-- New and Improved Countertop.com features easy navigation, immediate access to customer service,
simple-to-use coordination tool--

TEMPLE, Texas, Aug. 11, 2006 – Fulfilling its commitment to keep Countertop.com fresh, surfacing design leader Wilsonart International has listened to the thousands of homeowners who have visited the site over the past three months and has made some significant improvements; including better navigation, bigger type for easier reading and Do-It-Yourself countertop installation instructions.

The World Wide Web has emerged as a popular way for consumers to research their options when remodeling their homes. But that research has become increasingly frustrating, in part due to the rapid number of Web sites claiming to be good sources of credible information on topics like kitchen remodeling. Often, homeowners end up more frustrated than when they started. Even worse, they’re wasting valuable time.

The Countertop.com Web site takes a different approach. The site strives to outline the basic choices homeowners face when remodeling their kitchens and gives them authoritative information about how the whole process works, particularly the sometimes confusing process of countertop replacement.

“The purpose of Countertop.com is to take the fear of the unknown out of the entire process by presenting homeowners with an easy-to-follow, step-by-step matrix” says Wilsonart Marketing Communications Manager Alison DeMartino, “While we’d love for everyone to buy Wilsonart-brand countertops, it’s more important that we give people good, honest advice and let them make their own judgments as to what products are the best fit for them.”

How the site works

The site takes the point of view of homeowners who might be in varying stages of selecting a new countertop for their kitchen. To focus on exactly what their needs might be, the home page guides them with 5 key questions:

• I want a new countertop. Where do I start?
• How much will it cost?
• I want Laminate. Can you show me some ideas?
• I want to match my cabinets and appliances? How?
• I’m ready to get it installed. What’s next?

Links are directed to relevant articles written by experienced authors who are experts in their fields. For example, if a homeowner is just starting the process of selecting a new countertop, she might click on the first question which will lead her to “Steps to a New Countertop.” This article walks her through each step via a process timeline and gives her a realistic sense of how long the project will take and how the process will work.

The advantages and disadvantages of different countertop materials are frankly discussed and before-and-after case studies are based on real-life experiences. Edge and backsplash treatments are covered, and of course, there’s a special Photo Gallery area for visitors who just want to dream.

Media invited to use site

Because of the deep and broad coverage of countertops offered on the site, it is hoped that both the trade and consumer media will take advantage of the information provided.

“We will be constantly updating the site and soliciting new before-and-after case studies to provide the richest Web experience possible,” DeMartino says.

The experienced authors of the articles, Gale Steves, John Driemen and Mike Ferrara, deserve special mention. Presented in a distinct tongue-and-cheek manner through the personalities of the “Design Diva,” “Crotchety Contractor,” and “The Lazy Homeowner”, each author will be adding articles periodically and is encouraged to voice their opinions whenever possible. Additional voices will be added to the site on a regular basis.

In addition to the case studies, other unique features of the site include:

• A working 800 number with trained product specialists at the other end to answer questions.
• The ability to order laminate samples (coming soon, an option to purchase oversized samples online).
• Tools to easily locate Wilsonart distributors.
• A Product Coordination Tool that instantly suggests patterns to coordinate with cabinets, appliances and color pallets.
• Video vignettes of various stages in the installation process, interviews with top kitchen designers and a press room are also planned.

Wilsonart International, based in Temple, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of decorative surfacing products, including Wilsonart®Laminate. This year, the company celebrates its 50th year in business. For more information about Wilsonart Laminate or any Wilsonart product, please call the Customer Service Hotline at 800-433-3222. Consumers can also visit www.countertop.com and professionals can visit www.wilsonartlaminate.com.

# # #