Solid Surface Because solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Corian, Staron and LG Hi Macs.
By choosing solid surface countertops you won’t have to sacrifice style and elegance for functionality or durability. Choosing a solid surface material for your kitchen or commercial space gives you the freedom to customize your countertops with and myriad of color and pattern choices. Your ideas are only limited by your imagination. Solid surface is stain resistant, durable, seamless and completely renewable. It can be used on most horizontal and vertical surfaces including countertops, shower and tub surrounds and table tops. Solid surface is the ideal choice or any residential, retail, health care, food service and lodging application.
Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns Non Porous: does not support the growth of bacteria, mildew or mold, therefore completely safe to use for food preperation.
Durable: stands up to heavy use and resists cracking and chipping
Renewable and Repairable: Easily restored if damaged.
Stylish: With many different manufactures there are hundreds of color and pattern choices available.
Versatile: Solid surface can be formed and cut almost any way you can imagine.
Cons vulnerable to hot pans which can damage the surface.
Granite Counters
Granite is the countertop material of choice. It defines elegance in a kitchen. As the use of granite becomes more widespread, the price comes down. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen. Granite pricing has come down significantly in recent years, there is a Granite color available for all budgets. We fabricate and install granite slabs and pre fabricated granite
Pros: holds up to heat; comes in a range of beautiful colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime; has a high value to home buyers.
Cons: becoming more affordable as it becomes more widely used; requires considerable maintenance, including periodic sealing; absorbs stains; can crack if stressed; unable to be resurfaced or repaired, color vartiation from one slab to another.
Engineered Stone ( Quartz Surfaces)
Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a large range of colors and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches, staining and bacteria. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone®.
Pros: Resistant to staining, heat and scratching; easy to care for NO SEALING REQUIRED.
Cons: Expensive, limited color selection.
LaminatesLaminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.
Pros: you can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.
Cons: scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seams show.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.
Cons: counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.
Source: About.com
