Granite

The natural beauty of granite countertops enhances the value of your entire home. Granite is made up of different minerals, the main one being quartz, which is one of the hardest materials on earth.  This is why granite is able to withstand heavy use, making it a natural choice for your kitchen or bathroom countertop.  Available in numerous colors, textures and patterns; polished granite will give it a smooth, reflective appearance, while honed granite creates a matte look. Granite pricing is based on rarity and availability so, price ranges can vary from relatively inexpensive to very expensive (exotic and rare stones). Advantages:

• Rich variation of colors and textures
• Unique graining patterns
• Highly durable
• Heat resistant
• Scratch resistant

Disadvantages:

• Requires periodic maintenance and sealing; sealer can be damaged by heat
• Porous surface, visible seams
• Samples may vary so it is best to make final selection at fabricator’s facility

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone is a 93% quartz-based product combined with resins to create a dense, non-porous material that blends the look and feel of natural stone with superior performance. An engineered stone kitchen or bathroom countertop requires no maintenance and offers stain resistance and some heat and scratch resistance. Advantages:

• Unique colors and quartz appearance
• Greater color consistency
• High durability
• Does not require sealing or other maintenance
• Non-porous (hygienic)

Disadvantages:

• Can be more expensive than granite
• Visible seams
• Can chip at edges and corners

Manufacturers: Caesarstone, DuPont Zodiaq, Cambria, Silestone, Okite, and Quartz Master

Solid Surfaces

Solid surface is one of the most versatile countertop materials available today. Developed initially by DuPont as Corian, it is well known for its broad palette of colors, its near seamless appearance, and repair ability. Since the color of solid surface goes clear through the product, scratches, chips and stains on kitchen or bathroom countertops can often be easily sanded out. Solid surfaces can also be expertly routed for unique decorative edging that can give your kitchen or bathroom countertops a more distinguished look. Advantages:

• Many color options and color consistency
• Seamless appearance
• Backsplash can be coved into countertop for easy cleaning
• Most easily repairable
• Can be precisely cut and bonded
• Seamless integration of solid surface sink
• Non-porous (hygienic)

Disadvantages:

• Hot pans can crack and damage surface
• Has a plastic look and feel

Manufacturers: Corian, Meganite