Solid wood counter tops are
typically made of solid maple. These are usually available in
continuous 1 3/4" strips (laminations) that make up the total
width of the top. A less expensive fingerjoint process is also a
possiblity. Fingerjoint tops are the same but instead of continuous
strips, shorter pieces are joined together to make up the length and
then laminated together to form the total width. Most wood tops are
finished with a food-safe oil, such as a light mineral oil.
A solid wood counter will add a
lot of character to your kitchen but more care must be taken to
ensure a prestine looking top. Because the wood is porous, care must
also be taken to ensure no food-born viruses.
Expect about a 2 - 3 week waiting
time from time of templating to time of installation. Unless your
counter top can be messured beforehand.
The wood top manufacturers do
warrant their counter tops against manufacturer defects but do
not warrant them from any problems
associated with fluid or moisture contact. Most
will void a warranty if any hole has been cut into the top,
ie: sinks, cooktops, etc.
Our
stainless steel counter tops are made of 16 guage steel for superior
durablity and therefore enhanced longevity
Stainless steel is a durable
material that can be shaped in any way your kitchen goes. The
backsplash and the sink can be combined into the same piece of steel
to eliminate awkward corners and seams. Stainless steel is usually
wrapped around a plywood top (substrate) to give the stainless a hard
backing and help prevent dents. Stainless can be ground to create a
unique finish but may be harder to clean.
Expect about a 2 - 3 week waiting
time from time of templating to time of installation. Unless your
counter top can be messured beforehand.
Manufacturers do
warrant their counter tops against manufacturer defects.
Plastic laminate is a very
inexpensive alternative for any kitchen. A counter top is made up
using sheets of high pressure plastic laminate in either, a square
edge, wood edge or a post formed contruction. Post forming is a
process of wrapping the laminate over a substrate through a machine
called a post former. Round bars are heated up to aid the laminate plyability.
While it is a inexpensive
alternative, it is not the most durable alternative. Because it is
usually adhered to particle board, seams in the laminate are a quick
route for water to reach the particle board. Care must be taken to
ensure any moisture does not reach the partcle board substrate. For
this reason it is not recommended for a corner sink layout. If a
corner sink is planned, be sure to have a square edge counter top and
not a post formed. Plastic laminate probably has the widest spectrum
of colours of any counter top matertial. Lighter colours will show
scratches less than darker colours. The opposite is true when it
comes to stains. The darker the colour the better.
Post Formers do
warrant their counter tops against manufacturer defects but do
not warrant them from any problems
associated with fluid or moisture contact.
Tile can be as expensive or
inexpensive as you choose. It all depends on the tile you choose.
Tile can be ceramic, granite, marble, etc. and can be small or large.
You should understand that a tile surface is an uneven surface and
therefore stemware (wine glasses) are at the mercy of the top. For
that reason, the larger the tile the better. If you choose tile, a
good quaility grout should also be considered. The grout line is a
place where food can collect and needs to be kept very clean. Spills
can also stain grout easily. As with any surface, the darker the
colour the less likely a stain will be noticed. Tile can be broken
and is hard to replace should this happen. Also keep in mind that
cracks in the grout or even a tile can be a quick route for fluids to
reach the plywood substrate and cause it to rot.
