You have distinctive desires
and design considerations
for your home.

At European Kitchen Centre, we recommend the finest materials for the vanity and kitchen counter surfaces that we install. We believe that the various forms of solid surfacing materials available to today's designer offer superior durability and strength when compared to laminate surfacing.

Solid surfacing is available in natural materials such as butcher block, granite and marble - as well as man-made materials like DuPont Corian and Zodiaq or ceramic tile. Which material to utilize depends largely on an individual's taste in style and the level of maintenance that they would like to perform.

Natural Materials

What's the difference between marble and granite? Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages.

Granite - Granite is the ultimate counter top material. Impervious to heat, easy to care for, the hardest stone on earth, it is available in hundreds of colors and can be used in the most demanding situations. Granite counter tops will compliment any decor.

Marble - Marble gives any installation an elegant, romantic look, compromising strength and ease of care. Colors are virtually endless, from the purest white to coal-black, brilliant reds and vibrant greens - no two pieces are alike, each formed in the earth over millions of years until quarried, cut and polished for your personal use. Marble can be successfully used for all low traffic in-house applications like vanities and fireplaces or walls. However, due to the fact that it is easy to scratch and is affected by acidic substances, such as vinegars, ketchups etc, we don’t usually recommend marble in the kitchen.

Man-Made Materials

Should I choose Corian or Zodiaq? DuPont now offers you a choice of two different surfacing materials: Zodiaq® quartz surfaces and Corian® solid surfaces. While they share many performance similarities, each material has an individual personality that makes it the right choice for different environments. Choose Zodiaq quartz surfaces when you are looking for breathtaking clarity and radiance, with new opportunities for distinction. Zodiaq offers distinctive aesthetic qualities - depth, clarity, radiance and strength - that inspire innovative applications. You should consider DuPont Corian when your desire is to create an inviting, welcoming setting. Corian surfaces will provide years of service in high-traffic locations, creating long-lasting value.

DuPont Corian - DuPont created the solid surface category more than 30 years ago. An advanced blend of natural materials and pure acrylic polymer, Corian® is a brand that has earned trust and respect as a proven material that brings design versatility, long-term performance and value to any environment. Corian combines beautifully with chrome, stainless steel, wood, glass, brass and more. Whether you want to express simple minimalism, lush and dramatic sophistication, or cozy warmth, Corian is totally comfortable in its surroundings, complimenting everything it touches. To learn more about DuPontTM Corian® visit the Corian web site.

DuPont Zodiaq - Zodiaq® is composed mostly of quartz, giving it exceptional toughness and a hardness of 7 on a scale of 10 (only diamonds rate a 10!). Here's what Zodiaq® offers: It is consistent in color. It can be cut and fit to meet exacting requirements with precision, uniformity and consistency. It is dense and nonporous, with no sealing required. It has excellent strength and durability, and is heat, scratch and stain resistant. Best of all, Zodiaq® is easy to maintain, with a ten-year manufacturer's warranty against product defects. To learn more about DuPontTM Zodiaq® visit the Zodiaq web site.