Welcome to Chapel Lumber!
Kitchen and Bath
Countertops
Laminate
Solid Surface
Quartz
Natural
LAMINATE
Plastic Laminate is available in two different ways. Custom or Post form.
Post Form
The post form countertop is a very common and economical counter. The tops are normally produced in 8', 10' and 12' lengths and then are cut up to fit your kitchen. The front is rounded to give a nice seemless edge. The back normally has an attached backsplash with a rounded top edge and is coved at the bottom. There are generally very few colors readily available in post form countertops.
Generally, this is the most inexpensive style in countertop construction, because it is relatively easy to manufacture. The best application for post form counters is a straight runs.
When kitchen runs take on angles, such as an L shape or a U shape, a word of caution is in order. Due to the nature of the manufacturing process, post form countertops can only turn a corner by using a 45 degree miter cut. While this seam is quite tight, it is always visible.
Custom
Custom laminate tops offer less seams (sometimes none), more edge options ans more color options.
This countertop is most recognizable by its front edge, which is usually square. The edge may be made of the same laminate set square to the countertop surface (self edge), or be beveled or have wood trim. The backsplash is usually attached to the wall and countertop during installation with various gluing methods. It may be made of the same laminate or a contrasting laminate, and may be enhanced with other trim, such as wood.
Generally, this top is a more expensive countertop since it is being made to the specifications of each job.
The major advantage with self-edged tops is the ability to control the location of the seams when they are required. The largest sheet available in laminate is 60" X 144" so seams can sometimes be avoided.
SOLID SURFACE MATERIALS