| | Granite | Engineered Stone | Acrylic an/or 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 | $35/sf and up | MORE expensive than granite | Price varies based on color - many of which are more expensive than granite | More expensive than tile | Inexpensive |
