Crystalized glass.
Crystallized glass: new from JapanA fused-glass material manufactured in Japan by Nippon Electric Glass, Neoparium was originally devloped as a corrosive-resistant surface for Tokyo office buildings. It's just beginning to find residential applications.
Neoparium comes in an increasing variety of colors--each soft, opaque, and light-reflecting. It does not absorb water and is almost impervious to acid. It's very hard, and, like glass, it won't burn.
Plastic laminate: light, inexpensive
Photographic realism is the distinguishing feature of laminates with a granite theme. About six dominant colors are currently available, including green and pink.
The lightweight sheets are sold in several standard sizes, including 2 1/2 by 6, 4 by 8, and 4 by 10 feet, depending on the brand, and should be fixed to plywood or particle-board backing. Prices range from $1.20 to $4 per square foot; figure about $55 a running foot, installed. Laminates can burn or stain and should not be used as a cutting surface. They can be formed into curves. Edge seams are visible.
Ceramic tile: fool-the-eye?
The speckled look of some granites is becoming more popular among tile manufacturers. Granite Colors generally range from grays through beiges, with patterns of varying intensity. Sizes range from 3 to 12 inches square; prices run about $3 to $9 per square foot. Installation adds $4 to $10 per square foot. Some jobs may be estimated by the hour.
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Granite Floor
Marble is ideal as a flooring material for our hot summers as it is cool. Since marble, when relative to granite or glazed tiles is less expensive, it is easier to maintain and has long lasting properties.
Vanity Tops
Granite lends itself to a variety of locations in traditional and modern houses for hallways,stairways, living areas, bathrooms and particularly, work surfaces such as kitchen tops and vanity tops.
Granite Floor
Marble is ideal as a flooring material for our hot summers as it is cool. Since marble, when relative to granite or glazed tiles is less expensive, it is easier to maintain and has long lasting properties.
Vanity Tops
Granite lends itself to a variety of locations in traditional and modern houses for hallways,stairways, living areas, bathrooms and particularly, work surfaces such as kitchen tops and vanity tops.