Countertop Selections

There are lots of options on the market for custom countertops. Here we will focus some that True Built Home offer:

 Granite Counters 

Granite is elegant and durable. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of any kitchen.

For years having granite in your home was considered a luxury exclusive to custom home builders; however in recent years, as the use of granite has become more widespread, the prices have come down, making it available to more builders, home remodelers and home buyers.

Granite installation is a process: the installers come to the site and cut a piece of cardboard in the shape of the counter. They then take the cardboard to the shop where they cut the granite to match. The granite countertop is now returned to the site and installed. As you can imagine, this can take several days or in some cases weeks, especially if you order specialty granite that isn’t kept in stock. The more unique the granite is, the more it increases in cost.

Pros: holds up to heat; comes in almost 3,000 colors; will last a lifetime; new sealers are almost maintenance-free; 2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds; has a high value to home buyers

Cons: expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; knives can become dull if you cut on it; can crack if stressed or improperly installed. Installation takes more time than tile or laminate.

Granite Tile

Granite tile is a good choice for kitchen countertops; the look is the same but using tile rather than traditional granite cuts the expense drastically. If you go with a full bull nose wrap on the edges, expect to pay more. Normally it’s a polish edge.
Pros: pretty much the same as traditional granite. Additionally: less expensive. Also, since they are tiles, installation takes only one or two days.

Cons: The grout can sometimes crack and may require more maintenance.

Ceramic Tile 

Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you’ve got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it’s installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design. Installation takes one or two days.
Cons: counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.

High Definition Laminate

Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They’re made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that’s easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.
Pros: available in many colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive. Installation can usually be done in one day.
Cons: scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair and the entire counter or section may need to be replaced; seams show; end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey.

Vetrazzo

A recent addition to True Built Home’s line of countertops is Vetrazzo.  Invented in 1996 in Berkeley, California – back when “green” was just a color,  with over 85% recycled glass content, Vetrazzo allows homeowners, architects, designers, and home builders to exhibit both their style and their respect for the earth and environment. Vetrazzo is made entirely in the US and is composed of more than 85% recycled material, making it one of the most environmentally friendly surface materials on the market. Vetrazzo can be used anywhere natural stone is used; countertops, tabletops, fireplace surrounds and more.

Vetrazzo countertops are installed in the same manner that  granite is installed.

Pros: It’s ‘Green’ material; resistant to common household stains

Cons: can be damaged or stained by prolonged exposure to foods with high acidic content

Other popular choices include solid surface, wood and butcher block, and soapstone. If you prefer one of these options, we recommend that you simply get our standard counters and then hire a contractor after the house is completed and install the counters of your choice.