Solid Surface comparison with Granite, Quartz and Wood
Our customers often ask us what the difference is between Solid Surfaces, and other natural materials, such as Granite, Quartz and Wood.
To assist our customers with their queries, we made a comparison chart below to answer common questions.
Solid Surface
- Stain Resistant (Stains can be wiped or scrubbed away)
- Non-Porous / Antimicrobial (Bacteria, mold and mildew resistant)
- NSF/ANSI Standard 51 Certified (Safe for all types of food contact)
- Renewable (Easily repairable scratches, chips or cracks)
- Invisible Seams (Not only good for aesthetics, but it also eliminates a place for crumbs, dirt, stains, and bacteria)
- Heat Resistant (Resistant up to temperatures of 200c degrees; can be burned with a very hot pot)
- Cost (More than laminate, but not as much as natural materials)
- Thermoformable, (Solid Surface can be shaped and curved when heated up)
Granite
- Not Stain Resistant (Requires regular treatment to prevent damage)
- Porous (Requires initial sealing and periodic follow-up applications of sealer to keep moisture and stains from penetrating
- Not NSF approved for use in commercial food preparation areas
- Non-Renewable (Cracks are difficult to repair, and are extremely difficult to repair, particularly if the damage is not on a flat surface)
- Visible Seams (Gaps allow crumbs, dirt, stains and bacteria to grow)
- Heat Resistant (Resistant up to temperatures of 180c degrees; can be burned with a very hot pot)
- Cost (Being a natural material, Granite is very expensive)
- Non-Thermoformable
Quartz
- Stain Resistant (Stains can be wiped or scrubbed away)
- Non-Porous / Antimicrobial (Bacteria, mold and mildew resistant)
- Some Quartz is NSF approved for use in commercial food preparation areas
- Non-Renewable (Cracks are extremely difficult to repair, and when repaired the chips or cracks may still be visible)
- Visible Seams (Gaps allow crumbs, dirt, stains and bacteria to grow)
- Heat Resistant (Resistant up to temperatures of 180c degrees; can be burned with a very hot pot)
- Cost (Being a natural material, Quartz is very expensive, and more expensive than Granite)
- Non-Thermoformable
Wood
- Not stain resistant (Easily scratched and dented)
- Porous (Requires regular sealing with a non-toxic mineral oil)
- Not NSF approved for use in commercial food preparation areas
- Mostly Non-Renewable (Can easily be water damaged scratched and dented)
- Visible Seams (Due to natural characterists of wood grain)
- Very low heat resistant
- Cost (Varies depending on material, but mostly expensive)
- Non-Thermoformable
Conclusion, Natural or Man-Made?
Visually, all four comparative options would look great in any kitchen! However, as Solid Surface fabricators, we will always suggest our product to friends and family looking for a new kitchen or bathroom. Yes, we are of course bias! But no other worktop can beat the properties of Solid Surface!
Not only are our surfaces most competitive in cost, but they also offer the most diverse range of colour and sink options. Granite and Quartz often have more striking visual patterns and grains, but also have a hefty price tag to suit! They do not offer the same durability, and seamless integration as our products either.
Wood looks fantastic in a new kitchen, however we couldn’t find any benefits to having a wooden worktop, with the exception of visual appearance.
What worktop will you choose?
