Countertop Comparison
Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Laminates (Formica) Acrylic or Polyester Plastic (Corian etc.) Unlike laminates acrylic and polyester plastics are | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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. | 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 | Heat proof Stain resistant Easy-to-clean Hygienic | Can scratch easily Over time it will dent Shows fingerprints and water spots |