Product Information
Laminate (Formica, Wilsonart)
High-Pressure laminates by Wilsonart & Formica both have a wide range of color, patterns and textures making for a beautiful work surface at an affordable price. These surfaces are easy to clean using, no sealing is required, and are non-porous. Laminate countertops have visible seams. Water can penetrate the seams causing “swelling”; do not flood and dry seam areas immediately with a clean, non-abrasive cloth. Gloss finishes may show scratches and/or wear and tear more than matte finishes.
Product
Post-Form Laminate
(by VT Industries)
Post-Form Countertops are a simple economical way to beautify and update your kitchen. These are easy-to-care for, nonporous, stain-resistance surfaces that can have the look of natural granite or marble but at a budgetary price point.
Post-Form countertops are available in 100’s or colors, patterns and textures and a number of attractive edge profiles. An attractive feature to Post-Form countertops is that there is a seamless backsplash attached to the countertop. However, Post-Form countertops are pre-fabricated in slabs. There are a number of limitations associated with Post-Form countertops so these may not be appropriate for your application. Typical layouts that do not work will with Post-Form include islands, peninsulas, splay corners, and any widths that are greater than 26” in depth. Please consult our sales team.
Product
Custom Laminate
Laminate Countertops are a beautiful addition to any space. These come in a wide variety of color, patterns, and textures, easy to care for surfaces and very durable. High-pressure laminates are non-porous, stain-resistant surfaces with beautiful and creative patters, at an affordable price point.
Laminate countertops have visible seams. Gloss finishes may show scratches and/or wear and tear more than matte finishes.
Laminate countertops that are only delivered, not installed, are available through in-store Home Depot kitchen designers; the Online Countertop Estimator does not price laminate countertops that are only delivered. A laminate countertop that is only delivered is not templated but fabricated from your drawings and dimensions. The accuracy of your drawings and dimensions is critical. All measurements are final and need to be double-checked by you.
Do:
- Always use mats, dollies, or trivets on laminate surfaces when putting abrasive objects on the countertop as scratching can occur when sliding across the surface.
- Use a trivet or insulated hot pad under any hot cookware or heat generating appliance.
- Prevent stains such as ink, lemon juice, hair dye, etc. from getting on laminate surfaces as they may be difficult, or perhaps impossible to remove
Don’t:
- Don’t chop, slice, pound, hammer, etc. on laminate surfaces.
- Do not put hot cookware, electric fry pan, waffle irons, hot rollers, etc directly on laminate surface.
- Never use cleans contain acid, alkali, or sodium hypochlorite as they will permanently mar, etch, corrode, and discolor the laminate surface. Rag or bottles contaminated with these cleaners should not be allowed to contact laminate.
- Do not use abrasive cleanser or pads of laminate.
Product
Solid Surface
(Corian, LX Hausys, Wilsonart, Bellavanti, Meganite)
Solid Surface Countertops are fabricated from a high-quality, nonporous acrylic polymer that is resistant to staining and scratching. It is non-porous making for sanitary cleaning an ease. The color is solid throughout the entire countertop, making repairs easy, in most patterns, virtually unnoticeable. Inconspicuous seaming, and undermount solid surface sinks, creates a smooth, continuous look for a sleek design and traditional styling. It’s a perfect choice for busy households that want an easy living countertop.
Solid Surface is available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and edge profiles. Dark colors, and high gloss finishes, will show scratches and/or wear and tear more than lighter colors with a matte finish.
Solid Surface offers carefree maintenance. To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe down. For dirtier areas, try mild dish soap and water. For really difficult stains or spot, use a sold surface cleaning spray that is available at most home and hardware stores. DO NOT use Winder or other cleaners as they can leave a waxy build-up which can dull the surface. Abrasive cleansers or pads should NOT be used.
Do:
- Always use a trivet or insulated heat pad under heat generating appliances such as a toaster over, air fryer, electric griddle, or cookware right out of the oven, microwave of store. Excessive heat will burn or crack solid surface materials.
- Always use a cutting board to avoid scratching your countertop.
Don’t:
- Do not place hot pots, pans, etc. directly on your countertop.
- Do not use strong chemicals such as paint remover, nail polish remover, oven cleaners.
- Do not sit, stand or drop heavy objects on the surface.
Product
Quartz
(Cambria, Silestone, Viatera, Wilsonart, Caesarstone, Daltile, MIS, Corian Quartz)
Quartz countertops are a popular choice for many reasons. Quartz combines the durability of man-made materials with the beauty of natural stone, for countertops that are as stylish as they sturdy. Quartz is durable antimicrobial, and relatively maintenance free. Quartz resists scratches, stains, mold, and moderate amounts of heat. Unlike natural stone or wood, quartz never needs sealing. Just wipe with plain or soapy water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Quartz countertops are fabricated from quartz slabs and can have pits due to raw materials of varying hardness. Quartz slabs are manufactured using a combination of crushed quartz, dyes, resins and silica sand fillers. On average, quartz slabs consist of 93 percent quartz, 6 percent resin, and 1 percent dyes and fillers. Existing quartz countertops cannot be matched to your new countertop.
Quartz countertops have visible seams and some patterns have concentrations of colors or "pooling" that is a natural occurrence and lend to its beauty. Quartz tops can chip while being fabricate, during handling or installation. It is common to repair chips using an epoxy or polyester resin at the time of installation. A “polished” finish is standard but many colors are available in a matte or honed finish.
Do:
- Use plain or soapy water, disinfectant wipes, or Windex without ammonia to clean.
- Use trivets or insulated hot pads for anything hot as quartz is not heat proof.
- Use cutting boards to avoid scratching.
Don’t:
- Do not use abrasive pads or abrasive cleaners which can dull the surface finish.
- Do not use harsh, alkaline or acidic cleaners which can break down the bonds between the quartz pieces and the resin.
- Don not expose the surface to products including but not limited to bleach, oven cleaners, Comet, Soft Scrub, SOS pads, pumice, paint remover, furniture stripper, tarnish or silver cleaners or the.
- Do not apply sealers, wax or polish.
- Do not sit or stand on your countertops.
Product
Granite, Natural Stone, Quartzite
(MSI, Daltile, Cosentino Stone, EarthStone, many local and regional distributors)
Granite and Natural Stone are materials made by mother nature that have visible seams, variations in color and texture, and other surface imperfections, that makes each slab unique. Granite and Natural Stone have inherent natural features like pits, fissures and veining. They also have areas with different reflective properties known as "water spots." These features may become more or less noticeable when the position (vertical or horizontal) of the slab is changed or when the lighting is changed. Granite and Natural Stone can chip or crack while being transported, handled or installed. It is common to repair chips or cracks using an epoxy or polyester resin at the time of installation. A polished finish is standard but honed finish is available with some products.
Granite, Natural Stone, and Quartzite must be cleaned using a pH neutral cleaner. Any ammonia-based cleaning product may damage a natural stone countertop. Use cleaners that are specifically intended for use on granite and natural stone.
Existing stone countertops cannot be matched in tone or pattern to your new countertop since stone is a natural material. Certain colors of stone slabs are not as strong as others. Some slabs require a fiberglass mesh applied to the back surface or a resin applied to the top surface for reinforcement. Exact color matching between the edge surface and the top surface may not be possible with a resin-treated slab. Other sections may also require reinforcement. Another common method for reinforcing these sections is called "rodding," where a channel or groove is cut in the underside of the stone and fitted with a metal or fiberglass rod and then the channel is filled with epoxy or polyester resin.
Color, graining, and other characteristics can vary significantly from slab to slab. Slab viewing is highly recommended. Your professional will ask you to sign-off on the slab you approved or waive your right to approve the slab. Children should not accompany adults to view a slab due to safety considerations; the slabs are in a working warehouse.
Beautiful granite and natural stone is a durable choice for countertops but since stone is a porous material, it should be sealed to prevent staining, mold and bacteria from damaging you top. Intelco stone countertops come sealed but after several years of use and cleaning resealing may become necessary. There are many over the counter products that may be used.
Clean your stone countertop, use warm water along with a few drops of dishwashing soap or antibacterial detergent on a soft cloth. Windex without ammonia, and antibacterial sprays or wipes may also be used as well as many specialty cleaning products that are sold at local box or hardware stores in the area. After cleaning, dry with a soft cloth. Any spills should be blotted up immediately and flushed with water followed by drying with a soft cloth. Stains should be repelled with proper sealing if spills are cleaned up quickly and properly.
For added protection, Granite Gold Warranty is available as an option.
Do:
- Always use a trivet of insulated ho pads, stone is heat resistant but not heat proof!
- Place protective pads under objects that might scratch the stone surfaces.
- Clean up spills promptly.
Don’t:
- Do not cut directly on your stone countertops as it might cause scratching.
- Don not use abrasive cleaning pads or cleansers.
- Maintain home relative humidity be 35 and 50%. Avoids excessive expansion and contraction.
- Do not sit or stand on your countertop.
Product
Marble
While beautiful, marble easily discolored by water, stains easily and can be easily etched by relatively mild acids, including lemon Juice, vinegar, tomatoes. Etc. Etching means that the polish and/or shine may be removed from any exposed area. Some cleaning agents can also etch marble. The application of a sealer will reduce, but not eliminate, the vulnerability of marble to acids and staining. Reapply sealer yearly. Marble is not recommended for use in the kitchen.
Marble is fragile and can chip or crack easily while being transported, handled or installed. It is common to repair chips or cracks using an epoxy or polyester resin at the time of installation.
Product
Wood
These are natural wood products and are finished with a food grade oil, not stained. Custom built wood countertops are offered in Oak, Maple, Bamboo, and Black Walnut.
Unique shading and grain patterns add to the natural beauty of wood countertops resulting in a distinct appearance can never be exactly duplicated They are resistant to scratches and any cut marks can easily be sanded out and re-oiled making this countertop a renewable surface. The finish is non-porous to make cleaning easy. It is imperative when a spill occurs do not let it stand to penetrate the wood. The simplest method to prevent staining is to regularly remove all food waste and scrub the block with mild soap to free any stubborn particles, then towel dry to remove any excess moisture. Prolonged exposure to moisture can allow for swelling in the wood. Seams are visible.
Do:
- Follow directions from the supplier as to the kind of sealers and maintenance that is required for your specific wood.
Don’t:
- Do not use strong chemical cleaning agents which can leave an unhealthy layer of residue on the surface.
- Do not use abrasive cleansers or pads.
- Do not let moisture stand on the surface for extended periods of time.
- Do not sit or stand on your wood or butcher block countertop.