Glossary of Countertop Terms
Photo: Edri Construction ©2023
Navigating the world of countertops can be confusing due to the specific terminology used, but understanding these terms will help you make informed decisions about the services you need. Here’s a glossary of some common terms used in the countertop industry:
backsplash
The area on the wall between the countertop and cabinets.
bevel
A countertop edge profile in which the corner edge is cut across at a diagonal.
bullnosing
The process of rounding the edges of a granite countertop.
butcher block
A countertop material made of various quality grades of polished wood. Rather durable, and withstands cutting well.
cooktop
A stovetop situated with in a countertop.
drop-in sink
A sink that drops in to an opening in the countertop, with the edges lipping over the edge of the countertop opening.
eased
The countertop edge style in which the countertop corner edge is slightly shaved down, dulling the corner edge.
edge detail
The edge style of the countertop. Common styles include eased, bullnose, round over, and bevel.
engineered stone
A synthetic surface material made of quartz particles and colorful epoxies.
Also known as: Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and quartz
granite
A natural stone material derived from igneous rock and polished for kitchen and bath countertops.
grout
A porous material made of cement and sand used to fill the seams between tile. Porous nature can allow mold and mildew to form.
honed
A finish style that is smooth but lacks the sheen of a polished finish.
Also known as: matte
integrated
The seamless, solid surface countertop that integrates with a solid surface sink.
laminate
A thin layer of material, typically wood or plastic, glued to the surface of the countertop.
marble
A natural stone countertop material derived from metamorphic rock and composed of carbonite minerals. Typically softer than granite, marble tends to stain or scratch more easily than other natural stones.
mitre
A corner seam in a countertop material where two countertop pieces join, typically where the countertop changes direction.
polished
A finish style with a brilliant shine and smooth texture.
Also known as: gloss
porous and non-porous
Terms referring to the penetrability of the surface of a fixture. A porous material has tiny holes, and is susceptible to mold, mildew, and stains. Non-porous materials are solid and are not susceptible to mold, mildew, or stains.
refinishing countertops
Painting and sealing a countertop or tile area. Can restore a like-new appearance in the short term, but the paint tends to wear and chip over time.
Also known as: reglazing, ceramic tile refinishing, resurfacing
round over
The countertop edge style in which the corner edge is dramatically rounded.
seal
A solvent used on many countertops, especially natural stone, to protect and shine the surface.
soapstone
A smooth, dark metamorphic stone used in countertops. Not particularly strong or durable, because it is soft and scratches easily.
solid surface
A nonporous, synthetic material used for a countertop surface. Durable and easy to clean.
Also known as: Corian
stainless steel
A durable, heat resistant, scratch resistant, easily cleanable countertop material. Commonly used in commercial kitchens.
undermount sink
The sink couched under the edge of the countertop, with the countertop edges overlapping the sink.
vessel sink
A type of sink that sits on top of the countertop, rather than being recessed into a countertop opening.
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