1. Countertops
Interior design I
OBJ. 3.04
Note: This PPT does not contain images, please insert your own or download the Countertops PPT from the FI51 Teacher Shared Resources Folder on Moodle.

2. Laminate Most popular material
Made of plywood, chipboard or medium-density fiberboard topped by thin plastic laminate

3. Advantages Disadvantages solid, durable material
wide range of colors, textures and patterns available
cleans easily with soap and water
water resistant
resistant to most stains
inexpensive
dark backing may be visible at seams
can chip or scratch
cannot be used as a chopping surface
non-resistant to heat

4. Made of cast plastics such as polyester, acrylic and mineral fillers
Solid Surface
Made of cast plastics such as polyester, acrylic and mineral fillers

5. Advantages Disadvantages
highly resistant to permanent damage; markings can be sanded away
seams are barely visible
can be molded into unified counter and sink
cleans easily with soap and water
durable
expensive
lower cabinets may require reinforcement
dark colors will show nicks
looks artificial

6. Marble Luxurious stone available in a variety of colors and patterns
Surface suited to baking, candy making and rolling out dough
Requires a sealant to prevent staining

7. Advantages Disadvantages water and heat resistant
beautiful, natural material provides a smooth, cool surface
hard wearing, durable
cleans easily
expensive
lower cabinets may require reinforcement
may not be practical for entire kitchen; better for one work area
stained by lemon juice, sugar, alcohol and oil
will dull knife if used as a chopping surface

8. Granite Elegant, polished stone available in a variety of colors
Surface suited to baking, candy making and rolling out dough

9. Advantages Disadvantages water and heat resistant
immune to stains, resistant to most alcohol, oil and lemon juice
aesthetically pleasing and functional
cleans easily
expensive
lower cabinets may require reinforcement
will dull knife if used as a chopping surface

10. Slate
Dense, fine-grained stone available in black and muted shades of green, grey, purple, red and blue

11. Advantages Disadvantage less expensive than marble and granite
water and heat resistant
surface damage can be removed with sandpaper
easy to clean
lower cabinets may require reinforcement

12. Quartz
Also referred to as engineered stone, made from 93% natural quartz and 7% resin pigments and binders
Strong material

13. Advantages Disadvantages seams are visible
mold, mildew, heat, crack and scratch resistant
impervious to stains
does not need to be sealed
extremely hygienic
available in different looks such as imitation granite and stone or in a variety of colors
seams are visible
very heavy — must be installed by a professional
lower cabinets may require reinforcement

14. Tile/Mosaic
High-fired, dust-pressed clay available in a variety of colors, designs and textures
Best to choose glazed ceramic with textured surface or matte finish

15. Advantages Disadvantages water and heat resistant resists scratching
easily cleaned
will not burn, stain or discolor
grout between tiles is difficult to keep clean
hard on glassware and china
lower cabinets may require reinforcement
cannot be used as a chopping surface

16. Stainless Steel
Available in matte, patterned, sandblasted or polished finishes
Strong material; appropriate for areas in contact with water

17. Advantages Disadvantages waterproof, heat resistant durable
easy to clean
extremely hygienic
noisy and cold
fabrication is expensive
will dull knife if used as a chopping surface
difficult to maintain shine and keep free of marks

18. Wood/Butcher Block Warm, natural material
Hardwoods like maple, teak and beech are best
Surface should be finished with clear varnish or oil
Wood cut across grain wears most evenly

19. Advantages Disadvantages excellent chopping surface
easy on glassware and china
resistant to moderate heat
easily cleaned
avoid using near sink, moisture will blacken surface
may contract in dry conditions
can scratch and scorch
wet metal kitchen equipment left on surface will leave rust stains

20. Concrete
Hand crafted
Trending in both residential and commercial settings
Surface must be finished

21. Advantages Disadvantages Completely customizable
Can add built-in options
Can be used for outdoor kitchens
Can get hairline cracks due to shrinkage
Hard on dishes