Laminates are the most affordable type of countertop with a large selection of colors at competitive prices. A laminate countertop consists of a high pressured laminate material that is applied to either plywood or particle board, which is mounted on top of the base cabinets in your kitchen. The two main manufacturers of laminate countertops are Formica and Wilsonart.

The colors of laminate countertops vary from solid to patterned. Patterned colors consist of unique designs that add color and style to the countertop, such as speckled colors, slate designs, granite designs, and marble designs. Laminate countertop colors are much improved from the colors available 20 years ago.

Granite is classified by geologists as an igneous rock. Igneous rocks are formed by the cooling and crystallization of liquid rock material and as a result, have a distinctive texture and composition. The best known examples of igneous activity are volcanic extrusions, where the liquid rock material works its way to the surface, erupts from volcanic vents and cracks, and flows to the surface as lava. There are tremendous volumes of liquid rock that never make it to the surface, but remain trapped in the crust, where they slowly cool and solidify. Granite is the most common variety of this type of igneous rock.

Granite and Marble have grown into the most popular choices for countertops in the country, maybe even the world. With the efficiency of cutting, shipping and fabricating the granite, prices for granite have never been lower. Granite consists of various patterns and colors giving it the look of natural stone. Granite is available in 2cm and 3 cm thickness and is polished and sealed to help protect and preserve its beauty.

Quartz countertops are made using natural quartz and a resin to create a natural looking surface similar to granite. The quartz countertops are nonporous, which means they are difficult to stain. The quartz is durable and resists both heat and scratches, similar to granite. The colors range from darks to whites and the patterns range from a small, tight pattern to a large, natural pattern similar to granite. Campbell offers several brand names of quartz countertops, Silestone, Caesarstone and Vicostone.

Not to be mistaken for Quartz countertops.  Quartzite is natural, metamorphic stone that is often used for kitchen countertops. It forms when sandstone rich in quartz is exposed to high heat and pressure deep within the earth’s crust over millions of years. This process fuses the crystals together, creating a very hard, dense, and durable stone. Quartzite is known for its beauty, with slabs often featuring light, natural colors like white, gray, and beige. It can also have a glassy appearance and a decorative sparkling pattern.