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| Here is some information to help you in choosing the best counter top surface for your project. We here at Eckstrom Wood Concepts,Inc. can assist you with making your decision by answering many of your questions, as well as providing you with prices and installation through reputable manufacturers and installers of the various materials listed below. |
| SileStone By: Consentino Widespread availability Cosentino has built a reliable network of dedicated distributors who deliver Silestone and provide services throughout North America, including all metropolitan areas in the United States, several regions in Canada and now expanding into Mexico and Puerto Rico. Scratch-resistance The quartz in Silestone makes it naturally scratch-resistant. Only three other natural minerals — diamond, sapphire and topaz — are harder than quartz. Quartz is a seven on Mohs Hardness Scale (diamond is a 10). So, while a careless slip of the knife will scratch most other countertops such as laminates and solid surfaces, it won’t leave a mark on Silestone. Although Silestone is durable, it is not scratch-proof; it could be damaged with excessive force or pressure. Stain-resistance Silestone is non-porous and therefore it is highly resistant to stains from coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, makeup, and many other common household products. Unlike granite, Silestone does not need to be sealed to keep its lustrous shine. Scorch-resistance Unlike solid surfaces and laminates, Silestone is scorch-resistant. It will withstand limited exposure to heat without burning or scorching. The fire of a lit match will not mar Silestone. However, as advised by crock pot and electric skillet manufacturers, do not place these items directly on any countertop. Always use trivets when placing hot items on any natural stone or quartz surface to avoid thermal shock. Strength Silestone® has four times the flexural strength of granite, making it less susceptible to chipping and cracking during transportation and installation. Maintenance-free Because it is non-porous, Silestone does not need to be sealed. Granite, marble and limestone, on the other hand, must be sealed on installation and resealed regularly to prevent staining. Silestone is a maintenance-free star compared to solid surfaces that may require rigorous maintenance to clean up tough stains, scratches and scorch marks. Colors and edges Silestone is available in a wide array of dazzling colors, from conservative neutral hues, to daring bright colors, ensuring that there is a Silestone color to suit most any style or taste. Silestone delivers a uniformity and consistency that allows for virtually unlimited edge designs. Experience and professionalism Silestone is available through a mature network of dedicated distributors and fabricators backed by the experience of Cosentino with more than 70 years in the natural stone industry. Plus, Certified Silestone Installers are trained through a unique curriculum that includes expert, hands-on training. Innovation Silestone leads its category in innovative ideas for a product that already is known for its ingenious physical properties and customer benefits. Silestone offers the most colors in natural quartz; the most innovative sink installation methods, such as integrated, flush- and bevel-mounted; and the latest, newest products such as the exclusive Silestone® Leather™ with Microban®. Reliability Silestone natural quartz surfaces result from a tightly controlled process to ensure reliable performance, color consistency and ultimate durability every time. Cosentino backs its Silestone slabs with a limited 10- year manufacturer’s warranty. |
| Granite makes the most durable type of stone countertop. Because stone is porous, each stone requires special sealants. Granite absorbs the least and only requires resealing about once a year. You can cut, roll dough, and place hot pots directly on granite. It's smooth and cool to the touch, marble is the traditional favorite for rolling dough and making pastries. However, it lacks the durability of granite and requires sealants to be applied more frequently to prevent stains. |
| Marble Ideal for foyers, bathrooms, floors, and hearths Marble is found in the mountainous regions of Canada, Italy, Germany, Spain, the U.S., and other countries worldwide. Because of its beauty and elegance, marble is a popular choice for countertops, floors, foyers, fireplace facings and hearths, walls, and window sills. Marble adds a sophisticated element to your home, and its wonderful appearance, superior engineering characteristics, and ease of maintenance makes it a natural choice for floors, wall coverings, table tops, and bathroom walls, floors, vanity tops, tub decks, and showers. Another option for marble-loving homeowners is using another natural stone – serpentine – for kitchen counters. Sometimes called the "green" marble, serpentine is not a true marble but offers a marble-like look. And, because it is magnesium-silicate based, it is not sensitive to citric acid and other kitchen spills. |
| Travertine, Limestone, Sandstone & Slate Beautiful enhancements for your home, inside and out Travertine, limestone, sandstone, and slate are other examples of natural stone frequently used in residential applications. Travertine is a type of limestone and one of the most popular natural stones for interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior paving, statuary, and curbing. Limestone is widely used as a building stone because it is readily available and easy to handle. Popular applications include countertops, flooring, interior and exterior wall cladding, and exterior paving. Slate is a popular flooring material and sandstone and slate are often used for exterior paving stones, or pavers. Other sandstone applications include fireplace facings, chimneys, garden walls, patio benches, and poolside. Additional slate applications include kitchen countertops, fireplace facings, tabletops, and roofing. |
| Laminate Countertops Countertops crafted with Formica® brand laminate consist of a thin layer of plastic glued to particle board or wood. Laminates can simulate many different materials such as wood, stone and marble. Wood, brass and other inserts can be added to the countertop edge to achieve an individualized look. Some of the advantages of laminate countertops are: Inexpensive and fairly durable Available in many patterns and colors Resists staining Easy to clean Plastic Laminate countertops are one of the least expensive and most common counter top surface. There is a vast array of colors to choose from, as well as several different ways of manufacturing your countertop using laminate. Post-form is the least expensive and offers several different edge styles to choose from. Custom built laminate tops offer the advantage on most projects of eliminating bolt together seams, which lessons the chance of standing water damaging your countertop. Custom tops also offer the option of laminate edge or a wood edge to tie in with your cabinets. Other specialty edges are available. Eckstrom Wood Concepts, Inc. can provide you with plastic laminate tops using several different brand names including; Wilsonart Formica Nevamar Pionite |
| Solid Surface Countertops Solid surface countertops, such as Dupont Corian® are made from acrylic and/or polyester resins. They can be polished, but often have a matte finish. Sinks can be molded into the top giving a built-in appearance. Edging detail is unlimited. Some of the advantages of solid surface countertops are: Non-porous and stain resistant Abrasive cleaners can be used Easy to clean and refinish Many colors available Seamless Scratches can be repaired |
| Cultured Marble Information coming soon |
| Granite The Earth’s Oldest Building Material Granite is—quite literally—as old as the earth. It is formed from liquid magma, the molten rock still found at the core of the planet, cooled slowly to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of diamond. Granite is an igneous rock, the name reflecting its fiery beginnings. The chemical composition of granite is similar to that of lava. However, granite owes its hardness and density to the fact that it has been solidified deep within the earth, under extreme pressure. Over the eons, seismic activity has changed the crust of the planet, forcing veins of granite to the surface. Glaciers scraped off layers of dirt, sand and rock to expose granite formations. Typically revealed by outcrops, the deposits have been discovered on all the continents. "Granites are formed of an aggregate of crystals which are molded together without any interspace between them or which enclose one another. The magnificent crystallinity of granite is a striking characteristic." Geology of Granite, E. Raguin, London, 1965 p.3 It is accurate to speak of "granites," because many varieties of the stone exist. While they differ in color, texture and crystalline structure, the granites have three essential minerals in common: Feldspar (50% or greater) Quartz (25-40%) Mica (3-10%) These minerals occur in different proportions, giving each granite its own color, texture and structural characteristics. In addition, hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet, corundum and other minerals may be present in smaller amounts, adding to the unique coloration and texture of each granite deposit. In supplying granite for all large building or complex of buildings, it is essential that the stone be consistent in color and texture. To assure this, each granite color must be quarried from the same deposit. With natural material like granite, a certain amount of "movement" or grain in the stone must be expected. Many people find this flow and blending of colors to be the most compelling reason for using granite. Granite, quarried from the mountains of Italy, the U.S., India, and dozens of other countries around the world, is one of the most popular natural stones on the market. Available in a striking array of colors, granite's durability and longevity make it ideal for kitchen countertops and other heavily used surfaces, including table tops and floors. While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat. Granite is also one of the most bacteria-resistant kitchen surfaces, and it is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol, or wine. It is also nearly impossible to scratch, and with proper cleaning, will not stain under normal use (ask your professional contractor about sealants available to further improve resistance to staining). A leading consumer magazine recently compared granite with engineered stone, ceramic tile, laminate, butcher block, and other manufactured surfaces. Granite received the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen countertop material. Because of its exceptional strength, granite is well suited for exterior applications such as cladding, paving, and curbing. Sources: Cold Spring Granite -http://www.coldspringgranite.com/what_is_granite.htm Marble Institute of America - http://www.marble-institute.com/ |