By Precision
"The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible."
Solid Surface Products
Recent research into what consumers value most, shows that:
Laminate Products
High pressure laminate is the most basic of all synthetic countertops - and traditionally a very popular choice. Sold under such brand names as Formica, Wilsonart and Nevamar, it consists of brown paper impregnated with phenolic resin. The top layer of paper, which contains the pattern of color, is impregnated with melamine resin. The sheets are bonded together, then applied to fiberboard or particleboard during construction.
The primary benefit of high pressure laminate is simple: You get a quality product at a reasonable cost. It offers a hard, impact-resistant surface that is easy to keep clean with common kitchen cleansers. It is also available in hundreds of patterns and colors. On the down side, high pressure laminate cannot be repaired if it is scratched or nicked. In addition, at the edge of the countertop the layers of paper appear as a brown line, which many consumers find unattractive. It is also possible to edge the countertop in wood stained to match your kitchen
Quartz Products
The latest material that's catching on is engineered quartz. The new quartz is nonporous and heat- and scratch-resistant, and comes in different colors. The stronger material is a mix of natural quartz that has been ground up and mixed with resin. The color and the look can be very soft or have larger particles. Quartz is more even so it's more uniform than granite. Quartz is one of the earth's most abundant materials and also one of the most intriguing.