Glossary of Countertop Terms
<p></p> <img src="https://www.diamondcertified.org/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdiamondcertified.org%2Fwp_contents%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2FEDRI-Construction-example-rgb-9.jpg&w=1920&q=75" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> <p>Photo: <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/edri-construction/" target="_self">Edri Construction</a> ©2023</p> <p>Navigating the world of countertops can be confusing due to the specific terminology used, but understanding these terms will help you make informed decisions about the services you need. Here’s a glossary of some common terms used in the countertop industry:</p> <p><strong>backsplash</strong><br>The area on the wall between the countertop and cabinets.</p> <p><strong>bevel</strong><br>A countertop edge profile in which the corner edge is cut across at a diagonal.</p> <p><strong>bullnosing</strong><br>The process of rounding the edges of a granite countertop.</p> <p><strong>butcher block</strong><br>A countertop material made of various quality grades of polished wood. Rather durable, and withstands cutting well.</p> <p><strong>cooktop</strong><br>A stovetop situated with in a countertop.</p> <p><strong>drop-in sink</strong><br>A sink that drops in to an opening in the countertop, with the edges lipping over the edge of the countertop opening.</p> <p><strong>eased</strong><br>The countertop edge style in which the countertop corner edge is slightly shaved down, dulling the corner edge.</p> <p><strong>edge detail</strong><br>The edge style of the countertop. Common styles include eased, bullnose, round over, and bevel.</p> <p><strong>engineered stone</strong><br>A synthetic surface material made of quartz particles and colorful epoxies.<br><em>Also known as: Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and quartz</em></p> <p><strong>granite</strong><br>A natural stone material derived from igneous rock and polished for kitchen and bath countertops.</p> <p><strong>grout</strong><br>A porous material made of cement and sand used to fill the seams between tile. Porous nature can allow mold and mildew to form.</p> <p><strong>honed</strong><br>A finish style that is smooth but lacks the sheen of a polished finish.<br><em>Also known as: matte</em></p> <p><strong>integrated</strong><br>The seamless, solid surface countertop that integrates with a solid surface sink.</p> <p><strong>laminate</strong><br>A thin layer of material, typically wood or plastic, glued to the surface of the countertop.</p> <p><strong>marble</strong><br>A natural stone countertop material derived from metamorphic rock and composed of carbonite minerals. Typically softer than granite, marble tends to stain or scratch more easily than other natural stones.</p> <p><strong>mitre</strong><br>A corner seam in a countertop material where two countertop pieces join, typically where the countertop changes direction.</p> <p><strong>polished</strong><br>A finish style with a brilliant shine and smooth texture.<br><em>Also known as: gloss</em></p> <p><strong>porous and non-porous</strong><br>Terms referring to the penetrability of the surface of a fixture. A porous material has tiny holes, and is susceptible to mold, mildew, and stains. Non-porous materials are solid and are not susceptible to mold, mildew, or stains.</p> <p><strong>refinishing countertops</strong><br>Painting and sealing a countertop or tile area. Can restore a like-new appearance in the short term, but the paint tends to wear and chip over time.<br><em>Also known as: reglazing, ceramic tile refinishing, resurfacing</em></p> <p><strong>round over</strong><br>The countertop edge style in which the corner edge is dramatically rounded.</p> <p><strong>seal</strong><br>A solvent used on many countertops, especially natural stone, to protect and shine the surface.</p> <p><strong>soapstone</strong><br>A smooth, dark metamorphic stone used in countertops. Not particularly strong or durable, because it is soft and scratches easily.</p> <p><strong>solid surface</strong><br>A nonporous, synthetic material used for a countertop surface. Durable and easy to clean.<br><em>Also known as: Corian</em></p> <p><strong>stainless steel</strong><br>A durable, heat resistant, scratch resistant, easily cleanable countertop material. Commonly used in commercial kitchens.</p> <p><strong>undermount sink</strong><br>The sink couched under the edge of the countertop, with the countertop edges overlapping the sink.</p> <p><strong>vessel sink</strong><br>A type of sink that sits on top of the countertop, rather than being recessed into a countertop opening. </p> <p><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a></p> <p><strong>Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-countertops/" target="_self">Marin County Countertop Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-county-countertops/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Countertop Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-county-countertops/" target="_self">Sonoma County Countertop Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-county-countertops/" target="_self">Alameda County Countertop Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-countertops/" target="_self">San Mateo County Countertop Companies</a></p> <p><strong>Related Articles</strong><br><a href="https://stage.diamondcertified.org/Guide/countertops-and-stone/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Countertops & Stone</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a> </p>
