KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS

Author: otmseo Published on: May 30, 2017

Image of KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS

Looking for the perfect kitchen countertop? Pacific Green Homes Inc, offers literally thousands of options to choose from as well as educated Remodeling Consultants who are able to match your aesthetic tastes with your cooking needs.

Are you an active chef who requires the robust durability of engineered stone? Or do you simply have to have the elegant look of marble? Whether you like the appearance of ceramic or want a fully customized concrete countertop for your modern kitchen, Pacific Green Homes Inc, offers full service benefits from design and product selection to the final installation, making the entire process easy for you.

Three Steps to Perfect Countertops

  1. Research:This process can be as tedious as it is creative so this is where a professional Remodeling Consultant can help narrow down your options.
  2. Select:The materials you choose should bridge the gap between what you want and who you are. In other words, don’t choose delicate materials if you aren’t prepared to maintain them.
  3. Install:Poor installation can make any material look shabby so make sure you find a contractor who is able to implement your design plan.

Choose Carefully

Kitchen counters should not only accommodate your cooking needs but also add beauty and elegance to the most trafficked room in the house. This is why the type of countertop you choose for your kitchen is a crucial decision both for overall design and functionality. You not only need to find a material and color that fits into your kitchen’s overall look—whether its country charm or Soho chic—but you also need to consider your family’s needs. Some materials, for example are easier to clean than others and a few need costly and regular maintenance. To find the right product—whether it’s a Brazilian granite countertop or a custom concrete countertop—stop by one of  Pacific Green Homes Inc, two local showrooms in Los Angeles, or Van Nuys, Ca to peruse our samples and to talk to a Pacific Green Homes Inc, design consultant.

Natural Stone Countertops

Granite

Nothing says elegance and sophistication like a granite countertop. Granite countertops, aside from boasting a stunning array of colors from thousands of quarries in the mountains of Brazil, Italy, the United States, Argentina, Sardinia, India and dozens of other countries, holds up to heat remarkably well while offering a look of solidity and durability. But since granite can be quite expensive—the most prized granite slabs are imported from quarries across the globe—you shouldn’t make the decision to install such a countertop lightly. Granite countertops require a lot of maintenance such as periodic sealing since it can easily absorb stains and/or even crack is stressed. But if you’re committed to performing needed maintenance about once a year, pairing a granite countertop with a complementary or contrasting granite flooring can give your home a look of unparalleled luxury.

Granite comes in a striking array of colors and patterns. Each quarry in each country offers a distinct stone—each slab is entirely unique!—so it’s worth your while to spend some time searching through samples at one of our showrooms. Whatever your desire—whether it’s a classic Italian Blue Pearl, the Brazillian Café Bahia, or Argentina’s Gris Córdoba—Pacific Green Homes Inc, vast supply network can provide the perfect granite slab for your kitchen countertop or table top.

Take a look at the granite samples listed below, but keep in mind that since granite is a natural substance each slab mined from a specific region and quarry will vary in color and veining. To see more samples of the literally thousands of colors and patterns available, please visit our showroom to meet with one of our specially trained Remodeling Consultants.

Soapstone and Slate

While softer than granite, both soapstone and slate are actually much less porous. Both stones can crack and scratch around the edges, but can easily be sanded out. (Some people think the nicks and marks add personality to their custom countertops, though.) Periodically adding mineral oil to the counter’s surface will ensure a warm glow for years to come.

Limestone

Limestone is another natural stone countertop that can add character and warmth to your Cali home. Since limestone stains easily, though, it may be the most practical choice for busy families. As with soapstone and slate, some homeowners choose to leave the stains and nicks as a sign of character on limestone’s matte finish.

Marble

For a warm, classic look many luxury homeowners are choosing marble tops to wooden counters. But since, like limestone, marble is more fragile than granite it can easily end up scratched and stained through normal, every day use. If you do install marble countertops be prepared to take constant extra care of them—by always protecting the surface from hot pans, wiping up spills immediately, and watching our for scratches. You’ll also want to make sure to apply a sealer and to periodically reseal the surface. Still, marble can make a sophisticated statement for the dedicated homeowner. Alternatively, some bakers and pastry chefs install a small section of marble on their granite, soapstone or slate counters or on top of a kitchen island to use for rolling out dough.

Engineered Stone Countertops

Engineered stone countertops can be a much more functional choice than natural stones as they’re largely heat, scratch, stain and acid resistant and come in a larger variety of colors than granite. Basically a quartz-composite product that’s made with colored pebbles, polymers, and epoxy, engineered stone countertops are one of the most durable options out there. And since they don’t need the annual sealing natural stone countertops do, they’re much easier to take care of—an important factor for today’s busy families.

Caesarstone

Caesarstone is the leader in the engineered stone marketplace. In fact, their revolutionary use of 93% quartz particles created an entire product genre in the counter top industry. Today they offer two different products: CaesarStone®, their original quartz stone countertop surfacing material and Concetto®, their stone surface made from individually cut semi-precious stone. CaesarsStone comes in 40 different colors from the muted neutral tones of Eggshell, Baja and Cinder to the dramatic Ruby, Emerald or Pacific Reflections. Take a look at their eight newest colors–Espresso, Mulberry Mist, Pebble, Raven, Sandalwood, Amazon Green, Bedrock, and Nougat—but be sure to visit our showroom for a more complete picture of the options available to you.

Silestone

Silestone, another engineered stone product that uses quartz, is scratch, scorch, and stain resistant, making it a fabulous choice for any home. Maintenance is a breeze and the color choices staggering. Choose from the following hues: blues; pinks and reds; browns; whites and light grays; creams and beiges; yellows and oranges; dark grays and blacks; and greens. Take a look at the following samples from their collection.

Technistone

Technistone also uses quartz particles in this sturdy solid surface countertop. Its resistance to normal wear and tear made it a durable yet beautiful choice for homeowners. Maintenance is easy—mild soap and water, with a quick swipe of a dry cloth is all that’s needed to keep your countertops beautiful. And since Technistone produces kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops and flooring, coordinating their products into your home design can be a breeze.

Dupont Zodiac

Like the other engineered stone countertops, Zodiac’s smooth nonporous surface resists tough stains and retains luster (without maintenance) for many years—without the irregularities of natural stone.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are entirely man-made products composed of polyester-resin or recycled materials. Since they’re solid scratches, burns and stains can be sanded out. These diverse surfaces can also be cut or molded into any shape needed, making them a great choice for uniquely shaped counters or kitchen islands. Solid surface products are the only material that boasts molded sinks seamed directly to the countertop with no gaps. You can even choose to have a built-in covered backsplash fused to the countertop to create a watertight surface. These products are durable, easy to clean, generally offer a ten year warranty and come in such a wide variety of colors and textures that they’ll complement any design aesthetic for properties as diverse as a sleek Chelsea loft to a sprawling Bergen County suburban home.

Dupont Corian

The best-known solid surface countertop brand is Dupont’s Corian, which comes in a staggering 130 colors.

Avonite

Avonite’s Recycled, Traditions, Crystelles, Glass Series, Metallics, and Foundation product lines offer solid surface countertops in a variety of colors and textures made to look like stone, glass, metal or even concrete.

Wood / Butcher Block Countertops

Wood or butcher-block countertops add a warm look to modern kitchens and oftentimes balance out the now popular stainless steel appliances. Wood countertops are easy to clean and can be sanded and resealed as often as needed. You can choose from a variety of wood colors and finishes, but woods like maple, cherry, walnut and oak are popular choices. The downside of wood countertops is that the surface can be damaged by water, stains, or knife cuts; these scratches and marks are easily sanded out, but it does mean more maintenance than say a solid surface countertop. That said, nothing says classic elegance more than wood and a butcher-block countertop adds a degree of sophistication unparalleled in other countertop materials save natural stone like granite or marble.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Homeowners who crave a sleek modern look will adore stainless steel countertops. Stainless steel is heat resistant and easy to clean–and therefore relatively durable. They do dent easily, though so you can’t cut vegetables or bread on its surface, unlike a butcher-block surface. Stainless steel countertops can also be quite expensive, as they need to be custom fitted but many come with integrally welded stainless steel sinks for a clean urban line.

Concrete Countertops

If your kitchen boats unusual architectural shapes, consider concrete as these countertops are cast right in your kitchen and can be fitted to your most whimsical design visions. Keep in mind, though that because they’re entirely customized, concrete countertops can be very expensive. They’re heat and scratch resistant and newer treatments eliminate cracking and reduce porosity. Concrete countertops come in a variety of different colors and finishes but they all have an industrial urban feel that would complement even the most Zen-inspired Dumbo or Soho loft.

Glass Countertops

Glass countertops offer a look of complete high-end luxury. The stunning appearance of clear, frosted or colored glass can be coordinated with concrete, wood, metal or stone for a sophisticated feel for your home. And since tempered glass is nonporous it doesn’t stain, making it a practical albeit expensive choice.

Eco-Friendly / Green Countertops

IceStone

IceStone is a durable surface made from recycled glass and concrete. There are over 27 colors available, which means there’s a hue for every design. And because they’re VOC-free, the high recycled content makes Ice Stone ideal for projects seeking LEED certification.

Richlite

These paper-based fiber composites are made from environmentally sustainable resources harvested from certified managed forests in North America. The durable surfaces offer a warm, inviting look for homeowners who seek eco-friendly products for their home.

Laminate Countertops

Anybody who lived through the 70s Formica craze is familiar with laminate counters. These inexpensive plastic-coated synthetic countertops offer a smooth surface that’s a breeze to clean and, since the pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends, they fit just about any kitchen configuration. That said, laminates do have some definite drawbacks: scratches and chips are impossible to repair, seams are clearly visible, and front edges can be quite expensive. But since laminates are inexpensive and come in a dizzying array of colors, they are a good option for those renovating within a budget.

Copper Countertops

When polished, copper countertops boast that familiar orange-gold color, but soon oxidize to create an appealing monochromatic patina. That beauty, however comes at a price: since copper is so malleable, just about anything—from a bag of potatoes to a dropped dish—can create a dent in the surface. So if you choose copper, be prepared for anything but a smooth surface. Some choose to embrace that denting and view it as a sign of character for their unique kitchen countertops, but others want a cleaner more uniform surface. Again this why its so crucial to think about what you really want.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

Because ceramic tile is so varied—from sleek porcelain to hand painted terra cotta—it can fit seamlessly into just about every kitchen aesthetic. Combine different textured and colored tiles in unique patterns to create a highly personalized and customized design on counter tops and back splashes alike. Choose from inexpensive factory produced tiles or imported hand-made tiles for a variety of looks to meet the needs of any budget. Ceramic tiles themselves are heat resistant but do create uneven surfaces and can chip or crack easily—so you may have to replace individual tiles from time to time. Also consider that grout lines can easily stain, requiring an awful lot of maintenance and/or re-application.

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