One of the most important aspects of your kitchen is the countertops. Many homeowners choose to work with an experienced contractor when picking the perfect countertop for their home due to the endless options to choose from. To protect your investment, it’s essential to choose a material that meets the needs of your family. At Ray’s Countertop Shop, Inc., we’re proud to offer high-quality countertops to our clients. For this reason, it is important to learn how you can take care of your newly installed surface to ensure decades of use. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of kitchen countertops and how to prevent heat damage on each of them.
Laminate
Laminate countertops are made from layers of particleboard that are fused together with plastic resin materials to create a man-made hard surface. These countertops are an affordable option and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. However, they are susceptible to heat damage. To prevent heat damage on laminate countertops, use trivets or hot pads to place pots and pans on the surface. Never place hot items directly on the laminate surface, as the heat can cause the laminate to melt or blister. Ray’s Countertop Shop, Inc. offers high-quality laminate countertops that are budget-friendly and guaranteed to match your new kitchen.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are made from a blend of polyester and acrylic resins. These countertops are a popular choice for homeowners in Glenarm, IL due to their seamless appearance and versatility. While solid surface countertops are more durable than laminate, they can still be damaged by high heat exposure. To prevent serious and expensive damage to your solid surface countertops, use trivets and hot pads, and avoid putting hot tools directly on the surface. Any prolonged heat exposure can cause thermal shock, cracks, and discoloring over time, which can be expensive or impossible to repair. Contact Ray’s Countertop Shop, Inc. to learn more about our solid surface countertops in the Springfield, IL area.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are made from crushed quartz mixed with resin and pigment. While quartz countertops are more durable than solid surfaces, it is still possible for high temperatures to cause damage. Exposing a quartz countertop to extreme heat, such as placing a hot pot or pan directly on the surface, can cause thermal shock and result in cracking or discoloration of the material. To avoid heat damage, it is recommended always to use trivets, hot pads, or other heat-resistant materials to protect the quartz countertop from direct contact with hot items. With proper care and precautions, a quartz countertop can remain beautiful and functional for many years to come. Choose our quartz countertop options at Ray’s Countertop Shop, Inc. in Glenarm, IL.
Granite
Granite countertops are a popular choice for their durability and beauty. At Ray’s Countertop Shop, Inc., granite is one of our most popular selections for homeowners. Granite comes in a range of colors and patterns that will add to your home’s aesthetic. These natural stone countertops include a 15-year sealer on the hard surface to ensure longevity and frequent use. Any direct heat onto your granite surface can cause the sealer and resin to break down, causing cracks, thermal shock, discoloration, and permanent damage to the stone beneath. To prevent heat damage on granite countertops, use trivets or hot pads when placing hot pots and pans on the surface.
Cultured Marble
When upgrading your bathroom countertop, our cultured marble is the perfect choice for your home. This product is made of a mixture of acrylic to create a beautiful vanity top. Our customers at Ray’s Countertop Shop, Inc. love our cultured marble selections due to their affordability and natural look. To prevent heat damage on cultured marble countertops, use trivets or hot pads to place hot items on the surface (ex: curling irons and straighteners). We also recommend avoiding water over 120 degrees from touching the surface to prevent thermal shock and cracking. For cleaning purposes, use a nonabrasive cleaner and cloth to remove any soap scum or bacteria with lukewarm water.
