing. Typically, a porcelain or stainless steel undermount sink is used with marble countertops.

Ceramic Tile:
Ceramic tile is available in thousands of colors, patterns and sizes. We recommend it's use for back splashes rather than for countertops. Our design specialists will be happy to discuss the use of ceramic tile as a decorative accessory.

Corian®:
Is 100% solid...a blend of natural minerals and high-performance acrylics. The consistent colors and pattern run all the way through and cannot wear away. It is available in over 65 colors and textures. It can be cut, formed, inlayed, carved, routed, and thermoformed to create unlimited, unique designs. The nonporous surface resists stains and is easy to clean. It is fairly easy to remove nicks, cuts and scratches with ordinary abrasive cleaner or sandpaper. Undermount Corian® sinks are available to create color-coordinated, seamless-looking countertops.

Quartz:
Is 100% solid...a blend of one of nature's most appealing and durable elements, quartz, with high-performance acrylics resulting in a surface that's stronger, more consistent, and easier to care for then stone. It is three to four times stronger than most countertop materials and extremely resistant to scratches, cracks and chips. It is available in a wide selection of colors. Typically, a porcelain or stainless steel undermount sink is used with quartz countertops.

Laminates:
Offer a less expensive, durable and functional surface treatment for just about any interior surface. Laminates are available in hundreds of colors, wood grains, textures and finishes. They are typically a thin veneer glued to a particleboard. The color or pattern is printed on the surface, which is not as durable as other options. Typically, a porcelain or stainless steel undermount sink is used with laminate countertops. Edge options include self (square), bevel or wood.

Overview - Kitchens

A Word About Cabinetry