|
|
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
|
$46/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 |