Kitchen Countertops Comparison

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.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- 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.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- 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.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- 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.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
-  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
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- 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.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- Heat proof - Stain resistant - Easy-to-clean - Hygienic	- Can scratch easily - Over time it will dent - Shows fingerprints and water spots