countertops

Formica is actually a brand name that has become so synonymous with a certain type of manufactured material that many often substitute it for the product name. Formica has been at the forefront of innovation and development of composites and decorative laminates since the company’s inception in 1912. The company’s original product was conceived as a substitute for mica, which is an insulating substance used as electrical shielding material. The combination of the words faux, or fake, mica eventually conformed into the brand’s name. The Formica of today shares only some of the same manufacturing properties as the original substance but the company has dramatically expanded its ability to form and mold finished sheets of its proprietary product.

The process in which Formica is formed consists of was originally achieved by impregnating sheets of Kraft paper with phenolic resin. The pages were then pressed together into whatever molded shape was required and then cured to form a hard finished product. However, the company’s researchers soon developed a process in which they could eliminate the need for layers of impregnated paper. Instead, a thick paste of cellulose powder and phenolic resin was sandwiched between two sheets of impregnated paper to form a press pack. The entire substance could be shaped and cured in a fraction of the time at a reduced cost.

Granite is a type of stone commonly used in kitchen countertop construction. This popular rock has a distinct appearance and texture in its natural state, but once it is cut and polished granite can be made as smooth as any other surface. Granite is defined as an igneous rock that has a 20 percent or higher quartz content. The natural coloring of granite is dependent on the mineralogical composition of the particular piece, but granite usually has a variation of pink or gray coloring. In its natural environment, granite is not only known for its beauty but also for its strength.

There are numerous benefits to using granite in countertop construction that make its higher cost worth the investment. Granite countertops naturally resist heat so there is no need for hot pads on the counter. This is a non-porous stone, so granite offers natural protection against mold and mildew. It is also easy to clean up because this rock will not absorb or risk being distorted in anyway by chemicals used to clean its surface. The fact that a granite countertop does not require a sealant is an added benefit. Additionally, granite can have its edges beveled and finished in highly decorative ways that add elegance to any kitchen.