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Evaluating Countertops
There is an impressive variety of materials available for countertops and your Floor To Ceiling® kitchen showroom has all of them. Before you make a selection, consider both your goals and performance expectations in relation to the dollars you want to invest in this part of your total remodeling project.

1. Plastic laminate counters are the least expensive.  Laminate performs well for relatively low cost and offers more color and pattern choices than any other material, making them an outstanding value. (Drawbacks to laminate: once scorched or scratched, the surface cannot be restored to like new condition.  Seams are visible and can be potential trouble spots.) 
2. Solid Surface is manmade acrylic/resin material. Outstanding features include a seamless appearance and repairability of scorches and scratches.  Another advantage of solid surface counters is the flexibility the material offers the designer to use creative inlays, contrasting colors, seamlessly joined and customized edge treatments. (One disadvantage of solid surface products may be that repairs are best left to professional fabricators.) 
3. Tile is extremely popular in warm and coastal climates. Impervious to heat and virtually impossible to scratch, it is also a great choice for adding texture and pattern to your design.  (A drawback to tile counters  may be the difficulty of keeping even properly sealed grout stain-free and in good condition.)
4. Formulated natural stone, one of the newer countertop materials to come on the scene has swiftly become a favorite.  Exhibiting characteristics of both solid surface and slab natural stones like granite or marble, this material is formed by mixing natural quartz chips and pigments with a resin base. Like solid surface materials, properly fabricated, formulated natural stone counters have seams that appear almost imperceptible.  Non-porous, heat resistant, impervious to water and most staining agents, odors and mildew, formulated natural stone material is a high performance product for both beauty and durability. 
5. Natural (slab) granite or marble is considered top-of-the-line among countertop materials and is usually the most costly. Best for workcenters not requiring seams, granite and marble are cool to the touch, making both desirable surfaces for a baking center. Extremely resistant to scratching and heat, there is no danger of scorching. (Disadvantages to slab stone counters include visible seams and the potential for stains; especially marble.)