| |
Granite |
Engineered Stone |
Acrylic / Polyester Plastics |
Tile |
Laminates |
| Brand Names |
|
Silestone, Ceasarstone, Cambria, Avanza, Zodiaq |
Corian, Staron, Gibraltar, Avonite, Surell, Hi-Macs |
Ceramic, Porcelain |
Wilsonart, Formica, Nevamar, Pinoite, Arbortite |
| What is it? |
100% Natural stone quarried from within the earth |
Man-made: 85%-95% crushed quartz with a resin binder |
Man-made: Acrylic or Polyester Plastics |
Man-made: Ceramic or Porcelain |
Man-made: Printed colors/patterns on a fiberglass backing |
| Heat Resistance |
Not affected by heat |
Can be affected by high heat (over 400F) |
Hot pots can warp, melt, crack, or discolor the surface |
Not affected by heat |
Hot pots can warp, melt, or discolor the surface |
| Cleanliness |
Independent studies have found granite to be one of the most
bacteria-resistant surfaces available |
Non-porous - very resistant to bacteria |
Deep scratches can harbor dirt and or moisture |
Grout is very porous and can be difficult to keep clean |
Non-porous - easy to clean |
| Scratch Resistance |
Highly scratch resistant - small scratches can be professionally
repaired |
Highly scratch resistant |
Scratches easily - can be sanded |
Finish can be scratched and is usually not repairable |
Can be scratched - not easily repaired |
| Fabrication |
May require seams - various edge profiles available |
May require seams - various edge profiles available |
Seamless - usually set on a wood sub-structure - various edge profiles
available |
Should be set on an approved sub-structure - limited edge profiles |
Sheet material is applied to a wood sub-structure - limited edge
profiles |
| Appearance |
Highly polished finish - every piece is naturally unique
in color and patterning |
Polished finish - consistent and uniform color and
patterning |
Matte finish - with consistent and uniform color and
patterning |
Grout joints can vary greatly - tile color and shading can
vary |
Highly visible seams - consistent and uniform color and patterning |
| Maintenance |
May require periodic sealing to prevent staining |
n/a |
Scratches can be sanded out |
Grout needs to be re-sealed often |
|
| Price |
$46 per square foot and up |
MORE expensive than granite |
Price varies based on color - many of which are more expensive than
granite |
More expensive than tile |
Inexpensive |
1340 Discovery Industrial Court