Knowing your coutertop choices

	GRANITE	QUARTZ Engineered Stone	SOLID SURFACE Acrylic and/or Polyester Plastics	LAMINATE
Brand Names		Hanstone Zodiaq Viatera	Staron Corian LG HiMacs Mystera	Wilsonart Formica
What is it?	100% Natural stone quarried from within the earth	Man-made: 94% crushed quartz with a resin binder	Man-Made: Acrylic or Polyester Plastics	Man-Made: Printed colors/patterns on a fiberglass backing
Heat Resistance	Resists Heat	Can be affected by heat over 400F	Hot pans can warp, melt, crack or discolor the surface	Hot pans can warp, melt, crack or discolor the surface
Cleanliness	One of the most bacteria resistant surfaces available.	Non-Porous very Resistant to bacteria	Deep Scratches can harbor dirt or moisture	Non-porous easy to clean
Scratch Resistance	Highly scratch resistant - small scratches can be professionally repaired	Highly scratch resistant - most durable product on the market	Scratches easily - can be sanded out	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 woodsubstrate various edge profiles available	Sheet material is applied to wood sub-structure.Limited edge profiles
Edge Profiles	Pencil, Bevel, Demi-Bullnose, Ogee, Waterfall, Full Bullnose, Roman Ogee, Double Bevel	Pencil, Bevel, Demi-Bullnose, Ogee, Waterfall, Full Bullnose, Roman Ogee, Double Bevel	Pencil, Bevel, Demi-Bullnose, Ogee, Waterfall, Full Bullnose, Roman Ogee, Double Bevel	Flat & Bevel
Appearance	Highly polished finish.Every piece is naturally unique in color and pattern.	Polished finish.Consistent and uniform in color and pattern	Matte Finish.Consistent color and pattern	Highly visible seams. Consistent and uniform color and pattern
Maintenance	Suggest sealing once a year as preventative maintenance	None	Scratches can be sanded out	None