| Material |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
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,
The counters can be pre-cast to fit a mold or cast on site. |
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
|
