Granite Countertops
- High Variation
- Seamsing is required
- Must be sealed
- Succeptable to staining and etching.
- Extremely durable, scratch resistant, and impervious to water and heat.
Quartz Countertops (Engineered Stone)
- Man-Made non-porous material, made from a mixture of 93% quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments.
- Sealing is not necessary.
- Mold & Mildew Resistant Extremely hygienic
- It has a similar appearance of natural stone, but with a consistent pattern and color.
- Seams are visible as is the case with natural stone.
- It is durable but not indestructible. It is resistant to stains. It can be damaged by high heat and prolonged exposure to heat. Strong chemicals will damage the surface.
Solid surface
- Solid surface is a 100% acrylic man made material which is colored by resins.
- It has a uniform and consistent appearance.
- Seams are invisible
- Non-porous
- Easy to scratch but scratches can be sanded by certified technician.
- Virtually maintenance free
Wood Countertops
- Construction methods are face grain, edge grain, or end grain construction. End grain is the strongest.
- Wood is subject to changes in moisture and temperature.
- Properly sealed and maintained wood tops are durable, but it is important to follow care and maintenance instructions for your specific type of finish.
- Do not expose to heat or extreme cold or moisture.
- Will dent and scratch
Concrete Countertops
- Concrete slabs normally come in solid gray or sand shades, but can be stained any color.
- Can be made to look like wood, marble, or granite.
- If properly sealed, they are resistant to water and stains.
- It is not heat resistant. Hot cookware can permanently damage the seal.
- Avoid using abrasive soaps or cleaners because they can cause scratches or mild damage.
- Concrete countertops are prone to cracking
Stainless Steel Countertops
- Manufacturers fabricate countertops from sheets of stainless steel adhered to a substrate (plywood or MDF)
- Stainless is highly resistant to damage from water, heat, and many corrosive materials.
- It can receive dents and scratches
- Stainless steel countertops are the most hygienic material available.
- Fingerprints and smudges stand out on the shiny surface. Matte, satin, brushed, and etched finishes help hide fingerprints as well as the inevitable dings and scratches.