Material Comparison: Granite - Engineered Stone - Solid Surface

Granite is the often the surface of choice for high-end applications. It is very expensive but it provides a look that is incomparable for beauty and elegance.

If you are considering granite countertops you should be aware of the general characteristics of granite, and the options available to you, including engineered, before making your final decision.

Natural granite comes from the ground. Engineered stone is man-made stone. Solid Surface is a plastic material. Each offers advantages and disadvantages.


Natural Granite

• Natural but not Perfect
  Granite is crystalline in structure, so it always has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. It also contains natural fissures that may appear to be cracks, but they are not structural defects and will not impair the function or durability of the material. They occur naturally and are considered to be part of the beauty of stone.
  
  
• Appearance Not Uniform
  Movement is a term that is used to describe the shift in color and pattern in natural stone. Natural granite does not have a uniform pattern or color. The appearance can vary widely between slabs, and even within a single slab.
  
  
• Samples May Differ from the Actual Stone
  The sample in the dealer's showroom may differ from the slabs currently available at the fabricator's warehouse. They may have been mined from a different part of the quarry or they may have occlusions or color variances that give them a different appearance.
  
  We always ask our clients to examine the actual slabs of material before the top is cut.
  
  
• Seams are Visible
  It is impossible to hide the seams in granite.
  
  
• Must be Sealed
  Because granite is a natural stone product it has a certain degree of porosity and must be sealed before use with a solvent-based product which leaves only negligible surface residue and is not considered to be a health risk. The stone must be resealed at least once every three years.
  
  
• Can Discolor
  While granite is ordinarily considered to be stain-resistant, some pigments or oils can be absorbed into the surface. This could cause discoloration. The sealer does not prevent this discoloration, but it slows it down to allow more time for clean up.
  
  
• Durable but not Indestructible
  Granite is extremely durable, scratch resistant, and impervious to water and heat. If not abused, it will hold its luster forever. However, because it is a natural rock, it can be chipped and broken if abused, and is very difficult to repair.
  
  
• Bacteria Resistance
  If bacterial contamination of the kitchen countertop is a concern, both stainless steel and granite are good choices.
  
  
• Must be Professionally Installed
  
  
• Cost: Expensive
  $50 - $90 per square foot installed
  (custom edges, drainboards, backsplashes not included)
  
  

Quartz Surfaces (Engineered Stone)

• Man-Made
  Engineered Stone is a non-porous material, made from a mixture of 93% quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments. It has the strength of granite, but is more flexible - making it somewhat easier to handle.
  
  
• Needs no sealing
  
  
• Mold & Mildew Resistant
  Extremely hygienic, making it a food-safe choice.
  
  
• Uniform Appearance
  It has the general appearance of natural stone, but with a consistent pattern and color. (The final product should be very close to what you see in the showroom.)
  
  
• Seams are Visible
  As is the case with natural stone, seams are visible - although the darker colors tend to minimize the seam.
  
  
• Durable but not Indestructible
  It is resistant to stains caused by wine, fruit juices, liquid food coloring, tea, nail polish and remover, and felt-tip markers.
  
  It can be damaged by high heat and prolonged exposure to heat. As with any other stone or surface material, strong chemicals and solvents such as Drano®, Liquid Plummer®, oven cleaners and floor strippers will damage the surface.
  
  Continuous long-term exposure to direct sunlight (UV rays) may result in slight discoloration of Quartz Stone countertops. Most indoor applications will not apply.
  
  
• Must be Professionally Installed
  Much heavier than granite
  
  
  
• Brand Names:
  Caesarstone, Zodiac, Silestone, Technistone, Legacy, Cambria
  
  
• Cost: Expensive
  $50 - $90 per square foot installed
  (custom edges, drainboards, backsplashes not included)
  
  

Solid Surface

• Man-Made
  Solid Surfaces have many "nick names" but the most common is an acrylic or plastic material which is colored by resins and which is primarily discussed in this forum.
  
  
• Uniform Appearance
  Consistent pattern and color. The final product should be exactly what you see in the showroom.
  
  
• Seams are Invisible
  
  
• Durable but not Indestructible
  It is mold and mildew resistant. It is not scratch resistant. Is suseptible to heat damage and burns. Avoid exposing the surface to harsh chemicals such as paint removers/thinners, acetone based cleaners, stove/drain cleaners, etc. If these come in contact with the surface, quickly wash off with water, using the appropriate safety measures to avoid injury.
  
  
• Virtually Maintenance Free
  Needs no sealing
  
  
• Must be Professionally Installed
  
  
• Cost: Moderate
  $30 - $60 per square foot installed
  (custom edges, drainboards, backsplashes not included)
  
  

	Granite	Quartz*	Solid Surface
Stone Hardness Measurement	6	7	N/A
Uniform Pattern Repeat	N	Y	Y
Requires Sealing	Y	N	N
Scratch Resistant	Y	Y	N
Mold & Mildew Resistant	N	Y	Y
Heat & Burn Resistant	Y	Y	Y/N
Resitant to Chemicals, Acids, Solvents, Oils	N	Y	N
Immune to Freezing	Y	Y	Y
Manufacturer's Warranty	N	Y	Y
Cost	$$$	$$$	$$
* Quartz/Engineered Stone

See Also:

Materials Natural Stone Materials: Granite Quartz Concrete Synthetic Stone: Solid Surface Cultured Stone Metals: Stainless Steel Zinc Other: Plastic Laminates Glass

Related Comparison of Granite, Quartz & Solid Surface Stone Care 101 - An excellent on-line reference by Stone Tech Professional for cleaning, sealing and maintaining stone countertops. Including: Natural Stone & Grout (Examples: Marble, Granite, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Terrazzo, Sandstone)