countertop
Countertop, or benchtop in some regions, is a flat surface placed over cabinetry in kitchens, bathrooms, and other work areas. It provides a durable workspace for food preparation, object placement, and integration of sinks, cooktops, or appliances. Countertops vary in thickness, edge style, and mounting method, and may extend as islands or peninsulas.
Common materials include natural stone (granite, marble, soapstone) with distinctive veining; engineered stone or quartz, which
Installation considerations encompass thickness, edge profiles (square, eased, or decorative), and sinks mounted in or under-mounted.
Maintenance and care vary by material. Stone often requires periodic sealing and gentle cleaners; quartz and
Cost and environmental impact depend on material, thickness, and fabrication. Stone tends to be more expensive;