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 Mt Kisco,  NY

Making "Classic" Countertops

stainlesscounter25web.JPG (42713 bytes)                     Teak Bar wide plank wood counter top

Makers of Wood, Butcher Block, Stainless, Copper, Zinc, and Concrete Countertops.

Countertop Materials Comparison Chart

Material

Pros

Cons

Maintenance

Stainless Steel
 

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  • Heatproof
  • Stain proof
  • Can be made with integral sink, drain boards
  • Won't fade, rust, chip.
  • Fresh modern look
  • Can scratch, but minor scratches can be removed
  • Shows watermarks, if not towel dried
  • Noisy but can be ordered as soundproofed.
  • Clean with mild cleaners or slightly abrasive one to remove scratches. Towel dry after each use. Do not use steel wool. A 3M Scotchbrite works well.
Copper
 

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  • Can be made with integral sink.
  • Develops rich patina with age or can be polished.
  • Not scratch resistant, so trivet and cutting boards should be used.
  • Clean with mild cleansers. Do not spot polish.
Bronze
 

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  • New and innovative
  • Can be made with integral sink.
  • Develops rich patina with age or can be polished.
  • Not scratch resistant, so trivet and cutting boards should be used.
  • Clean with mild cleansers. Do not spot polish.
Zinc
 

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  • Develops a blue-gray patina with age or can be polished to original silver.
  • Susceptible to stains.
  • Not scratch resistant, so use trivet and cutting boards.
  • Clean with mild cleansers.
  • Do not spot polish.
Pewter
 

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  • Comes with a hi sheen polish
  • Old world bar top look

 

  • Very soft material
  • Not scratch resistant, so use trivet and cutting boards.
  • Clean with mild cleansers.
  • Do not spot polish.
Exotic Woods

Premium Wide Plank
TM

Butcher Block



 

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  • The "Classic" of Wood Tops
  • Wide variety of hardwoods available.
  • Hand selected boards
  • Artisan Crafted and finished
  • Warm appearance and renewable surface.
  • Can be used as cutting surface, but may scratch with time.
  • Undermount sinks work well.
  • Tough Waterproof "Marine oil finish" TM
  • Not heatproof, so use a trivet at the stove.
  • Clean with warm, soapy water
  • Oil occasionally, depending on use.
  • Can be scrubbed with a 3M Scotchbrite pad and re- oiled.
Various Woods


Standard Plank

Butcher Block


 

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  • Wide variety of hardwoods available.
  • Warm appearance and renewable surface.
  • Can be used as cutting surface, but may scratch with time.
  • Undermount sinks work well.
  • Good Waterlox finish
  • Not heatproof, so use a trivet at the stove.
  • Boards are thinner and random and may not be pleasing in pattern and color.
  • Needs a recoat every year or so.
  • Clean with warm, soapy water
  • Oil occasionally, depending on use.
  • Can be scrubbed with a 3M Scotchbrite pad and re- oiled.
End Grain Maple

Butcher Block

Chopping Block

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  • Traditional 3 inch up to 12 inches thick.
  • Unique with lots of charm.
  • Made to be used as cutting surface
  • Unique look not often seen.
  • Not heatproof so use trivet at the stove.
  • Shows wear over time.
  • May change counter height due to thickness
  • Will split if not maintained with oil.
  • Must be oiled often.
  • Clean with warm, soapy water.
  • Oil monthly, depending on use.
  • Needs regular attention with oil.

Edge Grain,

Production
Thin Plank Wood Countertop


 

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  • Good "Budget" Material
  • Old Favorite we all grew up with.
  • Can be used as cutting surface, but may scratch with time.
  • Too Easily recognized as "Budget" material.
  • Not heatproof so use a trivet at the stove
  • Thinly finished must be oiled often to prevent damage.
  • May look shabby in one or two years. 
  • Clean with warm, soapy water.
  • Oil often.
  • Can be sanded back to a clean wood surface.
Granite
 
  • Heatproof
  • Waterproof
  • Somewhat stain resistant
  • Can be used with under mount sinks
  • Hard, cold, noisy.
  • Tough on breakables
  • May Stain
  • look can be monolithic
  • Blot spills quickly
  • Use mild cleaners
  • Wipe with penetrating
  • sealer periodically
Marble
 
  • Heatproof
  • Waterproof
  • Can be used
  • with under mount
  • sinks
  • More prone to etching and staining from acids and juices in foods.
  • Can scratch if used as cutting surface.
  • May Stain
  • Use mild cleaners without vinegar, lemon or citric acid, which can etch it.
  • Wipe with penetrating sealer periodically.
Limestone
 
  • Waterproof
  • Organic, textured look.
  • Varies in hardness depending on variety.
  • Reactive with acidic foods
  • Hot pots and dishes can leave rings
  • Blot spill quickly
  • Use mild cleaners
  • Wipe with penetrating sealer periodically
Soapstone
 
  • Resistant to stains and low heat
  • Very smooth
  • Darkens with time
  • More likely to crack or chip than harder stones.
  • Use a trivet.
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  • Blot spills quickly.
  • Use mild cleaners
  • Wipe with mineral oil
  • periodically
Concrete
 

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  • Can be made with under mount sink and drain boards.
  • Huge color selection range.
  • Texture and look are unique.
  • Great finishes are now available to seal and protect.
  • Good experienced fabricators are scarce
  • While heat resistant, sealers can be damaged by hot pots, so use trivet
  • While scratch resistant, use a cutting board
  • Blot spills quickly
  • Clean with mild detergents and water.
  • Abrasive cleaners can damage finish.
  • Apply paste wax periodically
Solid Surface: Corian, Fountainhead, Surell
 
  • Can be made with integral sink and drain boards
  • Sanitary work surface
  • Choice of colors and textures
  • Looks too sterile
  • Been around, not a natural look.
  • While scratch resistant, use a cutting board and trivet
  • Clean with mild detergents and water
  • Abrasive cleaners can damage finish
  • Scotchbrite pad periodically
Glass
 

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  • Heatproof
  • Stain proof
  • Can be made with under mount sink, drain boards
  • Colored Backers.
  • New Cutting Edge style
  • Can scratch
  • Use trivets
  • Shows watermarks, if not towel dried
  • Clean with mild cleaners for glass
  • Towel dry after each use
  • Do not use abrasives

Partially Reprinted from an article in Kitchen and Bath Magazine 2002

                                  coppertopweb copy.JPG (25557 bytes)                                 zincweb.JPG (43135 bytes)

In our own workshops since 1977
The Highest Quality

Limited Lifetime Warranty  for all of our wood tops.

Making "Classic" countertops

Made in America by experienced craftsmen.

Competitive Prices and Fast Delivery Times

Attentive and Professional service

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Information on the ordering process

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Please feel free to call us and discuss your project

Brooks Custom

15 Kensico Drive, Mt Kisco, NY 10549

Phone : 800 244 5432

Fax : 914 244 9210

© Copyright 1995 - 2010 by Brooks Custom. All rights are reserved.

 

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