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HIGHLIGHTS: There are many different materials that fall into this category.

Material definition: Quartz, slate, granite...there are several materials that can be labeled as "black" countertop material.

Tips for Selection: Be aware of how materials will have different finishes and looks.

Average Material Cost: depends entirely upon your selection of material as prices will vary.

OVERVIEW on Kitchen Countertops: The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for ki

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Material definition: Solid surface countertops are made by blending acrylic polymers (basically plastic) and stone-derived materials, which are then poured into molds to create half-inch-thick sheets.

Tips for Selection: Available in more than 90 colors, DuPont Corian is an advanced blend of natural materials and pure acrylic polymer used to create a seamless, clean, stylish look for your kitchen work surfaces.

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Material definition: The stone-synthetic composite - Corian's Zodiaq, Formica's Crystalite and Cosentino's Silestone - are all made of about 90 percent quartz particles and 10 percent acrylic or epoxy binder. Some of the composites look like natural stone, but not one that you could identify. Others are so close to real granite that you're left asking, "Is it real or is it Memorex?" And some are even better than the real thing.

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Material definition: Although some quartz countertops are actually made of quarried slabs of the natural stone, the new engineered material is actually created through a manufacturing process that mixes approximately 95 percent ground natural quartz with 5 percent polymer resins. The result is a super-hard, low-maintenance, natural stone-look countertop available in a dazzling array of colors.

A quartz counter top, also known as . . .

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Material definition: made of individual tiles with spaces filled in with grout.

Tips for Selection: Unglazed tiles (which generally have a matte finish) must be sealed; glazed tiles are impervious to water.

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Material definition: Formica is a manufacturer that offers high-pressure laminate Formica counter top in hundreds of colors, patterns, finishes and textures. Created from layers of decorative paper and kraft paper—a strong, moisture-resistant product with bonded fiber. These papers are treated with resin and fused together using high heat and pressure.

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Material definition: Simple mixture of cement, aggregate (often sand) and water.

Tips for Selection: Since large amounts of energy are required for transport, look for a local fabricator. Use fly ash as a substitute for cement (at least 30%).

Advantages:

1. practically indestructible.

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Material definition: Chopping blocks made of slender rectangles of end-grain bamboo glued into panels (usually 1.5 inches thick). Available in natural or brown.

Tips for Selection: Offered in many different grain patterns...check out Totally Bamboo for more information.

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Material definition: Metal countertops are not exclusively stainless steel. Copper is increasingly finding a place in the kitchen. While it’s not mainstream, copper does have its appeal for those who enjoy having something unusual.

Tips for Selection: Copper is a softer metal than stainless steel. In countertops, look for copper that is at least .060 thick. Copper of .080 provides added strength and performance.

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Material definition: Marble is a nonfoliated metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone, composed mostly of calcite.