Countertop Comparison

Laminates (Formica)
Made of synthetic material, a thin layer of plastic
 that is glued to particle board or wood.

Acrylic or Polyester Plastic (Corian etc.)

Unlike laminates acrylic and polyester plastics are
homogenous throughout the material. They come in
polished or matte finish. Often more expensive 
than granite.

Low cost

Numerous colors

Easy upkeep

Stain resistant

Seamless

Many colors

Easy to clean

Scratches easily

Not heat resistant

Wrapping occurs from prolonged wetting

Hard to be repaired once chipped.

Scratches easily

Hot pots melt surface

Expensive

Plastic unnatural appearance

 Synthetic material

Tile

Tile countertops come in an arrangement of sizes 
from 1 inch to 24 inches. Average handy homeowner
can install it.

Stain resistant

Heat resistant

Scratch resistant

Endless patterns and designs

Not a smooth surface

Chips easily

Tiles have grout lines that must be cleaned regularly so they don’t stain or trap harmful bacteria

Concrete
             Made of cement, sand, pigment and other additives such
 as fiber enforcement and acrylic,

Textured look

Easy to be shaped

Heat resistant

Must be sealed properly to resist stains and water damage

Needs occasional waxing to prevent stains

Cutting on it will leave marks

Engineered Stone (Zodiac, Quartz, Silestone, etc.)

Made of natural quartz, sands, epoxy resin and pigments. Product
 that tries to simulate granite, marble or travertine.

Available in a variety of colors

Scratch resistant

 Uniform pattern

Very controversial regarding hazardous. toxins that are thought to be omitted during fabrication

Fairly new and hasn’t stood through the test of time specific ally for scratches and stains

Tolerate moderate temperatures only for a brief time

Costs more than granite  

Granite

Made entirely of natural materials, mass of magma or mollen rock.
 Granite is the most durable, chip and scratch resistant material. 
Granite is easy to clean and maintain and become affordable. 
No other material lasts longer or looks more elegant

Heat and scratch resistant

Stain resistant if sealed properly

Low maintenance

Extremely hygienic

Wide selection of colors and patterns

Natural

Sealing is recommended for maintenance once a year. This prevents potential stains from oil and wine

Hard surface, if you drop a glass would break

Granite does not have a uniform pattern or color. The patterns occur naturally but are considered to be part of the beauty of stone

Stainless Steel

Sheet metal is mounted to a plywood and usually reinforced
 with sound deadening coating.

Heat proof

Stain resistant

Easy-to-clean

 Hygienic

Can scratch easily

Over time it will dent

Shows fingerprints and water spots