Anatomy of a Kitchen Countertop. The Frontage. The Frontage, the central part of the countertop, is the working area of the kitchen. It is here where we perform mostly the various ... The Backsplash. Cutouts. Edge Profile. Laminate and Skirting.
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How do you repair a countertop?
How to Repair and Refinish Laminate Countertops
- Minor Fixes. Small scratches, gouges and chips can be fixed with laminate repair paste or a color-matched repair pen, available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers.
- Strokes of Genius — Painting Your Laminate. ...
- Countertop Refinishing Products. ...
- Before
- After
- Cover Your Assets. ...
- Abuse Won't Cut It! ...
- Pro Services for the Un-Handy. ...
How to choose the best countertop?
Solid Surface Countertops
- Benefits. When it comes to your kitchen or bathroom, you can’t go wrong with a solid surface countertop.
- Considerations. Making the right choice means knowing all the details. ...
- Maintenance. Solid surfaces are man made and nonporous, making them hygienic and easy to clean. ...
How to repair counter top?
To begin, you should:
- Clean the countertop with an ammonia-based cleaner.
- Border the chip or crack with masking tape to prevent super glue or epoxy from seeping where it shouldn't.
- Apply the adhesive (super glue for light-colored quartz or epoxy for darker-colored quartz) to the crack or chip in thin layers until it's flush with your countertop.
What to place on your kitchen countertops?
- Use accessories in odd numbers
- Group and layer your items for contrast and interest
- Vary your heights and finishes to draw the eye in, up and around a vignette
- Use color, texture and pattern in your accessories
- Don’t clutter your counters
What is the back part of a counter called?
A standard backsplash extends up high enough from the back of the countertop to a height that will protect the wall from most splatters or spills, without overwhelming the space. The wall space between the top of the backsplash and the bottom of the upper cabinets can be used for small accent pieces or artwork.
What is the edge of a countertop called?
Eased. A slightly more rounded top edge makes the eased edge more comfortable to lean on while still preserving the clean, modern feel of the square edge.
What is a hole in a countertop called?
Holes in your granite countertop are called pitting. Pitting is a small crack, indentation or fissure in the natural stone's surface.
What is the wood under a countertop called?
Both corbels and brackets are pieces that protrude from a wall and are designed to support some sort of weight. In kitchens, corbels and brackets are typically used beneath countertops, islands, bar tops, and shelves.
What is the most common countertop edge?
The Half Bullnose edge is one of the most common countertop edges. It works great as a small radius edge for a flat surface and looks like half an inch was taken off. The design on a Half Bullnose Edge can vary greatly, from simple to elaborate (depending on taste).
What is a Bullnose on a countertop?
Bullnose edges are curved along the top and bottom for an even finish. They are universally flattering for virtually any kitchen and are one of the most popular granite countertop edges, although they work well with any counter material.
What is a mitered edge countertop?
A mitered edge is created when two edges are cut at 45-degree angles, then set together to create a 90-degree edge. This means that the seam is at the corner, resulting in a seamless illusion of a horizontal countertop appearing to spill over onto the vertical edging surface.
How much should a countertop overhang?
1 ½ inchesStandard countertop overhang is 1 ½ inches. Keep in mind that this is 1 ½ inches over the front edge of the base cabinet. While some countertops may have different overhang measurements, this is the number that is seen as standard for homes. While 1 ½ inches is the most common, it's far from mandatory.
What do you call the counter in the middle of the kitchen?
The Kitchen Island An island is essentially a standalone counter. Usually placed in the center of a kitchen, it is not attached to any other counter or wall. It can bridge work surfaces and help to improve meal prep times, letting you install whatever you may need to boost functionality in the kitchen.
Do countertops sit directly on cabinets?
Countertops are typically installed after flooring, cabinets, and appliances. This is true for both new builds, and remodeling projects. Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation.
What goes under a granite countertop?
When installing granite countertops, you will not need an underlayment of plywood if the granite has a thickness of 3 centimeters (about 1 1/4 inches). However, for granite with a thickness of 2 centimeters (about 3/4 inches), you will definitely need to use plywood for support.
What are build up strips for countertops?
Build-up refers to the hidden strips of wood that give a laminated counter top the visual illusion of being 1 ½ inch thick. When one purchases a prefabricated countertop, the underside reveals that the laminate is actually glued to a board that is only ¾ inch thick. This is typical of the most common countertops.
What type of edge is used for granite countertops?
What is the Most Popular Edge For Granite Countertops? The most popular granite edge style is actually the half bullnose, which is seen in many traditional and modern styles of kitchen.
What is ogee edge?
Ogee edges are one of the most popular edge profiles for countertops and are typically selected for spaces that have a more traditional style. They feature flowing concave and convex arches and are typically more ornate than other edge options. Ogee edges exemplify the beauty of timeless architectural detailing.
What is a pencil edge on a countertop?
Pencil Edge Countertops: Pencil edges feature a slightly rounded edge, and they are the best option if you have kids in the house. They offer a linear design, but no sharp corners or edges – which means no worrying about anyone getting hurt if they bump into it.
What is a Valencia edge?
Valencia edge is a distinctive, full-wrap, contoured profile that adds upscale elegance to any space. Product dimensions are 6 ft. L x 25.5 in.
What is a countertop?
A countertop can either be a continuous space or a connection of two or more granite, marble, or engineered quartz slabs joined at angled corners. Often, kitchens with an “L-shaped” or a “U-shaped” layout require seams to accommodate the size of the countertop. Alternatively, you may also consider using gangsaw slabs (slabs which have a depth of more than a meter) to minimize the number of seams.
What can build up between the sink and the countertop?
Dirt and gunk can build up between the sink’s rim and the countertop.
What is the kitchen space?
Also, it can define the kitchen as a separate space from the adjoining room. It creates a border between the working area and the living space. It gives the cook a much-needed room while keeping everyone else out of the way.
How much clearance between slab and cutout?
There should be at least 50 mm clearance between the nearest edge of the slab and the lip of the cutout.
Which is better for a smaller kitchen area: peninsula or a large kitchen?
For smaller kitchen areas, having a peninsula is a better choice.
When installing a skirting on a concrete base, what is the purpose?
On the other hand, when installed on top of a concrete base or a metal or a stainless steel frame, a Skirting is recommended to conceal the structure underneath.
Can you replace a countertop without damaging it?
Lastly, should there be a need for a replacement, it can be quickly done without damaging the countertop.
What is the most common countertop material?
Kitchen stone countertops, USA. Natural stone is one of the most commonly used materials in countertops. Natural stone or dimension stone slabs (e.g. granite) are shaped using cutting and finishing equipment in the shop of the fabricator. The edges are commonly put on by hand-held routers, grinders, or CNC equipment.
How wide is a kitchen countertop?
When installed in a kitchen on standard (U.S) wall-mounted base unit cabinets, countertops are typically about 25-26 inches (635–660 mm) from front to back and are designed with a slight overhang on the front (leading) edge. This allows for a convenient reach to objects at the back of the countertop while protecting the base cabinet faces. It can also act as kick space that may not have been provided at the floor, allowing a person to stand closer to the countertop, improving ergonomics. In the UK the standard width is 600 mm (Approximately 24 inches). Finished heights from the floor will vary depending on usage but typically will be 35-36" (889–914 mm), with a material thickness depending on that chosen. They may include an integrated or applied backsplash (UK: upstand) to prevent spills and objects from falling behind the cabinets. Kitchen countertops may also be installed on freestanding islands, dining areas or bars, desk and table tops, and other specialized task areas; as before, they may incorporate cantilevers, freespans and overhangs depending on application. The horizontal surface and vertical edges of the countertop can be decorated in manners ranging from plain to very elaborate. They are often conformed to accommodate the installation of sinks, stoves (cookers), ranges, and cooktops, or other accessories such as dispensers, integrated drain boards, and cutting boards .
What is the tile that sits on the wall called?
Tile, including ceramic tile and stone tile, is installed in much the same way as floor tiles or wall tiles through the use of mortar and grouting the tile gaps after they have been cemented down. The tiles that sit on the wall typically behind a countertop are called a backsplash .
What is postform countertop?
The postform countertop is typically a high volume factory-produced product, which accounts for the economy of the product.
What is a lab countertop?
Side shot of a lab workspace. Laboratory countertops are countertops used specifically in science fields for educational labs or research purposes. They can be used to place equipments, tools, projects and chemicals.
How long is a countertop cut?
The final stage of the system usually consists of a trim saw that cuts the countertops to rough lengths, typically 8', 10' and 12', ready for distribution .
What is fitted kitchen?
The common fitted Western-style kitchen , developed in the early 20th century, is typically an arrangement of assembled unit cabinetry covered with a more-or-less continuous countertop work surface. The "unfitted" kitchen design style exemplified by Johnny Grey may also include detached and/or varied countertop surfaces mounted on discrete base support structures. Primary considerations of material choice and conformation are durability, functionality, hygienics, appearance, and cost.
What is the edge of a quartz countertop?
Prefab quartz countertops can be a 1CM body with a 2CM edge, 1.2 CM body with a 2.4 CM edge, or a 2CM body with a 4CM edge. A common issue with prefabricated countertops is the warranty or lack there of. To learn more about countertop warranties and what they cover, read our Countertop Warranty Guide.
What is the best thickness for quartz countertops?
Three centimeters is the preferred thickness for both quartz and granite countertops for most countertop fabricators, designers, and architects. It offers the most durability, size flexibility, and color options. 3CM material can go directly on top of the cabinets without the need for plywood support.
What is 1CM quartz?
1CM quartz is most typically used by builders, flippers, or budget conscious consumers who want the lowest price product available while still having the overall look of quartz counters. Both 2CM and 3CM are far superior to prefabricated 1CM or 1.2CM which will require plywood support and has very limited factory produced sizes which can lead to seams that can be avoided with 2CM or 3CM slabs that are cut to size just for your kitchen.
How thick is quartz?
Generally speaking, there are 3 thickness of quartz slabs used for countertop fabrication. Countertop thickness is measured in centimeters. The standard thicknesses are 1CM (some manufactures actually use 1.2CM), 2CM, and 3CM. 1 CM is equal to 3/8”, 2CM is equal to ¾”, and 3CM is equal to 1 ¼”.
Do 2CM granite countertops need plywood?
While 2CM granite would require plywood support on top of the cabinets, which leads to the necessity of a laminated edge to hide the plywood, 2CM quartz countertops do not require plywood support unless spanning more than 24”, and therefore can often be installed with significantly less support than 2CM granite.
Is quartz 2 cm?
Two centimeter is also found in prefab, laminated edge applications but 2CM quartz without a laminated edge is becoming a popular look amongst people with a modern, contemporary aesthetic. Because quartz is stronger and requires less support than granite, its thinner profile can be used to create a clean, minimalistic look.
Can 2CM quartz be installed without plywood?
2CM quartz can also be installed without plywood support, but requires support for overhangs over 8”. While more desirable for some aesthetics, the thin edge of un-laminated 2CM is not for everyone and will lower the overall height of your counters by ¾” unless adjustments are made to your cabinetry.
What is the best countertop for a kitchen?
Many types of natural stone are popular choices for a kitchen countertop, and of these, the most popular option is a countertop made from a solid slab of granite. Beginning life as a quarried slab of solid natural stone, granite countertops are fabricated to specification and installed by professional crews.
What is the best material for kitchen countertops?
A very unusual material for kitchen countertops is bamboo. Although often lumped together with wood, bamboo is actually a grass, and the slabs used in countertops are made from shredded bamboo fibers blended with resins. Bamboo is a very hard substance, and in many ways is better than wood for countertop use.
Why is soapstone used for kitchen counters?
Soapstone has a warm feeling and milky look, due to the high amount of talc in the stone. These countertops give kitchens an antique look. Because soapstone is rarely used for kitchen counters anymore, they create a conversation piece. Less porous than other stone, soapstone resists stains and is fairly easy to clean.
What is ceramic tile?
Ceramic tile countertops are made from individual clay-based tiles adhered over a cement-board core using thin-set mortar adhesives . For kitchen countertops, grout seams make tile a less-than-ideal countertop material, but newer ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in large sizes (1 x 2 or 2 x 2 feet) that can help minimize the number of seams and make for easier upkeep.
What is modular granite?
Modular granite occupies a niche halfway between solid slabs and granite tiles. Modular granite can be described as large tiles pieced together to form a countertop. Although still weighty, modular pieces are lighter than slabs, making them a decent option for DIYers.
What is zinc countertop?
Another unusual countertop surface is zinc—formed by applying zinc sheets over a base core material. Found fairly often in bars and other commercial settings, zinc kitchen countertops are a rare sight.
Why is it important to have a kitchen countertop?
A well-chosen countertop makes your kitchen more useful and easier to maintain , and it can also serve as an important design element of your kitchen. The range of materials that can be used for kitchen countertops is amazingly diverse, and some materials on the list may be surprising to you.
What is a spout assembly?
Spout Assembly: Parts used to control the spout.
What is a faucet body?
Faucet Body: A device used for transporting water from a plumbing system.
Overview
A countertop, also counter top, counter, benchtop, worktop (British English) or kitchen bench (Australian or New Zealand English), Bunker (Scottish) is a raised, firm, flat, and horizontal surface. They are built for work in kitchens or other food preparation areas, bathrooms or lavatories, and workrooms in general. The surface is frequently installed upon and supported by cabinets, positioned at an ergono…
Kitchen countertops
The common fitted Western-style kitchen, developed in the early 20th century, is typically an arrangement of assembled unit cabinetry covered with a more-or-less continuous countertop work surface. The "unfitted" kitchen design style exemplified by Johnny Grey may also include detached and/or varied countertop surfaces mounted on discrete base support structures. Primary considerations of material choice and conformation are durability, functionality, hygienics, appea…
Laboratory countertops
Laboratory countertops are countertops used specifically in science fields for educational labs or research purposes. They can be used to place equipments, tools, projects and chemicals. Characteristics of laboratory countertops are generally determined according to what reagents or corrosive chemicals are being used. The purpose of the countertop would be different depending on whether …
Materials
Countertops can be made from a wide range of materials and the cost of the completed countertop can vary widely depending on the material chosen. The durability and ease of use of the material often rises with the increasing cost of the material but some costly materials are neither particularly durable nor user-friendly. Some common countertop materials are as follows:
Sink installation
In any of these styles, "self-rimming" sinks can be used. They are mounted in templated holes cut in the countertop (or substrate material) using a jigsaw or other cutter appropriate to the material at hand and are suspended by their rim. The rim forms a close fit, reinforced with a sealant, on the top surface of the countertop, especially when the sink is clamped into the hole from below.