Empire Countertops offers five surface options for your counters. Each type of surface has its particular advantages. Our helpful staff will be glad to answer any questions you have and can advise you on the important considerations, such as durability, maintenance and pricing for your particular application, whether that be a kitchen, office, workshop or commercial project.
If you will be installing the counter yourself, bring your measurements into our showroom for a quote. Remember to check the height of your backsplash (if applicable) and make allowances for overhangs.
Not a do-it-yourselfer? Contact us and we'll send a professional to measure and provide an estimate. This service carries a small charge which is refundable at the time of purchase.
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Laminate Countertops
Plastic laminate is the most common surface material for builders and remodelers, mostly because of it's durability, wide range of colours and patterns and its moderate pricing. Laminates are producted in hundreds of styles, including reproductions of granite, marble, wood, and even metal or leather. A variety of finishes are available ranging from matte to glossy and a whole range of textures.. The choices are nearly unlimited, and we are certain to have something that matches your decor and needs.
How It's Formed
Laminate countertops use a High Pressure Laminate surface that is wrapped over a base material, usually number one Industrial grade particleboard. Using this technique, the base material can be shaped into a variety of profiles after which the laminate is heated to 325 degrees (162 degrees C) and, with a series of rollers, is formed to conform to the substrate. A similar process is used to form an integrated backsplash where required.
Laminate countertops are identified in three parts: Nosing (front edge), Deck (work surface) and Backsplash.
Backsplash
There are three main options for backsplash with laminate countertops:
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Set On
Set on is a loose backsplash, Typically 3" to 4" high, that sits on top of the countertop, and is glued to the wall. It has a square edge at the top.
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Attached
An attached backsplash is glued behind the deck. Unlike many other manufacturers, Empire Countertops applies a sealant where the backsplash meets the deck to help prevent water penetration.
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Coved Integrated
A Coved backsplash is formed when a continuous sheet of laminate rolls from the flat deck up onto the backsplash. This provides a seamless backsplash that doesn't need sealing. This is usually the preferred style of backsplash for most of our customers.
Edges
Laminate countertops can have a square or rolled (profiled) edge. The rolled edge is available in a number of profiles. Special edge treatments are available in solid surface (like Corian), wood edge or laminate bevelled edge to simulate natural stone.
Seams
Because particle board, the base material for laminate countertops, is porous, it will swell when wet. If this happens at a seam in your countertop, it will raise, and may even split. For this reason, seam placement is important, and the fewer seams, the better the life of your work surface.
At Empire, we take care during manufacturing to minimize seams in your countertop to help eliminate the possibility of damage. We also use water resistant adhesive to provide a durable seam even when it must be near a sink.
Things To Know Before Installing
Each installation is unique but some common rules apply. Measure your space carefully and, only if absolutely necessary, make a template.
Cabinets should be firmly fixed in place with a level surface. Poorly installed cabinets may result in undue stress on the counter causing eventual failure of the counter. Check for undulations in the wall surface and for corners that are out of square.
Do not remove your counter too soon. Your new countertop will take from two to five weeks to fabricate so you will want to retain the use of your existing sink as long as possible.
If you are replacing a counter and plan to re-use the sink, inspect it to insure that the welds on the underside of the sink are not corroded. If you discover a problem with the old sink after the hole to receive it has already been cut, you may not be able to buy a sink to fit the same hole.
If you are considering installing yourself, please refer to our printable How to Measure Your Countertop PDF diagram to help you with this stage.
Should you require it, Empire can supply an insured installer who will take full responsibility for a proper installation. Should there be an error or any damage to your counter during the installation process, the counter will be re-fabricated at no expense to you. Contact Us for your on-site estimate.
A Word About Templates
A poorly made template will cause more problems than it solves and our experience is that templates should be seen as a last resort.
Templates must be made from any rigid material (not paper or light weight cardboard) that will keep the shape of your counter. It must be an accurate representation of the final size of the counter. A common problem is that a template is incomplete, showing only the cabinet sizes. An extra charge will apply where a template is required.
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Solid Surface
Solid Surface options are often known by brand-names such as Corian and AcryFlek. They are manufactured from specific blends of polymers that are chemically engineered to be stain-resistant.
The material used is of consistant colour and pattern throughout; which, unlike Laminate, allows for stains, scratches and even minor scorches to be sanded out. The material is non-porous, so it will never bend or warp with water damage. It is extremely durable, easy to repair, and comes in a far wider range of colours and patterns than Granite or Natural Stone options.
How It's Fabricated
Made from solid synthetic sheets formed by mixing a mineral compound with polyester and/or acrylic resins, the countertop gives you the look of stone without the seams or potential colour variations, and allows them to be resistant to acids and stains.
Seams
Because of the nature of solid-surface tops, seams can be sealed and sanded so that they are virtually non-existant, even for projects involving complex curves or shapes. This feature also allows for the smooth and seamless integration of accessories such as pre-cast sinks and cutting boards for a very clean, custom look for your work surface.
Edges
The consistency of solid-surface allows for nice-looking edges, that can be curved or shaped to your needs, from square and rounded, to complicated routed edges. There are also a variety of accent inlays, from colour stripes to brass and other materials to match your decor.
Things To Know Before Installing
Your countertop installation is unique and a pattern template must be made. If you are newly constructing your kitchen, all base cabinets must be permanently anchored before measurements can begin.
At Empire, we know that improper installation of a cabinet may result in damage. Our installers assume responsibility for a proper fit, and if you have an installer, we recommend that you ensure they will do the same. Your drawers, sinks and cabinets may suffer otherwise! If you are considering installing yourself, please refer to our printable How to Measure Your Countertop PDF diagram to help you with this stage.
Be sure to contact us as soon as possible with your measurements. It can take several weeks to complete the installation after measurements are taken, and this time can increase during peak home-building season.
Allow sufficient lead time, so that your surface is ready when you need to start using it. Our price quotes include a time-frame on the project. Contact us for your on-site estimate.
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