LAKE CABINET & FLOORING, INC.   

 When it comes to counters .. we are on top!

Here at Lake Cabinet & Flooring we custom manufacture laminate tops of Formica, Wilsonart, Nevamar & Pionite.   We also offer you the option of several unique edge treatments including rolled, beveled and wood edges.  We are certified fabricators of Corian, Meganite, Avonite, Hi-Macs, and Wilsonart Gibraltar solid surface counter tops. We provide the entire operation of counter replacement.   We also offer the best overall value because we measure, fabricate, install and hook up your new solid surface or laminate top if you'd like. (no need to out source any part of the job) call us today for a free countertop estimate or comparison.  We also sell tops of granite, marble,  quartz by Silestone, Zodiaq, Cambria, Eternia, Viatera and Caeserstone.  Click on the underlined links above to visit the web sites of some of our featured brands. You can get product information, care instructions and even order samples online !    At the bottom of this page you will find a manufactures product gallery and care section where you can click to see samples, care and installation information.

Below is a brief summary of different countertop types and their properties.   This list is intended to give a straight forward basic understanding on what a specific surface will do for you and your application.  We stress that any con's listed below are minimized by quality products and our professional installations.

The Upper End (Quartz, Solid Surface & Granite)

Today customers are demanding more in both quality and esthetics from their counters.   The three types of countertops listed in this section truly are the top of the line.    All three add beautiful looks, resale value, prestige and comfort to your home.   There are however slight differences to each product and we hope to help you select the right one for you.    By pointing out the "pro's" and "con's" of each style we can help you better understand the differences.     Be assured that all  of the tops listed in this "upper end section" are all excellent products that over all will give you great  a product and years of satisfaction.

Solid Surface Tops

• Pros- Let me start of by saying that we actually feel that although granite and quartz tops are beautiful, solid surface tops, like Corian, are the best all around value and when combined with today's lower prices, promotions, colors and sinks. Here at Lake Cabinet we fabricate our Corian tops right here in our work shop.    That means unlike some other smaller shops and the big home centers we do  the entire job start to finish, no other company besides the sheet manufacture themselves (i.e. DuPont) is involved.   We feel this is a distinct advantage to the customer and end user.   This gives us the opportunity to control the entire process from the sale, the measurement or template, the fabrication, finishing, installation and all the associated plumbing hook up if desired.   This is our preferred way of business.       What makes solid surface special is not that it's indestructible but that it is very workable and renewable surface with tight inconspicuous seams.    We offer a large selection of edge profiles and design options.   With minor care Solid Surface tops will last a lifetime.   (We have a 25 year old solid surface top here in our showroom that looks like new.) Solid surface is consistent in coloration.   When you compare it to granite, solid surface delivers a much more "true to sample" product.   Because it is man made the colors and particulates can be controlled by the manufacture, thus assuring you will get what you picked.   When it comes to seams solid surface sheets are actually fused together with a chemical fuser the bonds the sheets together.   (Similar to model glue "melts" two pieces of plastic together).  This results in a nice tight seam that will be hard to see, remain closed, resist moisture,  and not collect dirt in the future.   This process also allows us, the fabricator, to strategically place the seams and allows almost endless uses and applications for solid surface.   This also means that if you purchase a solid surface sink, the sink is also "fused" into the countertop form the underside so there is no seam, lip or edge to clean.   Solid Surface tops are non-porous.   They resist stains extremely well.    They meet FDA standards for food contact and fungal and bacterial resistance.   Solid surface is more heat resistant than plastic laminate tops and minor heat damage is generally removed by the homeowner.   Although we feel that they are not as important with solid surface attached coved backsplashes are also an option.   These tops do not require  any sealers or top coats.   We can fabricate solid surface in Hi-Gloss, Satin and Matte finishes.   The Matte finish which is the most popular, especially for the kitchen, is very easy to maintain by the homeowner.    The homeowner can remove any small scratches by simply buffing them away.   Please see our care section for complete details.    All brands of our solid surface top carry at least a 10 year warranty.     

• Cons- like all the upper end tops, there are not many.    Solid Surface although it is easily repairable doe not resist scratches as well as Granite or Quartz, it simply is not quite as hard.   Corian also can require a little bit more care than a Granite or Quartz top.     It may  crack when exposed to large fluctuations in temperature (this is why a trivet or hot pad is recommended for things coming directly out of the oven or of the stove.)   High Gloss finishes show more scratches and normally require a professional refinish after anywhere from 2 to 10 years in  a kitchen.      

• Tip-  Larger particulate patterns of neutral color show less fingerprints, food, dirt and small scratches than darker colors and solids.  Also Matte finishes show less than hi-gloss finishes.

• Tip- Take advantage of the properties of solid surface by adding a under mounted solid surface bowl.   Its the best part about a solid surface top.   It takes away the lip of a drop in bowl that your always cleaning and it has all the great properties of the top itself.  Thus, unlike sinks of other types, scratches and stains can be easily removed.

• Tip- Here at Lake Cabinet & Flooring, (unlike the big box stores and most other fabricators), we do not charge extra for most upgraded edges on solid surface (Like an ogee edge).  We do this for one reason.   We want your friend's and relative's business.    We don't want you to, for cost reasons, to put a simpler edge on your high end solid surface top.   The better your top looks the happier and more proud you will be.   We want your top to look as good as possible.  We rely on word of mouth business and a satisfied and happy customer.   To us, most of the time, putting a simpler edge on a solid surface top just because it cost less is like serving a fine wine in a Dixie cup.

• Tip- be careful of off brand solid surfacing or polyester products that cost less and don't hold up to scratching as well.             

Granite & Stone

• Pros- Esthetics, Esthetics, Esthetics !   An unequaled natural beauty.   Many people feel that Granite and Marble tops have unequaled looks and prestige.  Stone is very appealing to most designers and home owners.    Stone tops give one the feel of the "real deal".   Granite is natural, hard, scratch and stain resident.    Granite tops are made from slabs of natural stone which come from all over the world.   Your color choices are near endless. Hard surface, naturally durable, scratch and heat resistant.   Long lasting.  Sinks can be easily under-mounted.  like quartz a better choice for dark colored tops.

• Cons- One down side is that because it is a natural mined product it can look different each time it is cut by the quarry and also different suppliers have different names for many of colors.   Because of its variation in color, grain and consistency we recommend that you view the slabs of most colors before manufacturing.  More porous and less stain resistant than solid surface or quartz.   Thus not as well suited to food prep areas.   Granite is heavy & cold to the touch.   Seams are noticeable and can be exaggerated by the inconsistencies of the two adjoining slabs.   Colors may be very inconsistent in color and grain.   There are some colors that for example can come in from a pinkish tan to a greenish tan from time to time.   Doesn't offer the edge designs or the flexibility as solid surface.   Although granite is very hard to damage under normal use is not easily repaired.  Scratches, chips, stains are for most practical purposes permanent.   Because it  is a natural stone product there may be week or stress points and faults in the slab that may crack or separate over time.

• Tip- Make sure to order your granite top with our 15 year sealer which will provide you with a replacement if your top permanently stains from normal use.

Quartz

• Pros- Quartz counters truly are the cream of the crop.   Quartz tops are designed to give you the advantage of Granite listed above with out some of it's disadvantages.   They are made from slabs or sheets of man made quartz with a resin filler.    Because quartz is man made it can offer the color and grain consistency that stone does not.    Many in the countertop world feel that quartz tops are the cream of the crop.   More color consistent than granite.  Less porous than granite.   Hard to scratch and stain.   Like granite, a good choice if a hi-gloss finish is desired.   Does carry a warranty advantage over stone.

• Cons- The biggest con is most likely it's price, the highest the three upper end tops.   Although some rightly consider it a pro rather than a con,  quartz doesn't have the natural look of granite.   Like granite it it hard, cold to the touch, and has more noticeable seams than solid surface but less noticeable than most granites because of color uniformity.

The Others

Plastic Laminate 

Plastic laminate tops have a average lifespan of 10 years.  Although if with some extra care and a little luck can last much longer.  (info and colors can be seen at the laminate manufactures web sites. Formica, Wilsonart, Nevamar & Pionite)  We here at Lake Cabinet purchase sheets of laminate or slabs of post formed blanks and manufacture them into finished countertops.  Most people use the trade name of Formica to describe these tops.   Laminate tops are constructed by applying a high pressure plastic laminate to a particle board sub-straight.   Most laminate tops fit into one of the two of the categories below.    Generally speaking laminate tops are inexpensive when compared to other types tops.   They resist stains fairly well.  One of their weaker points is that plastic laminate tops are not renewable.  They "bubble up"  when exposed to extreme heat.  If they are cut, scratched our burned they are for most intensive purposes shot and can not easily be repaired to most people satisfaction.  Also because they are a product of wood they don't resist water like the upper end tops and are not recommended for under mounted bowl applications.  In most cases people believe that laminate tops don't carry the warmth or prestige of the "upper-end" countertops.

• Tip-  Plastic turns white when scratched so that being said lighter patterned colors with matte finishes  hide scratches better tan dark, solid and glossy colors.

• Tip-  Many manufacturers have new stone like finishes that can look very impressive especially when combined with a beveled edge treatment.  Some you'd even swear were stone, Corian or granite. 

Post form Plastic Laminate

Note: These are slabs you see standing up against the wall at the home centers, please be aware that those slabs are unfinished countertops meaning that they are not cut to fit, mitered at seams and the ends aren't covered, no build up strip has been applied.  When we talk about Post formed tops here from Lake Cabinet we are talking about a finished product installed or ready to install not just a rough slab.  (Those slabs are not yet a counter top.)  To be completely honest we don't recommend post form laminate tops for most people and applications (see cons below)

• Pros- Cheap. Some have "drip lip edge" that hides the black line and "sometimes" can keep liquid from spilling to the floor.  Attached backsplash can keep water out behind sink.  Are available in a few different shaped edges and also can have a wood edge if desired at an up charge.

• Cons- These tops are machine made using heat to "melt" the plastic around a pre-made lab of wood.   The wood slabs are only available in standard sizes and limited colors.   This causes some problems in most applications.   First the grade of laminate used is thinner and less durable that even a Custom laminate top (see below).   This material is used because it bends easier.   Because these tops are pre-made in slabs custom sizes are not easily available and can be too costly when needed if they are available.   Although the attached backsplash helps keep water out form behind the sink they can cause a few problems.    Because they are attached any inconsistencies or out of square ness of the wall is very noticeable on the top edge of the back wall.  Also the backsplashes are 4" tall and normally will not cover a old paint or wallpaper line when used for remodel.  The worse thing about a post form top is that any "L" shapes become a mitered joint where you have a long 45 degree joint where 2 pieces of countertop are joined together.   This is not just a seam in the laminate but actually two different countertops joined together.   These are typically large ugly seams that collect dirk and can open up over time or with settling of the home.   Also radius (rounded) corner are not available.  Not easily repaired if scratched, chipped or damaged.  Any finished edges are applied after the top and can be more easily chipped when something is slid off the counter.

Custom Laminate Top 

These are made by hand the represent the "bread and butter" of the countertop market.  While they have distinct disadvantages when de compared to a high end counter of Corian, Granite or Quartz they do however have some distinct advantages over the post form laminate tops.   Our custom laminate tops are made entirely in our shop right here.   Custom laminate tops typically have one of three different edge treatments.   The first and least expensive is what is called a Self-Edge top.  Self-Edge tops have a 90 degree or square front face and a visible black line especially noticeable on light colors.    Self edge tops can have different shapes and can have rounded corners or ends or even be made in a circle or oval, like for a kitchen table.   Bevel edge tops are have a 45 degree bevel on the front edge.   The bevel edge removes the visible black line and adds a more pleasing esthetic value to the countertops (see tip below)  Bevel edge tops generally cost about 50% more than a self edge top.   The third basic edge is a wood edge top.   A wood edge top is basically a self edge top with a wooden front face.   Almost any type of wood specie can be used.  We offer our wood edge tops finished to match or unfinished.   Many people order wood edge tops to have edges that match there cabinetry.   Wood edge tops general cost about the same as a bevel edge top plus the cost to finish the edge if desired.  Please be aware that bevel edges and wood edges are an esthetic upgrade to a Self Edge Top and do nothing for durability.   In fact over the years we have noticed more pealing on wood edge finishes are the sink if the customers a bit sloppy with water and more chipping on the front edges of bevels than self edges.

• Pros-  Again less expensive than granite, stone or Corian.  Custom made to exact sizes.  Can easily solve any out of square ness problems. Can have backsplashes made to any size.  Can be made seamless if the top surface is 12 foot x 5 foot or less.   If larger the seams are just in the laminate itself, not the sub straight and can be strategically placed to an area of less visibility or use.  Self edge tops can have rounded corners and bevel/wood edges can be clipped or chamfered as apposed to the square corners on a post form.   This gives the tops a custom look and may save a few hips or heads form hitting the sharp corners in the long run.   On self edge tops the edges are applied first, before the top surface, thus being less apt to chip.   Custom made tops eliminate most of the cons of the post form tops listed in this section.    They use a thicker grade of laminate than post form laminate tops. 

• Cons - The down falls of Custom Laminate tops are again the properties of Plastic laminate that was mentioned above.   The only other con unique to Custom Laminate that comes to mind is that because the back splash is loose and applied to wall afterwards, the splashes can bow or swell up if not well sealed to resist water and moisture.   

Cultured Marble Tops

Cultured Marble tops are man made tops that often have a integral bowl (all one piece).  The are in fact not made of marble at all but a cultured resin that is molded to the desired shape and size.  The come in custom sizes and very cost effective standard sizes.   They are a relatively inexpensive way to get a one piece unit (top & bowl) that works well for bathroom vanities.  The standard tops are normally made in sizes of 31', 37", 43', 49", & 61" by 22" deep, thus fitting on standard bathroom cabinets.   The standard finish is high gloss (the way it comes out of the mold).   Matte and satin finishes are available special order.  All custom tops are available in different colors and patterns that look more like Corian.  The standard tops represent a good value but when you start paying for custom sizes, different finishes, and special patterns you start to approach a point were you should consider Corian or another solid surface instead.

• Pros- Relatively inexpensive.   Integral bowls (one piece top & sinks)

• Cons- Can chip, scratch or crack more easily than other tops and are not easily repairable.
   

Tiled Tops

We also do many other types of counters including tile.   Tile tops are made from a wooden base that is covered with ceramic, stone, porcelain or marble tiles.   Tile tops can offer a unique look but can be labor intensive. Many homeowners don't like dealing with the grout which can be hard to keep clean.  If your interested in a tile top you might want to read up on the properties of each specific tile product which can be found on this page or our flooring page.