1. Countertops
The choice of countertop and colour help define the look and functionality of your kitchen.
CHOOSE THE MATERIAL
Laminate
Made of plastic laminate sheeting glued to plywood or particle board. Smooth, durable,
easy to clean. Least expensive option but may need repair or replacement sooner than
a solid surface.
Ceramic Tile
Durable, easy-to-clean. Resists heat, water, bacteria and stains.
Solid Surface
Made of polyester or acrylic resins. Smooth,durable, easy to clean. Resists heat, water,
bacteria and stains. Professional installation included in price. Offers integral sink options.
Natural Quartz
Made primarily of quartz combined with resins and pigments. Smooth, durable, easy
to clean. Resists heat, water, bacteria, and stains; never needs sealing. Feels like
natural stone but has a more uniform appearance and offers more colour choices.
Professional installation included in price. Offers undermount sink options.
Granite
Smooth, durable, and easy to clean. Resists heat and water. Resists bacteria and stains
but must be properly sealed and maintained. Professional installation included in price.
LOWE'S GUIDE TO COUNTERTOPS
BACKSPLASH
This can be the same material as your countertop, or opt for visual contrast
with decorative tiles.
Durability and easy cleaning are key considerations.
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EDGE TREATMENTS
Edge profiles can be standard or customized, depending upon the surface selection and budget.
Below are just a few examples:
2. Sinks
CHOOSE THE SINK FORMAT
Bowl confirguration
One, two, or three – explore what works for you.
Depth
Choose bowl depth(s) based on your needs. Deeper bowls are more versatile and allow for easier cleaning of large pots. Shallow bowls are convenient for general tasks and
more accessible for children. Multiple bowl sinks can vary in depth from one side to the other.
Shape
The rectangular shape is the most functional, but review other options for a different look.
SELECT THE MATERIAL
Enameled Cast Iron
Solid cast iron sink covered in porcelain enamel for long-lasting durability.
- Available in a variety of colours
- Resists staining, chipping and scratching
Composite Materials
Quartz or granite particles combined with acrylic or polyester resins to form a rock-hard composite sink.
- Resists staining, chipping and scratching
Acrylic
Made with acrylic material and reinforced with composite backing.
- Available in a variety of colours
- Resists staining and impact
Stainless Steel
Finishes and steel thickness affect the sink's durability and its ability to disguise scratching.
- Resists burning or cracking
- Available in a variety of decorative finishes
- Some are insulated to reduce noise
CONSIDER THE INSTALLATION
Undermount
- Attaches below the countertop for a more integrated look and easy clean up
- Works best with stone or solid surface countertops
- Faucet holes are drilled into the countertop
Drop-In
- Self-rimming and easy to install
- Ideal for replacement projects
- Faucet holes are pre-drilled into the sink ledge
Integral
- Made of the same material as the solid surface countertop for a seamless appearance and easy cleanup
- Moulded into the countertop
- Faucet holes are drilled into the countertop
3. Faucets
SELECT THE FAUCET
- Two-handle faucets lend a more traditional look
- Single-handle faucet allows one-hand control for double-and triple-bowl sinks
- High-arc spout adds room to fill and clean large pots
- Pull-out and pull-down sprayers are practical and easy to use
- Lever handles are easier to grasp
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