I7 - LT# 2 - Describe Countertops

Question 1

What countertop material is a synthetic composite that is easily shaped using carpenter’s tools?

Answer 1

Solid surface is made up of synthetic composites.

Question 2

Why are stainless steel countertops used in laboratories?

Answer 2

Resistant to corrosive chemicals and extreme abrasion.

Question 3

What countertop material is also often cast to form sinks and tubs?

Answer 3

Cultured marble.

Question 4

Why are solid wood countertops installed so that the edge grain is at the surface?

Answer 4

Durability

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of using ceramic tile for countertops?

Answer 5

Unforgiving of dropped plates or glassware, higher material and labour costs.

Question 6

Natural stone such as granite needs to be polished how often?

Answer 6

Needs to be sealed once a year or more.

Question 7

What is cultured marble

Answer 7

Cultured marble consist of particles of real stone held together with a resin.

Question 8

What is a solid surface countertop?

Answer 8

Made from solid, uncoated synthetic composites.

Can resemble marble or other types of stone, but are workable with ordinary carpentry tools.

Question 9

Ceramic tiles are installed over:

Answer 9

Very firm base of particleboard or plywood and then grouted and sealed to prevent staining.

Question 10

What is a concrete countertop?

Answer 10

Special concrete mix made specifically for countertops have been developed, must be sealed before use.

Question 11

What is a hardwood countertop?

Answer 11

Made from hardwoods, edge grain is exposed to the wood surfaces.

Question 12

What is plastic laminate?

Answer 12

Plastic laiminate are material used to finish countertops, walls and furniture.

Question 13

What is self-edged countertops?

Answer 13

Plastic laminate countertops can be manufactured with a square or beveled edge. This edge is typically the same material as the top, often with a contrasting accent strip or solid wood.

Question 14

Continuous (Post-Formed) countertops?

Answer 14

Thinner than laminate and used for continuous countertops.

Heat is used to bend and form the laminate into the profile of the countertop. This gives the countertop a continuous surface that includes a full round-oveer shaped front edge and the backsplash.

Question 15

What is acid-resistant plastic laminate?

Answer 15

Used to prevent damage from powerful substances such as sulphuric or hydrochloric acid.

Question 16

What is plastic Laminate composition?

Answer 16

Laminates usually consist of three layers of different papers saturated with thermosetting synthetic resins or plastics.

Question 17

What is vertical surface laminate?

Answer 17

Typ. 0.028” thick, it is commonly used to surface cabinet walls, doors and drawer panels. Used on vertical surfaces of desks, restaurant booths and as architectural cladding.

Used where a decorative surface must absorb less impact than horizontal surface.